West Virginia’s Derby Day

I’ll be meeting up with some folks at the now Gr. II, $750,000 West Virginia Derby this afternoon. Anyone else going? Unless you live in Kentucky or near one of the big east coast tracks like Saratoga, how often does one get to see a Kentucky Derby winner doing what he was bred and born to do—run? Seeing them at the stud farms is treat enough, but this should be fantastic.

That said, it won’t be a walkover for Mine That Bird. If you ask me, his sharpest competitor is going to be the handsome—and fast—Big Drama. His record is terrific, and his performance in the Swale (which he won, but was later disqualified to second after he bumped another horse in the stretch) was thrilling. I’m a big fan of this son of Montbrook.

It’ll also be fun to see two great jockeys, Mike Smith and Eibar Coa, ride in person (though I believe I’ve seen both ride at paradisiacal Keeneland).

It’s a short field; just six entrants. Afraid of Mine That Bird and Big Drama, if you ask me.  With the Derby being promoted from Gr. III to Gr. II, and with the Jacksons winning the race with Ready Set last year, one would think more would be drawn, but that’s all right. It should be a fun race to watch. If you’re not in town, FOX Sports Net will be airing from Mountaineer from 5-6; post time is 5:43.