Third Graded Stakes in a row for Dark Cove

Dark Cove, by Medaglia d'Oro, continued his winning ways on July 13 in the G3 Stars and Stripes Stakes at Arlington Park. It was the third Graded Stakes win in a row for the six-year-old, who captured the G2 Elkhorn Stakes at Keeneland, before following up with a win in the G3 Louisville Handicap at Churchill Downs in May for owners Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey.

Sent off as the heavy 3-5 favourite, Dark Cove tracked the leader in second in the 2400m turf race. At the 400m mark he began to challenge the lead, and took over at the top of the straight where there was no stopping him.

Dark Cove is out of Crystal Cove, a daughter of Stakes winner and Graded Stakes-placed Scenic Point. The mare is a half-sister to G3 winner Better Now. Dark Cove was bred in Kentucky by Stonewall Farm Stallions.

Dark Cove is one of 23 Graded or Group winners for Medaglia d'Oro, who have competed on all surfaces. In addition to Dark Cove, his best this year include multiple G1 winning turf mare Marketing Mix and G2 Fleur De Lis Handicap winner Funny Proposition. Medaglia d'Oro is most renowned for Horse Of The Year Rachel Alexandra and G1 Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty.

Medaglia d'Oro was the leading first-season sire at the Inglis Easter yearling sale and will stand the coming breeding season at Kelvinside at a fee of $55,000 (inc. GST).