West Virginia takes Albany

West Virginia didn't get his rematch with Chowder's First, but he did get his first win at Saratoga in Wednesday's $170,250 for New York-breds.

West Virginia, the even-money favorite, won the race by 1 3/4 lengths over Everydayissaturday. It was another four lengths back to Work With Me in the 1 1/8-mile dirt race for 3-year-olds.

In his last start on Aug. 4., West Virginia was beaten a neck by Chowder's First in the Cab Calloway Stakes for the progeny of New York stallions. The loss cost West Virginia's owners and breeders, Donald and Mary Zuckerman, a $100,000 bonus, which West Virginia became eligible for by winning the first two legs of the Stallion Stakes.

Chowder's First was scratched from the Albany because of a lung infection.

Ridden by John Velazquez, West Virginia, who raced close to the pace, swept by Everydayissaturday past the sixteenth pole.

West Virginia ($4) covered the distance in 1:50.42 over a fast track.

A son of Tomorrows Cat, West Virginia is trained by Todd Pletcher.