The first race at Mountaineer Park today is 5 ½ furlongs. It’s a $5,000 maiden claiming for three year olds and upward. There are ten horses in today’s race. The favorite, according to the morning line, is Gerl Gold at 3-1. Also Crazy Cal is listed as a close second at 7-2.

1: Monterosso – Monterosso last raced about three weeks ago on this track. He’s a 4-year-old gelding. He was off the pace until the stretch and closed to grab a show finish. Oscar’s Star who’s also in this race edged him out of 2nd. He’s 12-1 on the morning line.

2: Gerl Gold – As mentioned above, this is your favorite for this race. This 6-year-old gelding has not raced in almost 4 months. However, his last three races at this track and level were close 2nd place finishes. He might be poised to break through today. I’m going to go on record and say this won’t be it. He’s had layoffs like this twice in recent memory and he’s never run well his first race back.

3: At a Fer Sure – He’s 30-1 on the morning line. There’s not much to say here. He’s a 4-year-old with two races where he’s finished last and next to last.

4: Crazy Cal – 7-2 on the morning line. He finished 5th in his last race at a higher level ($13k Maiden). He’s dropping down and may scoop up a win.

5: Quiz Kid – This 3-year-old gelding is 12-1 on the morning line. His last race was on September 22 at this track. He failed to show anything and finished dead last. Look for him to be an also ran today.

6: The Man Who Can – 20-1 on the morning line. The Man Who Can, please meet the horse who can’t.

7: Dream of Ava – 5-1 on the morning line. Aside from a race back in July, this horse really has shown the power to finish races. Look for him to lead or be a frontrunner early, but drop late.

8: Ocala Marquetry – 20-1 on the morning line. Last raced 4 weeks ago at one mile. He finished 9th. 5 ½ furlongs is more the length for this horse, but he’s just not there yet.

9: Oscar’s Star – Last raced on September 16 at this track and finished 2nd despite leading most of the way. He looks ready to break his maiden today. He’s 4-1 on the money line.

10: Whipper Snapper – 9-2 on the money line. If you are looking to gamble on a green horse taking his first run, this would be the one to bet on.