by Margaret Ransom
A one-two finish from Communication Memo and Two Rocket in Friday's 6th race at Oaklawn Park and their combined earnings of $72,000 helped Bolt d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro) extend his lead over Good Magic (Curlin) and Justify (Scat Daddy) in the first-year stallion earnings race heading into the weekend. Not willing to wave the white flag just yet, Good Magic's Almurtajiz, a $290,635 ARQMAY purchase earlier this year, finished second in the G3 Ministry of National Guard Cup at Riyadh in Saudi Arabia on Friday and picked up a check for $7,898, while his daughter, Miss New York, brought in $6,100 to help keep her sire in close contention.
With just 15 days left in 2022, Bolt d'Oro remains in front with total progeny earnings of $2,647,216, followed by Good Magic (Curlin) at $2,467,615 and Justify (Scat Daddy)–his one runner failing to earn a check on Friday–remained at $2,383,960.
Despite Bolt d'Oro's near $180,000 lead, it's clear his two main rivals don't plan on handing him the victory without a fight.
Good Magic will have the busiest week with at least one runner each day Saturday through Wednesday, including two on Saturday-Protégé in a $104,000 Alw at Oaklawn Park and Good Rapport in a $81,000 Msw at Aqueduct. Also on Saturday Justify's Arabian Lion is the 4-5 favorite in the GII $200,000 Los Alamitos Futurity, which would also give Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert a record 14th win in the race dating back to when it was held at Hollywood Park.
Bolt d'Oro's Oh Chic is set to contest a $27,000 Msw at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday to complete the stallion's week in North America, and Just Katherine will represent Justify in a $70,000 Msw at Gulfstream on Sunday. Also, Bolt d'Oro will be represented by From Dusk in Sunday's G1 Asahi Hai Futurity at Hanshin. The $900,000 OBSMAR 2-year-old is coming off a second-place finish in the Keio Hai Nisei Stakes six weeks ago.
Note that Japanese earnings are added every Sunday night, and there may be delayed reporting from other countries, which could postpone the final results in a very tight race into early January. We will also be providing a preview of 2-year-olds entered the next day in North America and beyond.
Current Earnings Standings through racing of Dec. 16:
1st—Bolt d'Oro, $2,617,216
2nd—Good Magic, $2,467,615
3rd—Justify, $2,383,960
The TDN sire lists contain full-dollar earnings of Northern Hemisphere foals winning anywhere in the world. To view the current standings updated overnight, click here.
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