Race of the Week
Recapturetheglory is poised for a return to the winners circle.
West Virginia Derby (Grade 3)
Web Gem- This colt couldn’t get the job done in two tries in allowance company, so I don’t know why Nick Zito believes he can win here. In his defense, he did run second in both of those race and received respectable ESFs. He finished a distant 4th last out in the Dwyer. While I wouldn’t be surprised if he hit the board, I don’t like his chances. I won’t be using him.
My Pal Charlie- James Theriot had this colt stalking the pace on his way to a second place finish in the Northern Dancer last time out. I like his ascending ESF pattern. He seems a bit distance challenged. I can see him finishing third, and perhaps second, but he is not winning this event.
Cherokee Artist- This son of Cherokee Run has done little wrong under the care of Graham Motion. He will retain the services of ace jockey Garrett Gomez. He ran a monster race two back in the Ohio Derby, but ran into a buzz saw named Smooth Air and finished second. He is more than capable of winning this race; dangerous.
Acting Zippy- I can’t see this one making much of an impact on the race. I wouldn’t use him on any of my tickets.
Z Fortune- Was the beaten favorite last time out in the Iowa Derby with Shaun Bridgmahon up for the first time. I think the extra furlong in this race should work to his advantage. He won’t take the top spot in this race, but I think he is a threat to run third, and maybe second.
Recapturetheglory- Fell victim to a poor trip last out in the Northern Dancer. The winner of the Illinois Derby three races back, this colt needs to get back to the lead. He wired the field when taking that Grade 2 event. James Graham wouldn’t be my first choice, but he is picking up the mount on this one. I believe he ran poor in the Northern Dancer because he wasn’t able to “run his race”. I believe he will return to form in this race and pay a nice price to win. Look for him to be in front when they cross the finish line.
Ready Set- Just missed Cherokee Artist for second place last time out in the Grade 3 Barbaro Stakes. This son of Touch Gold really seems to be coming into his own, and perhaps justifying his $800k purchase price. I think he should relish the extra furlong, and could find himself in the winners circle.
Proud Kentuckian- The tandem of Gabriel Saez and Larry Jones bring this horse to Moutaineer Park with a 3 race winning streak. He earned a 95 ESF in all three of those races. Just like Larry Jones top filly Proud Spell, this colt is from the sire Proud Citizen. I can see him getting a piece, but I don’t think he has much of a shot to win the race.
Stolen Chevy- This gelding owns an undefeated record at Mountaineer Park. He was last by 32 lengths in the Ohio Derby last time out. He seems to need the lead and I don’t know if he can get it. Even if he does I believe he will fade.
Marble Cliff- I’ve heard all about this gelding from a friend of mine at River Downs. He is undefeated on the dirt, but has only raced against Ohio bred horses. Although he is winning with authority, this is a huge step up in class. He is looking at a minor award at best, but I will be rooting for him since his connections are from my home track.
Real Appeal- Winner of the Alysheba Stakes last out. I’m not wild about this colt, and I am certainly not thrilled with his chances. It wouldn’t be a shocker if he hit the board, but I am kicking him out.
I’ve Heard It All- Local horse has little to no shot here.
1st- Recapturetheglory
2nd- Ready Set
3rd- Cherokee Artist
Plays:
WIN on RECAPTURETHEGLORY
$1 Trifecta (6/2,3,5,7/2,3,5,7,8,10)
$1 Superfecta (6/2,3,5,7/2,3,5,7/2,3,5,7,8,10)
