How to bet the 2023 West Virginia Derby

An overflow field of 14 three-year-olds will contest the $500,000 West Virginia Derby (G3) at Mountaineer on Sunday. In a well-matched field lacking a true standout, it seems wise to take a shot with a contender at a nice price in my search for value.

#12 West Coast Cowboy (10-1) was not done any favors in drawing widest in the cast, but the Saffie Joseph trainee is trending upwards as of late and is worth a play with Tyler Conner riding. By West Coast, the $170,000 juvenile purchase was outrun after being forwardly placed to some extent in the Florida Derby (G1) three back, but he rebounded with a fine allowance victory at Gulfstream Park in his return. The chestnut was an even fifth against a bias in the Iowa Derby in his latest performance and will move forward off of that showing.

The Kentucky-bred will appreciate the move to 1 1/8 miles, and he also possesses enough tactical speed to avoid enduring an impossible trip on Sunday. I expect the colt to be in the third flight early, before ranging into contention approaching the turn for home.

#3 Tapit’s Conquest (4-1) is a talented colt coming off of a game allowance victory at Ellis Park last time out. The Brad Cox pupil has always flashed considerable potential and matches up well in the field from a good post slot to flaunt his excellent positional speed from the break. The Tapit colt will never be far from the lead under the guidance of Kendrick Carmouche.

Preakness S. (G1) fourth-place finisher #4 Red Route One (7-2), five-time stakes winner #8 One in Vermillion (4-1), and recent Indiana Derby runner-up #11 Raise Cain (3-1), who scored in the Gotham S. (G3) in March, are each very logical and will be included in all of my vertical exotics, as well.

West Virginia Derby Wagers

$15 win and place: #12 West Coast Cowboy ($30)

$1 trifecta: key 12 with 3,4,8,11 ($12)

$1 trifecta: 3,4,8,11 with 12 with 3,4,8,11 ($12)