Alma d'Oro, a five-year-old son of Medaglia d'Oro, was best July 16 at Delaware Park in the R. R. M Carpenter Jr. Memorial Stakes as the favorite. It was the third Stakes victory for Alma d'Oro, who has also posted wins in the John B. Campbell Handicap and Grover (Buddy) Delp Memorial Stakes.
Alma d'Oro began by stalking the pace during the one and one-sixteenth mile race. The son of Medaglia d'Oro gained the lead in the stretch and prevailed over competitors for the win.
The son of Medaglia d'Oro was bred in Kentucky by Fred N. Sahadi. A half-brother to Stakes-placed Ford Island, he is out of the Stakes-placed Fortunate Prospect mare Brenda D S. His dam is a half-sister to Stakes winners Daniel's Boy, Nicholas DS, Emma D, and Joyce D.
A top international sire, Medaglia d'Oro is the sire of seven G1 winners, two in 2011 alone. He has sired G1 winners on all surfaces and at all ages. This year his daughter Plum Pretty powered to victory in the G1 Kentucky Oaks, reminiscent of Rachel Alexandra, another Medaglia d'Oro filly and Horse of the Year. In addition, C. S. Silk wired the G1 Just A Game Handicap on the Belmont Stakes undercard in June. Since 2007, no sire has more session toppers at the major sales.
