Dark Cove shines in G3 Louisville Handicap

After bursting on to the scene last time out in Keeneland's G2 Elkhorn Stakes, Dark Cove earned his second Graded victory in a row May 25 in the G3 Louisville Handicap at Churchill Downs.

The son of Medaglia d'Oro rated toward the back of the pack to begin the one-and-one-half-mile turf race, but gradually gained ground on the outside. The Mike Maker-trainee began to take on the leaders entering the final turn, and took off in the straight to secure the win for owners Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey.

Bred in Kentucky by Stonewall Farm Stallions, Dark Cove is out of Crystal Cove, a daughter of Stakes winner and Graded Stakes-placed Scenic Point. Crystal Cove is a half-sister to G3 winner Better Now.

A successful sire on all surfaces, Medaglia d'Oro is the sire of 22 Graded/Group winners. He is best known for Horse Of The Year Rachel Alexandra and G1 Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty. His recent Graded Stakes winners include Coffee Clique, who took the G3 Selene Stakes on May 19, along with G1 CashCall Futurity winner Violence and G1 winner Marketing Mix.