Firecracker Stakes selection

A field of 8 for this Gr 2 mile on the turf at CD today, post time 5.18 ET. I have selected the favorite, #5 Silver Max (8/5 ML), the class horse of the field and also the likely leader although he could get in a speed duel with #2 Free World who is some hope at 10/1. The dangers then would be the tough veteran #4 Nikki's Sandcastle or #8 Regally Ready. There are several other graded turf routes today, Inc. the Gr2 New York for FM at Belmont (race 9), the Gr2 Royal Heroine for FM at SA (race 5) and the Gr3 Senorita for 3f also at SA (race 7) where it is Gold Cup Day (R8, Game On Dude the 4/5f). Result: WON, paid approx. 11/8 ($4.60 for $2). Speed duel didn't eventuate - loose on the lead but in a fast opening 3/4 of 69&4 but not surprisingly a slightly slow final 1/4 in 24&1, and won easily. Numbers were 5-4-1, so also nailed the exacta