Saturday’s Original Gold Stakes at Charles Town brings together a deep and competitive field of West Virginia-bred fillies and mares, three years old and up, battling over seven furlongs for a $75,000 purse. Named in honor of a mare campaigned by trainer Ronney Brown, the race annually showcases the best of the state-bred distaff division. This year’s edition is no exception, with a strong mix of proven stakes winners, up-and-comers, and horses with scores to settle.

Topping the list of contenders is Maggie’s Girl (3-1), trained by Tim Grams and set to be ridden by Larry Reynolds. A two-time stakes winner in 2024, she’s a model of consistency with 11 wins in 17 starts and earnings north of $270,000. Most notably, she has never finished worse than third in six career tries at the seven-furlong distance. After a winter layoff, she returns fresh and poised to defend her turf as one of the top older mares in the region.

Not far behind is Mendy’s Honey (7-2), trained by Anthony Farrior and piloted by Arnaldo Bocachica. The four-year-old daughter of Mendelssohn has won five of seven career starts and enters off a sharp allowance score at Colonial Downs. Though she has yet to notch a stakes win, she’s done little wrong to this point and appears ready to take the next step in her career. Her connections are high-percentage and know how to spot a horse—this could be her coming-out party.

Also entering with strong momentum is Moonlit Kiss (8-1), another runner from the Tim Grams barn and set to be ridden by Christian Hiraldo. A winner of six of her 11 starts, she comes in riding a two-race win streak and has shown versatility in her running style. With Grams sending out both Maggie’s Girl and Moonlit Kiss, he could have a powerful one-two punch in this year’s running.

Last year’s winner, Lightnin Runner (5-1), is back to defend her crown. She’s trained by Ronney Brown, for whom this race holds special meaning—it’s named after his top mare, Original Gold. With 10 career victories and over $270,000 in earnings, she remains a formidable presence. She’ll break from the rail under jockey Orlando Bocachica and enters off a confidence-boosting allowance win just two weeks ago.

Making her seasonal debut is Juba’s Parade (4-1), trained by Kristy Petty and to be ridden by Antonio Lopez. She hasn’t raced since taking the My Sister Pearl Stakes back in November but owns seven wins and over $220,000 in earnings. If she’s sharp off the bench, her back class and proven route ability make her a serious player.

Rounding out the field are Still Grumpy (15-1), Ran Out of Trainer (12-1), Shewonttalktome (12-1), Somesugarnspice (15-1), and Xanthe (15-1). There are also four on the also-eligible list: Runaway Beauty (20-1), Jubaslilballerina (15-1), Look Ahead (20-1), and The Sky Is Falling (20-1).

The Original Gold is the seventh on an eight-race program. Post time for the card is 7:00 p.m.