Silver Medallion Powers Home In El Camino Real

Silver Medallion came on strong in the stretch and powered past the favorite Comma to the Top in the $200,000 Grade III El Camino Real Derby yesterday at Golden Gate Fields. Shipping up from Santa Anita, Silver Medallion successfully moved from turf to synthetic, winning his second straight start after capturing the Eddie Logan Stakes on New Year's Eve. Comma to the Top saw his five race winning streak snapped. You can watch the replay of this race by clicking here.

Heavily favoured Comma to the Top broke the best from the inside in a field shortened to six due to the cross-entry of Anthony's Cross in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita. As the field crossed in front of the grandstand for the first time, however, Jakesam quickly took the lead and began to open up through the first turn. Jakesam continued to lead by a reasonable margin through the backstretch, in front of Comma to the Top and Silver Medallion but the pace slowed as the half-mile was clocked at 48.09. Jakesam's lead began to shrink in the turn as Comma to the Top and Silver Medallion drew closer to the front. Comma to the Top looked to have the lead heading into the stretch but Silver Medallion eventually ended up just in front, as Comma to the Top pushed the two horses to the outside of the racetrack. Jakesam continued to battle on his own along the inside, but Silver Medallion would eventually pull away from Comma to the Top and Jakesam and angle in to capture victory. Jakesam would hold on for second and Positive Response was third, as Comma to the Top faded to fourth.

Silver Medallion moved in the 20th spot of the Graded Stakes Earnings Standings with the victory. The Steven Asmussen trained horse turned out to be the first starter Asmussen has sent to Golden Gate Fields. Despite the victory, Asmussen is still deciding on what to do next with Silver Medallion. Like Anthony's Cross, Silver Medallion could be in line to capture a $5.5 million bonus should he go on to win both the Santa Anita Derby and Preakness Stakes. With that kind of money on the line, you would think that Asmussen may want to give it a shot. Despite the loss, Comma to the Top still has enough earnings to start in the Kentucky Derby. The question that everyone is asking is if Comma to the Top will be able to handle distance, but he clearly faded in the stretch of this race leaving that question unanswered. We will see him next in action in the San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita on March 12th.

Posted in: Triple Crown