Smilin Singin Sam Too Strong for Field at Remington Park

OKLAHOMA CITY — Smilin Singin Sam took the early lead and outran heavily favored Silver Goblin to win the $300,000 Remington Park Derby on Saturday.

Smilin Singin Sam, with Larry Melancon aboard, entered the race as a 22-1 longshot. But the 3-year-old took off from the No. 5 hole and led the rest of the 1 1/16-mile event that quickly became a two-horse race.

Silver Goblin, the 2-5 favorite ridden by Dale Cordova, stayed about two lengths off the pace during the early going as both pulled away from the eight-horse field.

“I thought Silver Goblin rated real nice off that fast pace and I thought he’d sure come back,” Cordova said.

But as the two neared the top of the stretch, Smilin Singin Sam opened a five-length lead as Silver Goblin wobbled. Smilin Singin Sam held off Blumin Affair, trained by Hall of Famer Jack Van Berg, to win in 1:43 1/5.

Smiling Singin Sam, a Dogwood Stable entry owned by W. Cothran Campbell, returned $46.60, $9.20 and $3.40.

Blumin Affair, with Alex Solis aboard, finished 2 3/4 lengths back and paid $3.40 and $2.60. Silver Goblin paid $2.20, six lengths off the pace.

Down the stretch, Silver Goblin slowed and gave up second place to Blumin Affair, the runner-up to Brocco in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita last fall.