The 19th Running of the WV Governors Stakes-G3
August 7, 2021 16:40
MNR Race #17 $200.000 11/16 Dirt
3YO 118 Lbs 4YO+ 123 Lbs
Track/Stakes Record-1:41.05 (Flamenco Beach-2018)
Welcome to the wild and wonderful G3 WV Governors Stakes from MNR! Running for the 19th time, this $200.000 MNR staple helps anchor a card filled with seven stakes races. Ryan 22 took three consecutive editions from 2009-2011 and is HRP’s only conditioner with more than two victories in this 8.5 furlong test; jockey D.G. Whitney is the only rider to pilot two winners (2003, 2005). This year’s field was reduced by one when Burning Approval was withdrawn, but we’re left with a field of seven that looks to be a tough nut to crack. Here’s the field for the 19th G3 WV Governors Stakes:
#1 Serious Havoc (Angelos Stable/M.J. Sanchez 123): 4yo son of Wreaking Havoc stretches-out after taking the $100.000 Kellys Landing at CD in his last run. This will be his first race past seven panels since April of 2020, so would have to expect him to be a part of the pace from this rail draw. Can’t fault his current form and, if he handles the extra 300 yards, could have a say in the outcome of this.
#2 Foolish Pleasure (D J C Racing Stable/C.J. Hernandez 123): Exits a pair of 8th-place finishes in Grade 3’s at seven and nine furlongs, but was only beaten by two lengths in the latest try. Gelded son of Que Niagra has gotten close a few times, but will need to take advantage of this draw and put it all together to hit the wire first against this group.
#3 Need 4 Speed (Kingelleinc/R.M. Hernandez 118): The only 3yo in the field, this is looking like an excellent claim. After being tagged for $6.250 in December, the son of Rumble won three straight, including the G3 Lexington. G1 Haskell foes were a bit too tough, but this is more of his cup of tea. An obvious top contender.
#4 Burning Approval (SCRATCHED)
#5 Cp Dark Pain (Threshold/A. Cedillo 118): The only filly in the race, this 4yo daughter of Pain has been knocking-around in the allowance ranks and takes a calss test today. She’s in great form as a winner in four of her last 5; however, this is a completely different ballgame. She will stay the trip, but a minor award would be a victory in here.
#6 Machine Gun Tommy (Nakamura Stables/O.J. Mayta 123): First of two in here for powerful Nakamura Stables and he won’t be intimidated by this group. This will be his seventh consecutive start vs graded foes and, while he has been close on occasion, you have to go back to late November to find a win. If not now for the 5yo son of I Am Machine, when?
#7 Detained (Gdp Inc/J. Pyfer 123): 5yo son of Arrest is yet another who has been close a few times, but hasn’t shown a burning desire to win all that often against these types. Looks to prefer getting behind cover and making one run, so trip and traffic are issues that will need to be worked-out for him to be dangerous here.
#8 Jumbo Bite (Nakamura Stables/C. Oliveros 123): Morning-line favorite is the second of two for his conditioner in this. 5yo son of Ace On The River was in front a long time in G2 San Diego Handicap before having to settle for 4th. From this outside gate, will need to time the break just right to avoid being stuck, but should have every chance coming down the lane.
Final Analysis: 6-3-8 Good luck to all of the participants in the $200.000 G3 WV Governors Stakes!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
