Hal's Hope

Badge of Silver ran only four times in 2004 (Bill Denver/Equi-Photo)

Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey's BADGE OF SILVER (Silver Deputy) posted a neck

victory in Saturday's $100,000

Hal's Hope H. (G3) at Gulfstream Park after

closely stalking the early pace. With Jerry Bailey holding the reins, the dark

bay five-year-old raced in third while Commentator (Distorted Humor) carved out

fractions of :22 3/5, :45 3/5 and 1:09 4/5. That one started to tire nearing the

quarter pole, giving Badge of Silver all the incentive he needed to take over

past a mile in 1:35 2/5. From there, the Bobby Frankel charge was all out to

hold the rest of the field, but got the job done as the 2-1 favorite while

finishing nine furlongs on the fast track in 1:48 2/5.

Badge of Silver rewarded his backers with payouts of $6.40, $3.80 and $3.20

while starting the $11.40 exacta ($1) and $180.90 trifecta ($1). Dynever

(Dynaformer) raced in last until the half-mile, then started to run down the

leaders from that point forward, but just missed at the wire as the 3-1 third

pick in the 12-horse field. He gave back $3.80 and $3 for holding Contante (Arg)

(Interprete), who paid $7.60 at 21-1, to third by 1 1/4 lengths. Added Edge

(Smart Strike) finished another 4 3/4 lengths back in fourth and ended the

$1,178.10 superfecta (6-12-4-7) ($1).

Collateral Damage (Cobra King) came next and was followed by Purge (Pulpit),

Commentator, Alleged Ruler (A.P. Indy), The Judge Sez Who (Judge T C), Country

Judge (Judge T C), Wake at Noon (Cure the Blues) and Smooth Lover (Suave

Prospect). Deputy Lad (Mecke) was withdrawn.