Charles Town: Elder John heads cast in W. Va. Futurity

Elder John tries to make it two straight when he heads a field of eight 2-year-old statebreds in the $50,000 West Virginia Futurity at Charles Town on Saturday.

Elder John won an optional claimer Nov. 17 going the same seven-furlong distance as the West Virginia Futurity. Elder John was kept just off the early pace by Jockey Clifford Dooley and rallied in the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length. Trained by Eddie Householder, Elder John won a maiden event Aug. 26, making him the only entrant in the West Virginia Futurity to have won twice. He is also the only entrant to have won at the seven-furlong distance. Dooley retains the mount

Coleman Barricks won a maiden race in come-from-behind fashion at Charles Town Sept. 25. Trained by Jim Casey, Coleman Barricks then finished third in the West Virginia Breeder's Classic Oct. 15. In his most recent out, Nov. 5, Coleman Barricks finished third once again in the $121,000 Tri State Futurity.

That event was against open company going the same seven-furlong distance as the West Virginia Futurity. Coleman Barricks signaled his readiness with a bullet work Wednesday. Gerald Almodover retains the mount.
Just Furh Real could upset the field for trainer John McKee. He won a maiden race Oct. 5, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 65, the highest in the field. In his last out, Just Furh Real had trouble at the start in the West Virginia Breeder's Classic and was rushed up to press the pace before finishing fourth. Jesus Sanchez retains the mount.