The WV Derby – Grade II
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $750.000 Open 3 Year Olds.

1st Edwin Drood, trained by Sanny Village
Setting himself up nicely from the gate, the result never really looked in danger as the IND Derby winner toyed with his rivals down the stretch, winning by an unextended length. He is really benefitting from missing the TC series, and after the similar successes in previous years, we may see more and more trainers keeping their best out of the early three year old races. With this win under his belt and the obvious advantage that three years olds have over older horses, he is beginning to look like the 2016 BC Classic winner already.

2nd Asset Class, trained by Sccj Stables
In a race that was dominated by those that stayed close to the speed, he ran a super race running the stalk, but proving no match for the winner. It was a real line up for the minor placings, and although he could easily have been fifth with just a slight falter in one stride, he kept on bravely to win the race for second.

3rd Overspender, trained by Mb Stables
He looked like he was coming through from the back to win this race with his usual late run, but he flattened out in the final furlong and could only manage third. This was a nice effort though, but he may find the dirt mile more of a BC target after getting outstayed by the winner today.

4th Twice Patriotic, trained by Gdp Inc
A shade one paced at the end, he only just missed out for second in a driving finish. This was a nice effort and further improvement on a good season so far.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES