Plenty of contenders in Robert Leavitt

The summer/fall stakes schedule at Charles Town commences Saturday with the Robert G. Leavitt, a two-turn, seven-furlong race for West Virginia-bred 3-year-olds.

The approaching high points on the schedule are the Race for the Ribbon card Sept. 23, which includes seven stakes topped by the Grade 3 Charles Town Oaks, and the West Virginia Breeders’ Classic program on Oct. 14, which consists of nine stakes for statebreds with total purses of $1 million.

The Leavitt has attracted 11 entrants, with Forbidden Topic on the also-eligible list. It is carded as the seventh of eight races and is the second-to-last leg of the new Charles Town 6-12, a 20-cent jackpot pick six wager with a reduced 12 percent takeout.

The Leavitt has drawn a wideopen field and should produce runners for the $75,000 West Virginia Lottery Breeders’ Classic, which will run under the same conditions as the Leavitt. Horses from Saturday’s field also could compete in the $50,000 Frank Gall Memorial, a seven-furlong race Sept. 23, but they would face older rivals.

Aaron’s Tap, Unrideabull, and Hot Mic all ran in the $50,000 Coin Collector, a 4 1/2-furlong West Virginia-bred sprint on the April 22 Charles Town Classic card. Aaron’s Tap came into that race undefeated in two career starts and was sent off as the 2-5 favorite.

Aaron’s Tap and Unrideabull both missed the break in the Coin Collector over a muddy, sealed track. Aaron’s Tap then ran up into a switch along the inside in upper stretch and had to alter course. He finished fifth.

Unrideabull recovered from his poor start and rallied to finish third, beaten only two lengths. Trained by his owner, Michael Sterling, Unrideabull has since come back to win a second-level allowance at 4 1/2 furlongs June 15.

Aaron’s Tap will be making his first start since the Coin Collector for trainer Jeff Runco, who has won the last 11 Charles Town training titles and is well ahead this year. Runco has worked Aaron’s Tap three times since July 18 and said he looks ready for a top effort.

Leading rider Arnaldo Bocachica keeps the mount.

Hot Mic won the Coin Collector at 21-1 for trainer Ollie Figgins III. He took up good early position along the inside and then reeled in the frontrunning filly Cuttin Edge Tech while holding off runner-up Pistolinmypocket by a neck.

Hot Mic is winless in three starts since the Coin Collector.

Abdicate also is a top contender. A winner of his first two starts for trainer Larry Curtis, he never got untracked over a sloppy track in his most recent start.

KEY CONTENDERS

Aaron’s Tap, by Northern Afleet Last 3 Beyers: 36-64-67

◗ This will be his first start beyond 4 1/2 furlongs.

Unrideabull, by Bullsbay Last 3 Beyers: 75-45-47

◗ The 75 Beyer Speed Figure he earned in his June win is by far the highest in the field.

Abdicate, by Windsor Castle Last 3 Beyers: 53-63-56

◗ He will have to overcome post 10. Look for him to track the pace.