Met Mile 2021 Results: Silver State wins again

Knicks Go is the short price favorite for the Met Mile and our in-house was not comfortable with backing him at such a short number:

Since I do have some reservations about Knicks Go with respect to his odds, my top pick in the Met Mile is the streaking Silver State (#3). While he can’t compete with Knicks Go in the Beyer department, Silver State has won his last five races at a variety of different distances, and I think this configuration is optimal for him. If Mischevious Alex (#1) is able to apply some pressure to Knicks Go, I think Silver State can run him down at a square price.

Our turf-man joined him in opposing the horse everyone thought was the one to beat:

Instead of backing Cox’s fine 5-yr-old, I am keen on Bret Calhoun’s By My Standards #5. He was solid in the Oaklawn Mile 400k in early April, turning back Rushie at the wire. His class last year shines through, and it is great to see Gabe Saez have the opportunity to ride on the national stage.

Knicks Go was odds on when they came to post and the Brad Cox trained horse left the gate and took the early lead. Silver State and Mischevious Alex both challenged early but it was the latter who was neck and neck with Knicks Go coming around the turn. However as they went around the turn - both horses drifted wide and Silver State stayed very much on the rail and they were three-way coming down the final furlong. With five straight wins Silver State wasn't ready to stop that streak and he went on to win. Beating a fast finishing By My Standards who came on extremely strong in the end. Knicks Go failed to place. Maybe that trip to Saudi Arabia for the Saudi Cup took a lot out of him.

Silver State has won a spot at the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and bettors backing the winner getting $13.40 for a $2 bet.