The WV Governors Stakes – Grade III
1 1/16 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $200.000 Open 3 Year Olds And Up.
1st Rotten Apple Nakamura Stables Hernandez R M
The key to this race as it is with just about all the races at HRP at the moment was the three year old weight allowance. This three year old had been trucking along OK in overnight company winning four from twelve but hadnt been overly tested. That all changed in his previous start to today when he weakened from the lead to end up third in the LA Derby. So the form wasnt bad but to be honest was a mile off the older horses that he beat today but that mile was negated by the weight allowance and this gelding got up by a neck in a driving finish. I think the biggest clue to this win today wasnt the form but the 1.10 work he put in last time to the track. That work was as good as his elders and with the weight allowance was enough to see him home. Clearly the trainer has a handle on his undoubted ability now and for the rest of this year atleast he should be able to add to his prize pool.
2nd Dastardly Havoc Maxmillion Farm Frey K
I said in the write up for this race that this horse had the best consistent form in stakes but that he had a poor win ratio and that may be his downfall. As it was he did everything right but its hard to beat a three year old these days and sure enough he was tagged on the line. He is a solid and admirable four year old though and as things even out i am sure he will add to his rather meager three wins.
3rd Sonador Night Rider Stables Castellano J J
Went to the lead from his widish gate and that was probably enough to see him beaten. The pace he set was just a bit quicker than he likes over this trip and though he kept on well enough he couldnt quicken down the stretch. You cant complain about a ten buck claimer running third ina grade three though and i am sure there are more races in him at some level.
4th Born A Diplomat D J C Racing Stables Beschizza A
Just a length behind at the end but in fourth place he found very little and we may see him returning to sprinting next time.
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
