Lucy's Bob Boy a strong favorite to repeat in A Huevo Stakes

Lucy’s Bob Boy finished second to Russell Road as the 1-2 favorite in last month’s $450,000 West Virginia Breeders’ Classic. But he won’t have to contend with that nemesis in Saturday night’s $50,000 A Huevo Stakes at Charles Town.

The 5-year-old Lucy’s Bob Boy, second to Russell Road in the 2012 running of the A Huevo, will be a prohibitive favorite to defend his title in the 1 1/8-mile stakes for West Virginia-breds.

A year ago, facing nine rivals but not Russell Road, Lucy’s Bob Boy romped by 8 3/4 lengths in the A Huevo, which like the Classic is contested around three turns at nine furlongs. Saturday night, Lucy’s Bob Boy faces just four opponents, including three he trounced in this same race last November – Fred High, Allegheny Jack, and Golden Set. All three also finished behind Lucy’s Bob Boy in the Oct. 18 Classic.

Of the trio, Fred High did best in the Classic, finishing 1 1/4 lengths behind Lucy’s Bob Boy and a half-length in front of Golden Set. Fred High won the 2013 Classic, and then was beaten 9 1/2 lengths by Lucy’s Bob Boy in the A Huevo. It’s hard to imagine him turning the tables now, especially since Lucy’s Bob Boy is the controlling speed in a small field.

KEY CONTENDERS

Lucy’s Bob Boy (Last 3 Beyers: 81-91-95)

◗ He easily won this race a year ago while facing a far bigger group.

◗ Hard to pick against, but he figures to be a very short price.

Fred High (Last 3 Beyers: 79-75-73)

◗ He hasn’t been nearly as good this year as he was in 2013 when he won six races.

◗ He is unlikely to get the kind of contested pace he needs to set up his closing kick.

Golden Set (Last 3 Beyers: 78-76-77)

◗ A distant runner-up to Lucy’s Bob Boy in this race last year, his best races have come at 6 1/2 and seven furlongs.

◗ He might be good enough to outfinish Fred High for second here, but it’s hard to see him beating the favorite.