Silver Dust starts big day for Calhoun Barn with Ben Ali Victory

When Tom Durant’s Silver Dust held on for a half-length victory in the $150,000 Ben Ali (G3), it started a big afternoon for trainer Bret Calhoun’s barn.

Shortly after that, the Calhoun-trained By My Standards prevailed by a nose in the $400,000 Oaklawn Mile (L). The day wrapped up with a maiden victory by Continental Coins to close the Arkansas Derby Day card.

“Days like that make it all worthwhile,” said Jade Lowder, assistant to Calhoun, who was at Oaklawn Saturday afternoon.

The victory was the fourth in Grade 3 company for Silver Dust, who increased his career earnings to $975,677.

“He always tries as hard as he can; he has a lot of heart,” Lowder said, adding plans for Silver Dust’s next start are to be determined.