Berkeley, Calif. (May 1, 2022)- Race 5 at Golden Gate Fields on Sunday was the $75,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes, named after the fan favorite racehorse who would sit 20+ lengths behind his competition before unleashing a flying finish and winning races in sensational fashion. Fittingly, 2022 Silky Sullivan Stakes winner Royal ‘n Rando sat last in the early stages of the race before producing a powerful rally on the outside of the pack to win the 2022 edition for California-bred or sired 3-year-olds at one mile on grass. Frank Alvarado guided the son of Tamarando to victory for longtime Bay Area horseman Steve Specht.
For the first part of the race, Royal ‘n Rando raced last off moderate fractions of 24.16, 48.68, 1:12.70. Turning for home, Alvarado kept Royal ‘n Rando in the clear and asked him to kick on down the lane. The Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams homebred responded. In the end, he outfinished runner up finisher Highland Ghost by a nose and stopped the clock for eight furlongs over firm turf in 1:37.28 seconds.
Royal ‘n Rando went off at 7-1 and paid $16.20 to win, $6.00 to place and $2.60 to show. Highland Ghost paid $4.00 to place and $2.00 to show. Third place finisher Worse Read Sanchez was sent off as the 3-5 post time favorite and returned $2.10 to show. He was followed by Cowboy Charlie and Northvale Road.
A first career stakes victory for Royal ‘n Rando, the dark bay or brown gelding sports a lifetime record of 4 wins, 2 seconds, and 1 third place finish from 11 lifetime starts with career earnings of $106,568.
Golden Gate Press Release
