Hard Astray never threatened in romp at el cheapo Mountaineer ‘Casino’

As the field hit the first quarter in :23.97 in the second race at Mountaineer yesterday, Hard Astray was on the lead, in front by three lengths. That’s the closest anybody got to the 5-year-0ld Gone Astray gelding in the race at one mile, originally scheduled for the turf.

Hard Astray, with Ajhari Williams up, increased his advantage to five lengths after a half in :47.40, had four lengths after three quarters in 1:12.68, seven lengths in the stretch, and 5 3/4 at the wire. The gelding bred by JDAB Stables kicked off his career in South Florida and won once in seven starts. At Mountaineer, he’s won three of his last four and five of his last seven.

Despite the West Virginia track sporting the name “Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort,” the casino obviously doesn’t contribute much to the purse structure. Hard Astray earned just $6,380, less than what many runners-up collect via Gulfstream’s casino. The gelding owned and trained by Yendri Pena is now 6-2-0 in 18 starts with a disappointing bank account of $44,564.