Past W.Va. Breeders’ Classic winners prep for 2014 renewal in Frank Gall Memorial

Horses targeting the $500,000 West Virginia Breeders’ Classic on Oct. 18, including past race winners Fred High, Lucy’s Bob Boy, and the millionaire Russell Road, will prep for the rich 1 1/8-mile race in Saturday night’s $50,000 Frank Gall Memorial going seven furlongs at Charles Town.

Lucy’s Bob Boy, who won the Classic as a 3-year-old in 2012, had struggled this season to regain the 2013 form that enabled him to win 7 of 10 starts. But he snapped a three-racing losing streak three weeks ago when he upset Russell Road, scoring a 3 1/2-length victory in a seven-furlong allowance race. Lucy’s Bob Boy and Russell Road, the winner of the Classic in 2009 and 2011, have now split six decisions over the past three seasons.

Fred High beat both Lucy’s Bob Boy and Russell Road in the 2013 Classic. He won his first start since December going seven furlongs on a sloppy track July 31.

The field also includes In the Fairway, who is 10 for 18 locally for perennial Charles Town leading trainer Jeff Runco.

KEY CONTENDERS

Lucy’s Bob Boy (Last 3 Beyers: 92-81-61)

◗ He turned the tables on Russell Road, who had beaten him by nine lengths sprinting six furlongs at Mountaineer in May, with his sharp score Aug. 1. All 18 of his lifetime wins have come at Charles Town.

Russell Road (Last 3 Beyers: 84-56-84)

◗ The winner of 27 of 50 starts and $1.6 million may have lost a step at age 8. He has lost his last two starts as a heavy favorite and is just 1 for 6 since last September.

Fred High (Last 3 Beyers: 74-66-80)

◗ Although based in Maryland with trainer John Robb, this 6-year-old has recorded seven of his nine lifetime victories at Charles Town. Fired fresh following a 7 1/2-month layoff going seven furlongs July 31.

In the Fairway (Last 3 Beyers: 84-83-83)

◗ Nosed out by Russell Road for third while making his first start in almost two months earlier this month. As a 3-year-old last fall, he won the seven-furlong, $58,500 Onion Juice.