Charles Town: Russell Road ends two years of frustration by taking Frank Gall Memorial

Russell Road, the beaten favorite as the odds-on choice in this same race each of the past two years, made amends by scoring a front-running victory in Saturday night’s $51,200 Frank Gall Memorial for West Virginia-breds at Charles Town.

Russell Road ($3.40), ridden by Matt McGowan for trainer James Casey and owner Mark Russell, dueled with Son of a Bear and was only a head in front after a half-mile in 48.04 seconds. McGowan’s mount responded when asked for more approaching the turn. Russell Road opened up a three-length lead at the eighth pole and finished 3 1/4 lengths in front after seven furlongs in 1:25.64.

Son of a Bear held second, 2 1/4 lengths in front of Black Belt.