While undefeated gelding Reign Of Fire has made a big impression in his maiden campaign, trainer Colin Webster is just as excited by another of his two-year-old’s, Billy Ain’t Silly.
Reign Of Fire flashed major potential with two top wins last month and at Belmont on Wednesday Billy Ain’t Silly showcased his own promise with an impressive first win.
Improving on his debut third, Billy Ain’t Silly showed strength to press forward and lead from a wide position early in the race before kicking clear inside the last 200m.
Ridden by Jerry Noske, Billy Ain’t Silly defeated Empire Reign by 1 length with another 1 1/4 lengths to More Snitzel in the Tabtouch Better Your Bet Plate (1200m).
Defying a big betting drift, Billy Ain’t Silly bounced back strongly and atoned after he was hyped up to win his first race on June 27 following two excellent barrier trials.
Webster said the future is bright for Billy Ain’t Silly.
“On his first-up run he was unlucky not to have won,” Webster said.
“That was a Saturday meeting and he was dropping back to a mid-week.
“I thought he was going to be a really good chance.
“He is a very free flowing horse and as you can see he is very leggy and immature yet.
“It was a good win because he had to do it at both ends, I thought he would find the lead a bit easier.
“If he has the spring out and comes back I think he is going to be a real race horse.
“I was impressed by the effort.”
Julio Santarelli