Region’s Best

FIRST STAR: MUAD’DIB. West Virginia-bred stars clashed in an allowance event Saturday, in a prep for the upcoming stakes season. Two-time Sam Huff West Virginia Breeders’ Classic champion Muad’dib improved to 2-for-2 on the year and 16-for-22 lifetime with a half-length victory. He rated well off the pace early on, while Social Chic and Remys Showtime ran away and opened up a big margin on the others. As they rounded the far turn of the 6 1/2-furlong contest, Abnel Bocachica asked the 7-year-old gelding for run, and he responded in kind. He took control over Social Chic late and held on for the victory, going the distance on a track labeled “fast” but taking on moisture in 1:20.47. Bred by John McKee, he’s owned by David Raim, trained by Jeff Runco, and ridden by Arnaldo Bocachica.

SECOND STAR: DONTMESAWITHME. Thursday’s feature at Charles Town was an open allowance at 6 1/2 furlongs. Laurel Park shippers Classier and Brother Conway dominated the betting, going off at 2-5 and 2-1, respectively, in the five-horse field. Classier showed little and ended up third, while 11-1 longshot Dontmesawithme pressed Brother Conway on the lead throughout and wore him down late to win by a a neck, covering the distance in 1:18.16 in the process. It was his first win in more than two years, with his previous victory coming in the 2022 Harrison Johnson Memorial Stakes at Laurel, and his eighth lifetime victory in 40 starts. J.D. Acosta was aboard for owners Stephen and Debbie Jackson and trainer Flint Stites.

THIRD STAR: MAGGIE’S GIRL. A six-time winner in her 3-year-old season last year, Maggie’s Girl kept her momentum going Friday at Charles Town, with an impressive win in an allowance dash. Sent off as the 1-2 chalk in the seven-horse field, she rated off early leader She’s a Lullaby, then made her move on the turn and kicked away to win by 2 3/4 lengths while being kept to task by Larry Reynolds. The victory improved her career record to 7-1-1 from nine starts, with earnings of $144,237. She’s a homebred for trainer Tim Grams and Judy Grams.

Laurel Park

FIRST STAR: ARMANDO R. This hard-trying closer came from last to win a second-level race Saturday, for his first win in almost a year.

SECOND STAR: ALWAYS LAUGHING. Set the pace and held on to win a second-level contest for fillies and mares one race later Saturday.

THIRD STARS: JAIME RODRIGUEZ. Capped off a dominant winter meet with a three-win afternoon Friday; added another victory Saturday for good measure.

Charles Town Races

FIRST STAR: MUAD’DIB. West Virginia-bred veteran still has it at age 7.

SECOND STAR: DONTMESAWITHME. Got the right trip and used it to find his way to the winner’s circle.

THIRD STAR: MAGGIE’S GIRL. Will this filly use last week’s win as a springboard to a stakes breakthrough in 2024?

Parx Racing

FIRST STAR: PISTOL LIZ ABLAZEN. Stepped up to second-level company from the claiming ranks on Tuesday and handled the test, getting up in the last jump to win for her second straight victory.

SECOND STAR: KEITHSENDSHELLOOOO. Came up the rail to win a first-level sprint Wednesday.

THIRD STARS: JAMIE NESS AND MYCHEL SANCHEZ. Both of them turned a hat trick last week: Ness on Tuesday, Sanchez on Wednesday.