Mandaloun

Mandaloun closed from behind to win his first start, at Keeneland on Oct. 24. After rating in eighth early on, he surged in the stretch to win the six-furlong contest by half a length.  He improved to 2-for-2 lifetime with a similar win against allowance company in his next start, on Nov. 28 at Churchill Downs. 

Sent off as the 0.80-1 favorite in the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes on Jan. 16 at Fair Grounds, Mandaloun finished third, earning two points on the road to the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve.

In the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes Presented by Lamarque Ford on Feb. 13 at Fair Grounds, Mandaloun prevailed as the 2.10-1 favorite, earning 50 more points.

In the 2021 Grade 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, Mandaloun stalked the pace and loomed menacingly at the top of the stretch, but could not get by Medina Spirit and ended up second, beaten by about half a length. 

In his next race, Mandaloun bounced back to win the TVG.com Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth Park on June 13. After a rough start, he dropped towards the back of the pack early on, but rallied in the stretch to wear down Weyburn for the win as the odds-on favorite. 

Mandaloun stayed at Monmouth Park for his next start, the Grade 1 TVG.com Haskell Stakes on July 17. He crossed the wire second, but was placed first following the disqualification of Hot Rod Charlie for interference. It was the first Grade 1 win of Mandaloun's career. 

Mandaloun missed the rest of his 2021 season with an ankle injury. He returned to the races with a determined win in the Grade 3 Louisiana Stakes at Fair Grounds on Jan. 22, 2022. He rated off his rival, Midnight Bourbon, then battled with him in the stretch and pulled clear late. 

On Feb. 21, 2022, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission issued a ruling disqualifying Medina Spirit from first place in the 2021 Kentucky Derby based on the horse testing positive for betamethasone on raceday, elevating Mandaloun as the winner.