A new clash between the three-year-old horses born in West Virginia is scheduled for this weekend. It’s The Robert G Leavitt Stakes (7F, $75,000), the main race this Saturday.
Little Roo Roo (Limehouse) and Honeyquist (Nyquist) are the main contenders in this upcoming showdown, as they recently finished first and second, respectively, in the Coin Collector Stakes (4 1/2 F). In that race, the chestnut colt trained by Michael Jones Jr. was able to surpass the favorite by 1 1/2 lengths, covering the distance in 51’50» seconds.
This trend may continue, as Little Roo Roo has already shown his capabilities over 7 furlongs. After that performance in the Coin Collector, while Honeyquist’s connections opted for an Allowance race over 4 1/2 F, which he won convincingly, Little Roo Roo faced older horses and emerged victorious in the It’s Is Money Stakes (4 1/2 F, $75,000).
«He worked like a champion«, commented Marshall Mendez about the juvenile who has guided him throughout his campaign, boasting six victories in eight attempts. During his latest workout on Saturday morning, he breezed through 3 furlongs in 35’60» seconds, looking effortless.
Honeyquist is no less formidable. With four wins in eight starts, along with three placings and one third-place finish, he always demands respect. Trained by Anthony Farrior, he has already performed well over 6 furlongs, finishing as a runner-up in the James Lewis Stakes (6F) held in December 2022 at Laurel Park. This sets the stage for a fiercely contested race with no quarter given.
There are seven nominees in total. Juba’s Notion is one to consider, as he could take advantage if the pace is fast and the favorites falter under the expected pressure. Juba’s Hat Trick (Juba) was expected to be entered, having impressed in an Allowance race by defeating Duncan Idaho effortlessly in 1’18″63 for 6 1/2 F. However, after a workout over 3 furlongs, he hasn’t been seen galloping recently during morning exercises.
The list of nominees is completed by Paymengold, Grumpy’s Bobby, Ocean Storm, and Road Minister.
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