Gin and Platonic the First Winner for Medal Count

Mr. Amore Stable's Gin and Platonic became freshman sire Medal Count 's first winner, taking a June 2 maiden special weight on debut at Monmouth Park.

Eight horses went to post in the 4 1/2-furlong test for 2-year-olds, but Gin and Platonic was in a race of his own on the lead pressed by Shield of Faith the entire way. The Kelly Breen-trained Gin and Platonic scored by a half-length after setting fractions of :22.89 and :46.37 with Shield of Faith battling to his outside. The final time for the distance over a fast track was :52.75.

Bred in Kentucky by Allen Poindexter, Kevin Welsh, and Deann Baer, Gin and Platonic is the second foal out of the Orientate mare Blue Samurai. Mr. Amore Stable picked up the colt for $45,000 from the Golden Rock Thoroughbreds consignment to the Ocala Breeders' Sales March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. The colt was sold as a short yearling for $2,500.

Campaigned by Spendthrift Farm during his racing career, Medal Count won three times, including the 2014 Transylvania Stakes (G3) at Keeneland. The son of Dynaformer finished second in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) and third in the Belmont Stakes (G1), where he bested California Chrome  by three-quarters of a length behind Tonalist  and Commissioner .

Medal Count retired to stud at Spendthrift with a record of 3-2-1 from 14 starts and earnings of $480,671. His 2019 fee is $3,500.