The Kentucky Derby prep race season may be over as horseplayers await the May 7th “Run for the Roses” from Churchill Downs, but there is still plenty of action to watch and wager in the days & weeks leading up to thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown.
This Saturday, April 23rd, nearby Charles Town Race Track in West Virginia plays host to their biggest annual race program, highlighted by the $1,250,000 Charles Town Classic (Gr. II). The stellar under card includes the $150,000 Sugar Maple Stakes, the $100,000 Robert Hilton Memorial and four West Virginia-bred Stakes — the Coin Collector, Confucius Say, It’s Binn Too Long & Original Gold. There will also be a $100,000 Guaranteed All-Stakes Pick-4 wager available to play.
Keeneland continues its annual spring meet through April 29th and this Saturday, will host the Grade 2, $200,000 Dixiana Elkhorn Stakes. On the west coast, Los Alamitos will host the Grade 2, $200,000 Great Lady M. Stakes and back on the east coast at Laurel, Virginia-bred Rose Brier will compete in the $75,000 Henry S. Clark Stakes. Rose Brier, who is 2-for-2 at Laurel, won the $60,000 Bert Allen Stakes last September. The 7 year old Mizzen Mast gelding has 11 lifetime wins.
Rose Brier captures the 2015 Bert Allen Stakes at Laurel. Photo by Jim McCue
In harness racing, Yonkers Raceway plays host to a couple monster series finales on Saturday evening — the $606,000 George M. Levy Pace (Race 9 at 9:50 PM) and the $309,800 Blue Chip Matchmaker Pace (Race 7 at 9;10 PM). Wiggle It Jiggleit, 2015 Horse of the Year, will compete in the Levy.
Virginia residents can play all these races along with others every day of the week, via one of our on line betting partners — TVG, XPressBet and Twin Spires. This is the best time of year to sign up for an account because with Derby Day right around the corner, they are all offering great bonuses! TVG has a $150 sign up bonus once you bet your initial deposit of $150. Bet $100 with XPressBet and you’ll get $125. And Twin Spires will match your deposit up to $100. Shop all three before the Derby and take advantage of these great opportunities.
It’s the best time of year to be a horseplayer!