Silverlode, who is in the midst of an outstanding year, looms as the one to beat in this Friday evening’s featured $10,000 Stan Bergstein Trot.

A nine-race card will be on tap under the ‘Watch and Wager LLC’ banner with first post set for 6:10 p.m. The Bergstein occupies the fifth-race slot on the program.

Silverlode is a 10-year-old daughter of British Sterling who heads into her Friday assignment having recorded five wins from her eight starts on the year. The hard-hitting performer is owned by Medinah Racing and Kathie Plested. She is conditioned by Plested and will have her as usual pilot, Steve Wiseman, in the sulky.

Silverlode has made her last two starts from the demanding Post 10, but has been unfazed by that handicap while reporting home a punctual odds-on favourite with Wiseman.

Last week’s outing was her first in nearly a month, but she was razor sharp. Last of the half-dozen to the final bend, she followed the cover of One Chief to the lane and prevailed by a half-length.

One Chief is a six-year-old son of Lucky Checky who gives the Plested barn another strong look at the Bergstein. He carries the banner of Don and Barbara Arnstine, Steve Chambers and Tyler Wiseman with Luke Plano at the controls. Completing the field will be Its A Horse, Winsun Galaxie, Majestic Lady Jo and Franks Best.

(With files from Cal Expo)