After losing the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) an hour earlier with his 3-10 favorite Tapizar, trainer Steve Asmussen landed a nice consolation prize when Silver Medallion drove to an upset victory in the $200,000 El Camino Real Derby (gr. III) Feb. 12 at Golden Gate Fields in California.
Russell Baze brought the 6-1 outsider home impressively 1 1/4 lengths in front for Asmussen. The three-time Eclipse Award-winnig conditioner was starting his first horse ever at Golden Gate in the El Camino Real, the Bay Area track's top event for 3-year-olds.
Michael J. Ryan owns Silver Medallion, a 3-year-old son of Badge of Silver--Another Vegetarian, by Stalwart. Brereton C. Jones bred the colt in Kentucky.
Jakesam, at 12-1, finished second, three-quarters of a length ahead of California Derby winner Positive Response. Comma to the Top, last year's CashCall Futurity (gr. I) winner who was making his first start of the year, finished fourth, 4 1/4 lengths behind Silver Medallion as the 1-2 choice. Six contested the 1 1/8-mile test timed in 1:50.45 over the Tapeta synthetic track.
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