Eastern Delite Scores 4-Length Upset in Breeders' Classic

Eastern Delite collared 3-10 choice Confucius Say in upper stretch and drew away to a four-length victory in the $450,000 West Virginia Breeders’ Classic Stakes for state breds on the night of Oct. 20 at Charles Town Races.

Freddie Johnson trains the 4-year-old dark bay, a gelding by Eastover Court. Eastern Delite earned his first stakes victory, worth $220,000 for owner and breeder Wind n’ Springs Farm.

Ridden by Oscar Flores, Eastern Delite completed the 1 1/8-mile test in 1:54 on a track rated fast.

Confucius Say set the pace for jockey Larry Reynolds but was under pressure from Eastern Delite after a :24 opening quarter mile. The 12-1 shot Eastern Delite, racing on the inside of the favorite, seized the lead early in the home stretch and won driving.

The winner was coming off a third-place finish in the Robert R. Hilton Memorial Stakes at Charles Town Sept. 22. His fifth win 18 lifetime starts increased his earnings to $332,860. He paid $27, $8 and $5.

Confucius Say ($2.40, $2.20) held second by one length over Double Tollgate ($4), ridden by Gerald Almodovar.

The $315,000 West Virginia Jefferson Security Bank Cavada Breeders’ Classic Stakes went to Carnival Chrome, ridden by Travis Dunkelberger for trainer David Walters and owner Michael J. Miller.

Part of a 10-horse field for the filly and mare event at seven furlongs, Carnival Chrome gained the lead on the backstretch, drew clear on the final turn and won by 2 1/4 lengths over 2-5 favorite Julie B. The winner, a 5-year-old mare by Carnivalay, clocked 1:26 on a fast track.

(Chart, Equibase)