Horse Racing Roundup : Sunday Silence Is Favored in Today’s $1-Million Super Derby

Trainer Charlie Whittingham leads Sunday Silence back to the races today in the $1-million Super Derby, intent on ending Easy Goer’s unopposed dash to the horse-of-the-year award.

“The only chance we have to get horse of the year would be win this race and the Breeders’ Cup,” Whittingham said.

Sunday Silence, who lost two straight after beating Easy Goer in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, is expected to be an odds-on favorite in the field of eight for the Super Derby over 1 1/4 miles at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La.

The second favorite is expected to be another Phipps colt, Awe Inspiring. Also in the field will be Le Voyageur, Big Earl, Dale’s Shotgun, Bruho and Harmony Creek.

Open Mind, winner of 10 consecutive stakes for 3-year-olds, will race against older horses for the first time in the Ruffian Handicap over 1 1/8 miles today at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.

The field of six will include two 5-year-old mares, Bayakoa and Miss Brio. Bayakoa has won four Grade I stakes this year; Miss Brio won the Maskette on Sept. 9 at Belmont and has beaten Bayakoa twice.

Saturday, Yankee Affair swung wide to gain the lead after entering the stretch and won the $470,400 Man O’War Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at Belmont. Yankee Affair returned $8.20, $4.60 and $3.80.

One Drink came from far back and then drew away to win the $53,300 Derby Trial Stakes for 3-olds by 3 3/4 lengths at Fairplex Park in Pomona. One Drink covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.

One Drink paid $10.80, $5.60 and $3.20.