Gold Medal Dancer eyes Apple Blossom Handicap

Gold Medal Dancer, a half-length winner of the Grade 2, $294,000 Azeri Stakes over champion Untapable last Saturday at Oaklawn, likely will advance to the track’s Grade 1, $600,000 Apple Blossom Handicap on April 10, said trainer Donnie Von Hemel. He said Gold Medal Dancer also would be made eligible for the Doubledogdare at Keeneland and the La Troienne at Churchill Downs.

“Of course, the Apple Blossom is probably the most likely spot, depending on what transpires,” Von Hemel said. “We’re here. She’s run well here. We’ll nominate to Keeneland and Churchill and see what shakes out. We’ll be looking to make sure we pick the best option.”

Gold Medal Dancer won her first graded race when wiring the field in the Azeri. She is a 5-year-old by Medaglia d’Oro who races for her breeder, Pin Oak Stable. Gold Medal Dancer was making her second start of the year in the Azeri, having finished third by three-quarters of a length in the Grade 3 Bayakoa at Oaklawn.

“She ran well first trip this year, was just a little too keen early in the race that day,” Von Hemel said. “She was able to relax and have a real good trip this time and showed what she can really do.”

Gold Medal Dancer earned a career-high Beyer of 97 for the Azeri and went over $500,000 in earnings. Following the Oaklawn meet, she will be based at Churchill.

Von Hemel’s local stable also includes the promising 3-year-olds Hillbilly Royalty, Sweet Opportunity, and Poseidon’s Way. Hillbilly Royalty likely will make his next start in the $100,000 Northern Spur at Oaklawn on April 11, said Von Hemel. Sweet Opportunity, the winner of a recent optional-claiming route at Oaklawn, is possible for the Grade 3, $400,000 Fantasy at Oaklawn on April 4, he said, while Poseidon’s Way runs here Friday.

◗ Steve Asmussen is nearing a milestone of 7,000 career Thoroughbred training wins, according to a release from Equibase. He had 6,990 wins through Tuesday.