The WV Breeders Classic
CT- For Three Year Olds and Upward Foaled in WV
One Mile and One Eighth on the Dirt
October 12, 2019
It is a big weekend at the CT bullring for WV-breds as many born in the state get a chance to showcase their abilities against their peers. A fair amount of these races have filled, something that has not always been the case, so that is good to see. The WV Breeders Classic is the highlight of the day, and a field of five will go to post for this year’s race. The purse used to be $500.000, but dipped to $300.000 in 2018. The race that year was won by a gelding named Avellisqaw, who had a solid career leading up to the race but has not done much since. We have some good runners here, so let’s take a look.
#1- Dustu (Team 7 Illusions, ridden by A Bocachica)- One of three in the field that are three years old, and they have a four pound weight advantage on the other two. Dustu has a lot of experience running at this track, and in WV-bred races, with several first or second place finishes. He’s never won a stake, though. I would have been more excited about him off of his summertime form then his current form. Certainly capable even though I am picking the other four ahead of him.
#2- Blue Eight (T Boy Racing, ridden by R W Walcott)- This horse has had an excellent career, winning seven of 42 races, and it would be fitting for him to get number eight at some point. He isn’t what he used to be, but did run second against four others thirteen days ago in the Grade 2 Premiers. The old man can still be a threat, but I am concerned about the short rest.
#3- Where You At (Rampage Stable, I Ortiz Jr)- Had a big race in the state two back where he was the runner up in the WV Derby. Unfortunately for the trainer he did not follow that up well last month, being passed late by several in the Grade 3 Super Derby at LAD. Last year, he handled this track very well when he broke his maiden, so there is hope that he may like the bullring here.
#4- Dogs Noah (Maxmillion Farm, ridden by K Carmouche)- Last year, Dogs Noah was a part of this race, and he would run second to Avellisqaw while being a heavily bet favorite. His season this year has seen him be winless in seven starts, with the highlight being four third place finishes, one coming recently in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap in July.
#5- Serpiente Party (T Boy Racing, ridden by O Flores)- Comes into this race running well, with two wins in his last two starts, each of which came right here at CT in ungraded stakes. Overall, he knows how to win with six wins in 14 starts and recently has found his niche running in at the ungraded level. Seems poised to step up and run well, and everyone knows I love Snakie foals.
Prediction: 5-4-2-3, though a balanced field. Best bet is to play the biggest odds.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded
