Medal Count, who finished fifth in the Fountain of Youth (G2) Feb. 22 and 11th in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) last November, won the Grade 3 Transylvania at Keeneland just a week ago.
"He acted like a good horse today," said jockey Robby Albarado of Medal Count's performance. "He ranged to (the leader) like a good horse. He had a wide trip both turns. With a field like this, you kind of expect that at Keeneland, with the Polytrack, whereas on traditional dirt they kind of stretch themselves out pretty good and you can kind of weave your way in and out. He’s a grown-up horse now. He’s got a lot of hair on his chest, all the trouble he’s been in in his career. He’s a man now."
Pablo Del Monte led through much of the race and held on for third, but he didn't disappoint his trainer, Wesley Ward.
"The plan was, I told Victor [Espinoza], to ride him just like he rode that horse (California Chrome) in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), and he was only two spots away," said Ward. "Very happy with how he ran. We’re ecstatic and very proud of him."
Dance With Fate returned $14.80, $6.80, and $5.80. Medal Count paid $7.80 and $5.20 and completed the $1 exacta for $63.80. Pablo Del Monte paid $6.80 and completed the $0.50 trifecta for $362.20. Big Bazinga finished fourth to complete the $0.10 superfecta for $1,333.54. The final time for the 1 1/8 mile race over the Polytrack was 1:50.06.
Photo: Courtesy Keeneland
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