Charles Town Gold Rush
“There’s gold in them thar hills, boys,” or so I hope! I am all set up here in DC, so it's time to get to the track(s)! Charles Town is up first and to say I am excited, would be an understatement. Three things come to mind when I think of West Virginia: horse racing, WVU Mountaineer sports and coal. Well this weekend I am turning that coal into gold. The Mountaineers of West Virginia University are known for scoring big. Whether it is 70 points in the 2012 Orange Bowl, or 3-pointers from the court, the people of West Virginia love hitting it big.
They have even instituted a tradition called the “Gold Rush” at select football games. The fans deck out in all gold to support the team, essentially turning the stadium into a 14-carat ring. I have decided to bring the gold rush to Charles Town. After scanning Saturday’s program, I discovered a couple of nuggets, or longshots, that could result in a nice score.
Race 5
8- Paul and Silas
Morning Line: 12-1
This four-year-old gelding has quietly strung together three nice performances in a row with Mauricio Rodriguez aboard. He looks like a new horse since being claimed by owner/trainer Jacob L. Dillon. He won last time out at this distance and has enjoyed a nice winter’s nap since then. Of note, the runner-up in that race came back to win impressively on February 2. This tells me the horse has the ability to beat a solid competitor. I look for him to make it two in a row on Saturday. Did I mention that his dad is Gold Tribute? That is not why I picked him, but it certainly helps with the theme!
Race 6
1- Willful Limit
Morning Line: 10-1
I see most of the money flowing to the outside in this race. At four and a half furlongs, those runners will need to make up extra ground in a hurry. That is why I am sticking to the inside runner. Willful Limit has looked great in workouts and flashed the speed needed to get out of early traffic. I really like his sire, Limit Out. His crops are usually small but extremely efficient, winning at a solid rate. I like the outlook for Willful Limit and think he may have a bright future in store. Additionally, how can you not cheer for jockey Brandon Whitacre? He survived a horrific accident as a child which nearly killed him and has gone on to be a solid presence in the Mid-Atlantic. I just read a story about his emotional first win in 2003 and instantly became a fan. No doubt, I will be rooting for this team come Saturday.
There you have it, hopefully I return with a little bit more gold than coal. Either way, I am sure it will be a great time!