Maryland BC

Willy O’the Valley made a successful move up Saturday from the claiming ranks (Joseph DiOrio/Horsephotos.com)

IEAH Stables et al’s WILLY O’ THE VALLEY (Will’s Way) surged clear in the
final yards of the $189,000
Maryland Breeders’ Cup H. (G3) Saturday to pick up
his third-consecutive victory and his first for conditioner Richard Dutrow, Jr.
Take Achance on Me (American Chance) opened up the early lead, setting fractions
of :23 1/5 and :45 3/5 before surrendering that command to With Distinction
(Storm Cat). The latter briefly held a slight advantage, but relinquished that to
Willy o’the Valley in the closing stages of the six-furlong contest, who stopped
the timer in 1:09 4/5 under Edgar Prado over a Pimlico track labeled fast.

The four-year-old gelding returned $9.80, $5.60 and $5 at almost 4-1, keying
exotics of $105.80 (exacta) and $691.80 (trifecta). With Distinction followed a
length back to give $8.80 and $6.20 at 9-1, defeating Take Achance on Me by a
neck. The bronze spot paid $5.40 at almost 7-1. Post-time favorite Gators
N Bears (Stormy Atlantic) ended the 8-3-1-6 superfecta ($1) which returned
$849.10.

Always Noble (Suave Prospect), Sir Oscar (Halo’s Image), Excellent Band
(Dixieland Band) and Primary Suspect (Hennessy) rounded out the order of finish.