‘She’s Like Superman’: Ohio-Bred Filly Silent Rule Now 10 For 10 After Beating Boys originally appeared on Paulick Report.
Trainer Jay Bernardini, 58, migrated to the Ohio and West Virginia circuits after Suffolk Downs in his native Massachusetts closed in 2019. Since then, he has worked to maximize his opportunities on the humble circuits.
Now, the latest Ohio-bred talent resides in Bernardini’s barn at Mountaineer in Chester, W.Va., a dark bay 4-year-old filly who is an undefeated 10-for-10 thus far.
“She’s an angel,” said Bernardini. “I think the really good ones have a little different instinct and quality to them than some of the rest. And she has that air about her.”
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On Aug. 14, Silent Rule won her fourth stakes race, this time against the boys, in the Best of Ohio Honey Jay Stakes at Thistledown in North Randall, Ohio.
Despite a bobble at the start, Silent Rule was part of the early pace in the six-furlong contest, before backing a couple of lengths off the pace. The first quarter was run in :22.17, then the half in :45.33.
Silent Rule collared the leader at the very top of the stretch and drew off under urging for a 2 ¾ lengths win.
She’s won going long, going short, against state-breds, and open company. Her combined winning margin in her victories is approximately 49 ½ lengths.
“She hasn’t lost yet,” said Bernardini the day after the race. “It was a little bit of a deep breath of relief yesterday, just the fun of keeping the streak going.”
Silent Rule got a late start to her career after being diagnosed with a hairline fracture in her knee as a 2-year-old. She ended up at John Hoctel’s farm for rehab, and soon after, he took over ownership of the filly. Silent Rule debuted in August of her sophomore year, winning by 11 ½ lengths in a statebred maiden special weight at Thistledown.
Since her debut, Silent Rule has won on the front end and from off the pace with rides from jockey Brandon Tapara, who also gallops her in the morning.
“I always think she’s like Superman,” added Bernardini. “She’s going to get it done anyway, whether it’s on the front end or the back. She finds her way.”
Bernardini said the daughter of Street Boss will remain in Ohio for the rest of the year. The next possible races include the six-furlong Michael G. Mackey Memorial-Angenora Stakes at Thistledown on Sept. 4, and the 1 ⅛ miles Best of Ohio Distaff Stakes on Oct. 25 at Mahoning Valley, both against Ohio-bred fillies and mares.
“We might leave the Ohio program at some point, and that would more than likely be in the sprint division,” Bernardini explained. “I always practice to take it one race at a time.
“If for any reason, she’s ever not 100,000 percent, she probably wouldn’t start again.”
This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared.