GbG horse of interest National Pride took a horrible stumble out of the gate in his return to the states. He trailed the field and came wide into the stretch to come in 7th out of 8th. The good news is that his odds should be reasonable next out! I just hope that stumble doesn’t eventually develop into an early retirement injury. I almost employed the Papa Backstretch betting technique on the winner, West Express ($14.80), based on how he looked but took a pass. Arrrrrrrrrrr.

The WV Derby was a pretty exciting with Web Gem almost stealing the show! Recapture the Glory and Z Fortune did not live up to their names as both were nowhere to be found. Fabulous Strike scratched out of the Harvey Arneault Memorial while Zanjero, winner of last year’s WV Derby, won the West Virginia Governor’s Stakes.

No surprise as Indian Blessing crushed field in the Test but I was a little bummed that Ms. Margaret blew my tri, however she was pretty impressive breaking slowly and coming on well at the end.

Next stop Del Mar… go Zenyatta!