The WV Derby Grade 3

1 1/8 on Dirt
Purse $400.00 For Three Year Olds
Mountaineer Park Race Course Chester, West Virginia

–People Batty from Night Rider Stables is a smaller gelding at only 15.2 hands, but he tips the scales at 1163lbs, so there is plenty of him and he has more than enough natural gas to make good use of his rail draw here. Overmatched in both legs of the triple crown that he competed in, the connections gave him a rest after he looked tired at the end of the Ohio Derby. A repeat of his effort in the Risen Star Stakes makes him plenty dangerous and a clean break would seemingly ensure a good sight for a long time. Firing Squad from TwinTowers Racing will be looking to mimic the trip he got in the Virginia Derby back in March, that is, relaxing right off the speed and drafting into it as the race progresses. Even though he is capable of other pace scenarios, that should be the ticket here. His last work indicates that he retains his sharpness and should not be overlooked. Painted Ice from Alydar Stables found the waters too deep in the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont, but he ran gamely in both and has been given a freshening since. He appears to be plenty fit in the mornings and could fire a big shot in this context, which is obviously far easier than his last couple races. Mankayia from Delta Farms ran his best career number in his last start and will certainly drop back and make one run in this spot. His four lifetime wins co-tops this cast and if they get cute on the front end he will clearly benefit, a must use underneath in all exotic wagers.

Of The Rest;

Private Money from Winning Link Stables has been gelded since his last start, a dismal effort in the Winn Stakes. He should be able to get a good trip here, given the small cast and might outrun his odd, which are expected to be generous. Food for thought.

Apirana from Mb Stables might be ranked too low in my handicapping here and it’s not often a wise choice to leave the country’s perennial top barn out of the picture. However, his last effort was below par and the two horses working in front of him in his prep for this were both beaten in the optional claiming ranks in their previous starts, one of them with only a maiden win to his credit. Have to pass this time around, probably at my own peril.

Daring Ned from The Sidley Stud has only been involved at the finish of one race since turning three, a fourth place outcome in The Lecomte Stakes in mid-January. He has been off the board in three subsequent tries and even though this isn’t the toughest Derby on record in 2026, he will still need a serious wake up call to get a prize here.

-Trackman

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES