Coinage, first progeny out of G1 winner Bar of Gold, debuts in Friday opener

Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse expressed excitement for the debut of the well-bred Coinage in Friday’s opening race at Belmont Park; a five-furlong sprint for state-bred juveniles on Big Sandy.

By Tapit, Coinage is out of Bar of Gold, an upset winner of the 2017 Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. Owned by Leonard Green’s DJ Stable in partnership with breeders Chester and Mary Broman, Coinage was a $450,000 purchase from Sequel New York’s consignment at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

“After the Greens bought the filly, Mr. Broman said that he would like to partner in the horse,” Casse explained. “I’ve known Mr. Broman for 25 years. He’s a class act, as are the Greens. Both are great people.”

Coinage has prepped for his career debut at Casse Training Center in Ocala, Florida, where he had five recorded works before shipping to Belmont Park in early April. His most recent work was a half-mile move in 48.45 seconds over the main track on May 15.

“We definitely think he has some talent, and I would hope and think that this horse would be better the further he goes,” Casse said. “His mother, oddly enough, was a sprinter, but she was by Medaglia d’Oro. I don’t know how far he’ll go, but he’ll like some more ground, like most Tapits do.”

Coinage, listed as the 7-5 morning-line favorite, will exit post 4 under Junior Alvarado.