Little Roo Roo is 5-for-6 in 2022 and has won three straight races. He had taken the Coin Collector for three-year-olds in his prior start, but with the likes of Penguin Power, Nico, and Golden Key on hand, the It’s Only Money for West Virginia-breds figured to be his toughest test yet.

No worries, though. Under jockey Marshall Mendez, Little Roo Roo broke well enough to chase the pace of Golden Key while along the rail. Golden Key threw down a torrid opening quarter-mile, posting a 21.65-second opener while leading Little Roo Roo by a length.

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Little Roo Roo rounded the turn off the rail while chasing the leader, who led by a couple nearing the eighth pole. In the lane, Little Roo Roo wore down his rival to go clear for the win in 51.17 seconds for 4 1/2 furlongs on a fast main track Golden Key narrowly held second, just withstanding Penguin Power, who earned the show. Nico, off as the favorite, finished sixth.

As the second choice in the wagering, Little Roo Roo paid $9.00 to win and topped an exacta that returned $27.40 for one dollar.

Little Roo Roo is a three-year-old Limehouse gelding. He was bred by Sherwood Bryant and is owned and trained by Mike Jones, Jr. He has five wins from eight starts and earnings of $124,573.