The WV Derby – Grade III
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $500.000 Open 3 Year Olds.

1st Shadow Man Axeman Juarez N

The TC form took another hit as the three year old of the moment, Shadow Man, proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is pushing to be the top three year old of the year. When all the other TC horses were preparing for the KYD this one was running a distant sixth in an optional Claimer but as happens every year one comes out of the woodwork in the second part of the year and this one started his rise to the top in June.
In his last start he blew away the TC form in the IND Derby by making all from a wide gate and today he sat back on a muddy track and came home equally impressively. The late withdrawal of Sars certainly made the job easier for him but he is running like a horse that can go all the way to the BC.

2nd Twilight Flame Mb Stables Jaramillo E

The wide draw didn’t hamper him as he ran his heart out for second and was making a little ground on the winner in the run to the post. A consistent sort he is improving nicely.

3rd Set In Space Nakamura Stables Bahen S R

Maiden winner to third in the $500.000 WV Derby it took all of the Nak factor to get him there and i have a feeling there is plenty more to come from him. He certainly proved that 1.36 and 2 mile work to be no fluke and he should go on a watch list for his next run.

4th City Sniper John Henry Lanerie C J

He is more than happy on an off track but never got into this race staying on for fourth in the end. Looking at his form he is struggling since a busy TC campaign and he made need a little time if he is going to recapture his best self.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES