SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Medaglia d'Oro made his first Grade I victory one to remember Saturday, holding off Repent in the slop to win the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.
A 9-5 favorite, Medaglia d'Oro took the lead from long shot Shah Jehan on the backstretch and exploded down the stretch before holding off the fast-closing Repent to win the 1 1/4-mile race for 3-year-olds in 2 minutes, 2 2/5 seconds.
The victory marked a bit of redemption for Medaglia d'Oro, who received plenty of attention in the Triple Crown races before finishing fourth in the Kentucky Derby and eighth in the Preakness. The son of El Prado was much better in the Belmont Stakes, finishing one-half length behind 70-1 upset winner Sarava.
A commanding 13 3/4-length win in the Jim Dandy Stakes caught the attention of the oddsmakers and the decision of trainer Bob Baffert to keep Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner War Emblem in California to run in Sunday's $1 million Pacific Classic only increased Medaglia d'Oro's chances.
Jerry Bailey had little trouble negotiating his way around the muddy track, taking Medaglia d'Oro home to pay $3.50, $2.60 and $2.40.
"We had pressure all day and he responded," said Bailey, who took his horse a few feet off the rail as he headed home. "When it rains, the mud tends to build up on the inside, so we wanted to get away from the rail."
The Travers marked the second win in a $1 million race in as many weeks for trainer Bobby Frankel, who took the Arlington Million last week with Beat Hollow.
"He was very game and dug in," Frankel said. "Repent tested us. I'm proud of my horse."
Bailey won his third Travers after capturing the prestigious "Mid-Summer Derby" with Wise Times in 1986 and Sea Hero in 1993.
The toughest test came from Repent, who was making his first start since finishing second to War Emblem in the Illinois Derby on April 6. Repent was a leading figure in the Triple Crown sweepstakes before being sidelined by an ankle injury. The horse had just four workouts since his last race.
"He's a fantastic horse who deserves to be ranked with the top 3-year-olds," said trainer Ken McPeek, who defeated Frankel in the Belmont Stakes with Sarava. "A jump of two and maybe we get it. He's going to improve a lot off of it."
Repent was second and paid $3.40 and $3.10. Nothing Flat made a late charge for third, paying $6 to show.
Puzzlement, a late scratch from the Belmont Stakes due to a hoof injury, settled for fourth.
