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| Staff Writer |
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Chunk of Gold is emerging as the fairy tale hero in this year's Kentucky Derby build-up, with the modestly bred grey colt who cost just US$2,500 as a yearling proving dreams can come true on American racing's grandest stage.
The son of Preservationist will face 19 of America's finest 3YOs in the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on 3 May, lining up against rivals who commanded prices as high as US$1.2 million. Yet the bargain purchase has already silenced doubters by amassing earnings of US$348,818.
Bred in Kentucky by the late Brereton C. Jones of Airdrie Stud, Chunk of Gold was sold at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearling Sale to Chris Melton. Initially raced in partnership between Melton and Terry Stephens, the latter later acquired full ownership through a private transaction.
"He was a May 11 colt so we kept him back for October (sale) to give him some time to mature," said Bret Jones, president of Airdrie Stud. "This probably shouldn't be discussed but I'll honestly never forget him as a yearling because he tried multiple times to climb out of his stall over at Fasig! He would get up on his hind legs and actually got his front feet over the barrier a few times to the point of it being a serious worry. In hindsight, I'm choosing to attribute that behavior to him being a tough dude that wanted to show us he was the boss. Here's hoping that toughness comes through on Saturday."
Melton, who pinhooks 30-40 yearlings annually at his training centre in Columbia, Kentucky, has previously unearthed gems including Group One winner Nutella Fella, who cost just US$12,000 as a yearling, and multiple stakes winner Green Up, purchased for US$10,000.
Airdrie's consignors suggested Melton examine Chunk of Gold at the Fasig-Tipton sale, and he was immediately impressed.
"I was going to go up to US$20,000," said Melton. "When I got him for US$2,500 I thought, uh oh, I've missed something. He was a little immature, but you could tell he was going to grow up and be good-looking horse, and he has."
Making a winning debut on 19 December at Turfway Park for Melton and Stephens under trainer Ethan West, Chunk of Gold has since recorded three runner-up finishes, most recently chasing home Tiztastic in the Gr.2 Louisiana Derby on 22 March.
"It has been awesome to watch what Ethan has done with him," Jones said. "He was obviously a pretty strong-minded colt, and for Ethan to develop him into a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender is just so impressive. I think the colt, and his trainer, have big futures in front of them."
Melton negotiated a special condition when selling his share to Stephens. "I told Terry if this horse makes it to the Derby, I want two Derby seats. So, we were dreaming big," he revealed.
The connection runs deeper, as Melton will celebrate not only his protégé's Classic appearance but also his 28th wedding anniversary with wife Amy on Derby Day.
"We got married 28 years ago on Derby Day," he said. "He is the only horse we've had a part in that's even come close to making the Kentucky Derby. It means a lot, we're really proud of him."