- Home
- DRF Bets
- Handicapping & PPsHorsemen's ProductsReports
- The Wizard
- DRF Gameplan
- Quick Sheets
- DRF Picks
- Today's Racing Digest
- Key Race Report
- Positive ROI Report
- Moss Pace Figure Reports
- Debut Reports
- BreezeFigs
- WE Handicapping Report
Access past performances- DRF EasyForm PPs
- DRF Classic PDF PPs
- DRF Formulator PPs
- DRF HarnessEye PPs
- DRF Daily Harness Program PPs
- Daily Racing Program PPs
Racing and Wagering InformationToolsHorse Racing Links- Race Tracks
- Casinos
- Account Wagering
- Breeding
- Racing and Charitable
- Contests/Games
- Regional/Free
- Radio Shows
Get the most out of
DRF's online PPs with
Learn more. - Entries
- Results
- NewsCategoriesTrack ReportsTriple Crown Special Events
Exclusive content available only with a DRF Plus Plan. See Plan Pricing. - Blogs
- Video
- Learn
- StorePast PerformancesREPORTS PICKS Harness PPs
- Events
- Breeding
Email
Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will ride Hansen in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park on Aug. 4, according to his agent, Brad Pegram. Smith has never ridden Hansen, the champion 2-year-old male of 2011.
Hansen has won 5 of 8 starts and $1,773,305. Trained by Mike Maker for a partnership led by breeder Kendall Hansen, the colt has won four stakes. He won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last fall to clinch his championship.
Earlier this year, Hansen was ninth in the Kentucky Derby and won the Grade 3 Iowa Derby by 10 lengths at Prairie Meadows on June 30.
Hansen is the leading contender for the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby, which is run over 1 1/8 miles.
Pegram said that Smith will ride at Del Mar on Aug. 3 and 5 surrounding the journey to West Virginia.
Mike Smith lost the lead on three triple crown races, Im a huge hansen fan but have my worries
|
 |
I adore how Mike is getting such amazing mounts. It is truly great to be a fan at this time ;)
|
Even MORE reason to root on Hansen!!
|
 |
Mike "The Now Rider" Smith. He is having a great year.
|
Best Bets
SLIGO JOE finished third, fourth, or fifth against classier company in each of his last four races. He ran fast enough in his last two starts to beat this type on the plunge from $10,000 optional claiming into this $5,000 N1Y field. LATCH LIGHTING only finished fifth as the favorite at this class level last time. He should be a factor today, but he seems more likely to contend in the minor exotic slots than he is to beat this field. STEALTH HERO ran a dull race when he beat just one opponent here on a muddy track in his last race.
