A yearling that found a new home after the minimum bid of $1,000 supplied trainer Bob Baffert with a record seventh win in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Ridden by John Velazquez, Medina Spirit refused to surrender his lead to defeat Juddmonte Farms Mandaloun (Into Mischief) by a half-length. Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) was the same distance back in third with a further head back to the favourite Essential Quality, whose undefeated record ended after a tough run.
A son of the Giant’s Causeway stallion Protonico, Medina Spirit was bought by Christy Whitman for $1,000 at the 2019 OBS Winter Mixed Yearling Sale before making $35,000 to the bid of Zedan Racing Stables at the OBS June2yo sale last year.
Winner of the GrIII G3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita on January 30, Medina Spirit advances his record to three wins and three seconds from six starts.
"I knew he was training well. But I'm really, really surprised,” Baffert told The Blood-Horse.
“When I saw him on the easy lead I kept waiting for these horses to come at him but Johnny had him in a perfect spot.
"I cannot believe he won this race. That little horse, it was all guts. I'm the luckiest guy in the world. This horse had such a big heart.
“Johnny told me last night, 'don't underestimate this horse. He's better than you think, Bob - don't worry, we'll get the job done.' And he got it done. He reminded me of Silver Charm, he doesn't know how much he cost."
Bred in Florida by Gai Rice, Medina Spirit is the first foal of the winning Brilliant Speed mare Mongolian Changa whose third dam Holy Niner is a half-sister to the former Coolmore shuttler High Yield.
Medina Spirit is the only stakes-winner to date from the first crop of 19 live foals by the GrII winner and multiple Gr1 placed Protonico who stands at Castleton Lyons at a fee of $5,000.
