Speedy Court Date upsets It's Only Money Stakes

There was plenty of speed entered in the $50,900 It's Only Money Stakes at Charles Town on Saturday night, but Court Date proved quickest of the quick and scored a 10-1 upset.
Court Date won a four-horse scramble for the lead in the 4 1/2-furlong It's Only Money and proved a length better than Eutaw Street in the stretch. Last Plunge finished third at 20-1 in the seven-horse field of accredited West Virginia-breds, a length behind Eutaw Street, who attended the early pace four wide, just outside the winner.
Aaron's Tap, the 3-5 favorite, raced on the early pace along the inside but was steadied in tight quarters nearing the turn and dropped from contention. He finished sixth, beaten 4 1/2 lengths.
Court Date paid $23.80 and was timed in 52.72 seconds under jockey Gerald Almodovar. The 4-year-old improved his record to four wins from seven starts for owner-trainer-breeder Lela Hanagan. Court Date was given a 70 Beyer Speed Figure.
For winning the It's Only Money, Court Date earned a guaranteed fees-paid berth in the West Virginia Dash for Cash Breeders' Classic on Oct. 13.


