Move to Gold shines bright with maiden victory in Awad Stakes

Move to Gold won his maiden in the $135,000 Awad at Aqueduct on Saturday when he moved past even-money favorite Spirit Prince nearing the wire and won by 1 1/4 lengths.

It was another three lengths back in third to Blue Creek.

The Awad was a 1 1/16-mile turf race for 2-year-olds. It was run over firm ground. Twirling Point and British Sea were scratched in what made for a six-horse field.

Move to Gold ($6.20) had one horse beat in the early stages as Tropandhagen moved to a clear lead, up by four lengths through an opening quarter in 22.83 seconds, by seven lengths through a half-mile in 46.56 and eighth lengths after six furlongs in 1:11.15, according to the chart of the race.

Move to Gold advanced between horses on the turn and shuttled home to catch Spirit Prince, who had chased the leader for much of the race before overtaking him in the stretch. Move to Gold covered the distance in 1:43.04.

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Manny Franco rode the winner for trainer Chad Brown.

“I was a little concerned because they were opening up, but I just took my time,” Franco told the New York Racing Association. “I rode my horse with confidence. Chad told me to give him a chance and try to come running at the end and that's what I did. The horse responded really well.”

Move to Gold began his career on Aug. 31 and finished second in a maiden special weight at Kentucky Downs.

Klaravich Stables owns Move to Gold, who is now 1 for 2 for earnings of $104,250. Move to Gold is a son of Twirling Candy.

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