Charles Town revives stakes

An ambitious schedule of 45 stakes worth a collective $3.4 million is planned for 2007 at the Charles Town Races and Slots.

Last year, the West Virginia track intended to run a similar 45-stakes schedule worth $3.31 million, but lower-than-expected revenue from its slot machines forced the cancellation of nine stakes, saving $500,000 in added-money purses.

The revamped lineup of stakes is headed by the 21st annual West Virginia Breeders Classics on Oct.o20. The track's showcase card will be topped by the $500,000 Classic for 3-year-olds and up at 1o1/8 miles and the $350,000 Cavada for fillies and mares going seven furlongs. The other six stakes on that night's card are worth $100,000 apiece.

The only other stakes worth $100,000 are the Charles Town Dash Invitational, increased in distance from four furlongs to seven, and the Tri-State Futurity, formerly worth $50,000.

The remaining 35 stakes are worth $50,000 apiece, beginning with this Saturday's West Virginia Distaff. All eight stakes in May and June are restricted to horses who have started at least twice locally within the past year.- Joe DeVivo