Gold Medal Dancer tries for turf again in Ricks Memorial

Gold Medal Dancer has been meant for turf this summer, but her races have been transferred to dirt due to inclement weather in a trend that may continue Friday night in the $50,000 Ricks Memorial at Remington Park. She is part of a 12-horse field for the one-mile turf race for fillies and mares that also drew Iowa Distaff winner Diva’s Diamond.

Gold Medal Dancer is a stakes winner who comes into the Ricks off back-to-back starts at Canterbury. She races for her breeder, Pin Oak Stable, and is trained by Donnie Von Hemel.

“We tried the last two times for turf,” Von Hemel said. “It just hasn’t happened, and they’re forecasting rain for Friday.”

Von Hemel is not complaining. He said Oklahoma City could use the rain. And Gold Medal Dancer is an adaptable sort if the Ricks ends up on the main track Friday.

“She runs well either way,” he said.

Ricks Memorial, race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Gold Medal Dancer (Last 3 Beyers: 83-88-88)

◗ Gold Medal Dancer won the off-the-turf Minnesota HBPA Distaff at Canterbury on June 7 in an effort that made her the favorite in the $100,000 Lady Canterbury on July 12. The race was moved to the main track, and she finished second by three-quarters of a length.

“It was a good effort,” Von Hemel said. “The track was probably muddier that day than it was the previous time at Canterbury. She ran a good race carrying top weight.”

◗ Gold Medal Dancer won a second-level allowance over the Remington turf last August. Her dam, Bachata, was a stakes winner on turf who earned $163,925.

◗ Gold Medal Dancer, coupled with Hung the Moon, drew post 11. Luis Quinonez is named on both halves of the Pin Oak-Von Hemel entry. Gold Medal Dancer brings tactical speed to the table.

“She’s pretty versatile, depending on how the race sets up and all,” said Von Hemel.

Diva’s Diamond (Last 3 Beyers: 87-82-90)

◗ She has won two stakes in her last three starts, her most recent the $100,000 Iowa Distaff on June 27.

◗ Diva’s Diamond will be making her first start for owner Jerry Namy and trainer Karl Broberg. She is seeking her first turf win after two placings on grass.

Sandsarita (Last 3 Beyers: 82-81-81)

◗ She has been flattered since winning a Lone Star Park allowance in her last start July 12. The sixth-place finisher from the race, Sooner Superstar, came back to defeat Oklahoma-bred males in the $50,000 Red Earth at Remington.

◗ Sandsarita is out of War Thief, a Grade 3-winning mare and a stakes winner on turf at Remington.