Juddmonte foster home Dragoon Guard The similarities between him and his father don’t stop at appearances.
While the grey or bay colt has a long way to go before he can match the late Arrogate, the 3-year-old does show similarities to his sire.
The most recent example is the $500,000 West Virginia Derby (G3) at Mountaineer Casino & Resort August 4.
From the final Arrogate litter, Dragoon Guard broke away well and immediately took the lead of the nine horses and never regressed. In his first attempt at the 1 1/8 mile mark, Dragoon Guard won in 1:49.96 on a fast track.
All four of his wins (4-1-0 in five starts) have ended in multiple-length victories. Sunday night’s win was no different, finishing 2 1/2 lengths ahead. Digital . Society Men is third and henro Wednesday.
Dragoon Guard increased his career earnings to $646,860.
The West Virginia Derby was the perfect follow-up to his Indiana Derby (G3) win.
“It was a solid performance,” said trainer Brad Cox, whose horse won his first West Virginia Derby. “He took another step forward, and we’re very proud of him. We’re not sure what his future schedule is. We’ll have to discuss that with the owner.”
The only time the outcome was in doubt was when he approached the straight. With Dragoon Guard running two ways, Society Man tried to sneak in along the rail but Geroux closed the opening and sealed the win.
Dragoon Guard paid $3.40 for the win.
Rider Florent Geroux drove the colt throughout all his starts.
“The plan was simple: Go straight to the top,” Geroux said. “When I asked him, he had a lot to offer. He lost the first race but the last four were great wins. He’s been very good so far, and that’s encouraging.”
Videotapes: West Virginia Derby (G3)
West Virginia Governor’s Shares
This race was no match for anyone as four horses took to the track, but a dash on the rail by jockey Florent Geroux led the way. Display to win the $200,000 West Virginia Governor’s Stakes (G3) horse race at Mountaineer Casino & Racetrack Resort.
As the second choice in a field of seven horses, Hit Show found himself near the back of the pack in fifth place. Play chicken game lives up to its name by establishing the fractions :23.35, :46.93 and 1:11.63.
When the leader fades and the favorites fall Add Anejo , Komorebino Omoide and close quickly Heroic move Swinging wide, Geroux dived under the fence to make it four at the top of the straight.
Hit Show answered the call and dug happily along the inside while Heroic Move dueled on the far outside. Hit Show pulled away and the gap lost was too much for Heroic Move to make up as he settled into second place by about half a length. Komorebino Omoide was third and Extra Anejo dropped to fourth.
Hit Show paid $4.80 and won with a time of 1:42.65 over the 1 1/16 mile course.
A dog raised at the home of Gary and Mary West, 4 years old Candy Trip foals out of many graded races win Knock mare Actress earned his first win since the Withers Stakes (G3) in February 2023. Trained by Cox, Hit Show now holds a 5-1-0 record after 12 starts with prize money of $778,955.
Videotapes: Governor of West Virginia S. (G3)
