Race Overview
Race Name: West Virginia Derby (Grade III)
Track: Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort, New Cumberland, WV
Surface: Dirt
Distance: 1 1/8 Miles (9 furlongs)
Purse: $400,000
Eligibility: Three-Year-Old Thoroughbreds
Post Time: 8:15 PM ET
Field Size: 8 runners
Wagering Options: Win/Place/Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta
This prestigious Grade III event is the centerpiece of Mountaineer’s summer meet, attracting top 3-year-olds from across North America. With $400,000 on the line, the race serves as a key stepping stone for late-developing sophomores and potential Grade I contenders.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
1. Gone Boy (KY)
Pedigree: Improbable × Brushed by a Star (by Eddington)
Trainer: Juan C. Vazquez
Jockey: Luis Negron
Morning Line Odds: 30/1
Notes: Longshot with limited stakes experience. Improbable offspring are improving, but this colt may be overmatched.
2. East Avenue (KY)
Pedigree: Medaglia d’Oro × Dance Music (by Ghostzapper)
Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
Jockey: Luis Saez
Morning Line Odds: 8/5 (Favorite)
Notes: Godolphin homebred with a win in the Matt Winn Stakes (G3). Medaglia d’Oro adds class and stamina. Saez aboard is a major plus. The one to beat.
3. Brereton’s Baytown (KY)
Pedigree: Upstart × Kika (by Birdstone)
Trainer: Paul McEntee
Jockey: Marshall Mendez
Morning Line Odds: 20/1
Notes: Gelding with modest form. Upstart progeny can surprise, but this one looks outclassed.
4. Chunk of Gold (KY)
Pedigree: Preservationist × Play for Gold (by Cairo Prince)
Trainer: Ethan W. West
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Morning Line Odds: 5/2
Notes: Graded stakes-placed colt with tactical speed. Preservationist line adds stamina. Blinkers on for the first time—could sharpen focus.
5. McAfee (KY)
Pedigree: Cloud Computing × Sataves (by Uncle Mo)
Trainer: Richard E. Dutrow Jr.
Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel
Morning Line Odds: 3/1
Notes: Improving colt with strong closing kick. Cloud Computing × Uncle Mo is a potent blend of speed and stamina. Dutrow knows how to prep for big races.
6. Brotha Keny (KY)
Pedigree: Mo Town × Raramuri Princess (by Northern Afleet)
Trainer: William E. Morey
Jockey: Joseph D. Ramos
Morning Line Odds: 5/1
Notes: Gelding with solid allowance wins. Mo Town progeny often excel at two turns. Could be a sneaky contender if pace collapses.
7. Extradition (KY)
Pedigree: Gun Runner × If Not For Her (by Not For Love)
Trainer: Jason DaCosta
Jockey: Rocco Bowen
Morning Line Odds: 15/1
Notes: Gun Runner colt with upside. Has yet to break through in stakes company but could improve with added distance.
8. Just a Fair Shake (KY)
Pedigree: Laoban × Ladymidtown (by Midshipman)
Trainer: Daniel J. McKenzie
Jockey: J.G. Torrealba
Morning Line Odds: 12/1
Notes: Lightly raced colt with decent allowance form. Laoban line adds grit. Could round out exotics.
| Position | Horse | Reasoning |
| 1st | East Avenue | Class edge, elite pedigree, top connections |
| 2nd | McAfee | Strong closer, improving form |
| 3rd | Chunk of Gold | Tactical speed, blinkers on |
Win Bet: East Avenue
Exacta Box: East Avenue / McAfee / Chunk of Gold
Trifecta Play: East Avenue over McAfee and Brotha Keny
Longshot to Watch: Brotha Keny – could surprise with a late rally
