Region’s Best

FIRST STAR: IM THE DIRECTOR. Charles Town held their final stakes race of the season, the West Virginia Futurity, on Saturday. Im the Director, the 1-2 favorite in the five-horse field, got involved in an early speed duel, battling in the two-path with John’s Notion. Although he eventually shook off that rival, he quickly encountered a fresh challenge in the form of Bail Is Denied. Those two raced towards the wire together, but Im the Director’s heart and class prevailed, and he crossed the wire a neck in front. A claim of foul lodged against him was disallowed. This is Im the Director’s second official victory in eight starts [he was also disqualified from a third win] with career earnings of 116,551. He’s owned by trainer Cyndy McKee’s Beau Ridge Farm [and is by her stallion Redirect] and was ridden by Marshall Mendez.

SECOND STAR: IRISH EXIT. Parx’s feature race on Wednesday was an extremely competitive second-level race at a mile and 70 yards. Five of the seven horses in the field went off between 3-1 and 5-1 [inclusive]. Irish Exit, returning to his home base after two disappointing tries at Aqueduct, lasted through early pace pressure and drew away to win by 2 1/2 lengths. He’s now won three times on the year in six starts, and has hit the board in his last six races at Parx. Ruben Silvera was in the saddle for trainer Jamie Ness, who co-owns with Madison Avenue Racing Stable Inc.

THIRD STAR: RUBEN SILVERA. Irish Exit was one of four winners for Silvera on Wednesday’s card. He started his day with a win, capturing race 1 with Khozy Colby for trainer Daniel Velazquez. After four defeats, he got back into the winner’s circle in race 7, as he rode Angel Sanchez-Pinero trainee Kakao. He completed the hattrick on Irish Exit, then wrapped up the grand slam in race 10 with Nifty, also trained by Ness. Silvera sits in ninth place heading into the latest racing week at Parx, with 50 wins in 337 mounts.

Laurel Park

Racing at Laurel Park this week was cancelled due to track maintenance issues.

Charles Town Races

FIRST STAR: IM THE DIRECTOR. Showed as much class as you’ll ever see out of a 2-year-old with a determined West Virginia Futurity win.

SECOND STAR: TIM GRAMS. Sent out three winners from four starters on the Saurday program.

THIRD STAR: MAGGIE’S GIRL. One of Grams’s winners was with this multiple stakes-winning filly, who captured an open allowance contest in gate-to-wire style as the 1-5 choice.

Parx Racing

FIRST STAR: IRISH EXIT. A trip back home was just what he needed to return to the winner’s circle.

SECOND STAR: RUBEN SILVERA. Enjoyed a huge day on Wednesday to cap his week at Parx.

THIRD STAR: JAMIE NESS. Saddled three winners on Tuesday, and six winners on the week.