Blue Grass Runner-Up Medal Count Derby Bound

Spendthrift Farm's Medal Count, runner-up in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) April 12, will make his next start in the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) May 3 at Churchill Downs, trainer Dale Romans confirmed April 15.

 

"Medal Count came out of the Blue Grass in great shape, and we're looking forward to running him a mile-and-a-quarter in the Derby," Romans said. "He's trained at Churchill Downs most of his life and seems to really love the track. Ever since he's come into the barn, I've been very high on him. I think he's as good as any of the 3-year-olds we've had."

 

Medal Count has been back at Romans' barn at Churchill since the Blue Grass and will return to the track on April 16 to begin his preparation for Derby. No breeze schedule has been set for the bay son of Dynaformer, who will be making his third start in 29 days when he starts in the Derby.

 

Medal Count earned 40 points with his strong runner-up performance finish in the Blue Grass, which is good enough to be tied for 17th in the Kentucky Derby point standings, ensuring him a spot in the field of 20. Prior to the Blue Grass, Medal Count won the Transylvania Stakes (gr. III) April 4, opening day at Keeneland.

 

Jockey Robby Albarado will ride Medal Count in the Derby. He was aboard the colt in both the Transylvania and Blue Grass.

 

Medal Count has a 3-1-0 record from seven starts to date and earnings of $261,600. He is out of the grade III-placed Unbridled's Song mare Brisquette, who also produced grade III winner Garden District, by Dixie Union.

 

Medal Count will be the fifth Derby starter for B. Wayne Hughes' Spendthrift Farm, following Don't Get Mad (fourth, 2005), Greeley's Galaxy (11th, 2005), Action This Day (sixth, 2004), and Atswhatimtalknbout (fourth, 2003).