Leading freshman sire Medaglia d’Oro enjoyed a stellar 2008 season with his first juveniles to race, but the brilliant son of El Prado figures to be sitting on an even bigger year in 2009 with his first 3-year-olds. His colt Alma d’Oro validated that thought by starting the year off with a bang for his sire, streaking to an eye-catching five-length maiden win at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 15th.

Out of the Fortunate Prospect mare Brenda D S, was dismissed at debut odds of 31-1 going six panels for trainer Joe Deegan at the tail end of the Churchill meeting Nov. 22, but gave a good account of himself, finishing third after being blocked for a run at a crucial stage. Stretching out to a mile for his sophomore bow, the $75,000 KEENOV weanling was pegged at 6-1 on the morning line, but was off as the 9-5 chalk. No Detour, the 5-2 second choice, stumbled badly at the break, but headed them off as the favorite tracked from second. Alma d'Oro took over from that one entering the turn and drew off down the lane for a five-length success.

Not only was it a visually impressive effort, as Alma d’Oro was awarded an 89 Beyer Speed Figure for the performance after stopping the clock in 1:38.75 over a fast track in the one-turn event. Trained by Richard Dutrow Jr., the colt earned $23,110 for owners Robert & Mary Ellen Bourque. Fred Sahadi bred Alma d’Oro in the Bluegrass State.