Mr. Money Cruises in West Virginia Derby

NEW CUMBERLAND, WV – Allied Racing Stable’s Mr. Money made it look too easy as he cruised home stylishly to win Saturday’s $500,000 West Virginia Derby (G3) at Mountaineer.

Breaking from post 9 as the 1/2 favorite under Gabriel Saez, Mr. Money watched from second as Plus Que Parfait posted opening fractions of :24.42 and :49.10. Moving up in the far turn to engage the leader, Mr. Money quickly disposed of his foe and drew off in the stretch for the score. The Bret Clahoun trainee completed the 1 1/8-mile event over the fast main track in 1:50.28.

Chess Chief fought hard in the stretch to neck out second over a stubborn Plus Que Parfait. It was 4 1/2 lengths back to Top Line Growth in fourth, who outfinished Chilly in Charge, Math Wizard, Fluminense, Conative, and Cornstarch to complete the order of finish. Grumps Little Tots scratched, with his connections opting to run in a Saratoga allowance race on their Saturday card, which he won.

Mr. Money’s win extended his streak to four, a streak that began with the Pat Day Mile Stakes (G3), then continued in the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) and the Indiana Derby (G3). The 3-year-old son of Goldencents improved his record to 10-5-2-0 with $1,074,220 earned.

Mr. Money returned $3 to win, $2.40 to place, and $2.20 to show. Chess Chief brought back $13.40 to place and $6.40 to show, while Plus Que Parfait paid $2 to show.