Spider Blue Chip Rides Through the Speed Storm to Emerge Victorious in Colonial

WILKES-BARRE, PA— Driver Ron Pierce mapped out a perfect trip for Spider Blue Chip, stalking the speed battle between Smilin Eli and Royalty For Life to then come up the passing lane and pull off a minor upset in the Colonial, winning in 1:52.2.

Smilin Eli left for the lead, with Spider Blue Chip getting away second and Corky was third. Royalty For Life didn’t launch off the gate and ended up parked at the quarter in :26.3. Royalty For Life trotted his way towards Smilin Eli to try and take the lead, but Tim Tetrick was stubborn to give Brian Sears the advantage. Smilin Eli and Royalty For Life trotted to the half on equal terms in :54.1 (:27.3).

The two continued their war down the backstretch. Corky began to edge to the outside and make a bid, while Spider Blue Chip remained patient in the pocket. The tempo was gradually slowing as Smilin Eli had defeated Royalty For Life at three-quarters in 1:23.1 (:29).

Royalty For Life was fading fast at the top of the stretch. Smilin Eli still had a stampede to hold off after his battle. Spider Blue Chip had room up the passing lane to slip through, while Corky was flying down the center of the track, as was Aperfectyankee from the back. At the line, Spider Blue Chip got up to win over Smilin Eli, Corky was third and Aperfectyankee finished fourth in 1:52.2.

Spider Blue Chip ($10.20) is a three-year-old gelding by Andover Hall, out of the mare Southwind Caitlin by Muscles Yankee. He is owned by David Mc Duffee and Melvin Hartman, trained by Chuck Sylvester and Ron Pierce steered Spider Blue Chip to a world record 1:52.2.

“I thought I had a shot against Royalty For Life,” driver Ron Pierce said. “I just wanted to get on Smilin Eli’s back and see from there. I knew Timmy wouldn’t let Brian cross over and I’d get a trip.”

“Well we knew we were in tough, but if we got luck and the two battle it out we’d have a shot,” trainer Chuck Sylvester said.