Hard Astray coasts at Mountaineer; has won 4 of his last 5

In his first four career starts at two and three, Hard Astray didn’t show much. After his convincing wire-to-wire victory at Mountaineer Park yesterday, the 5-year-old Gone Astray gelding is 5-2-0 in 12 starts since, with a two-race winning streak and four victories in his last five dating back to November.

Ajhari Williams was aboard for yesterday’s laugher, which came off the grass and went at one mile over a muddy track. Hard Astray shot to the lead, was in front by three lengths after a half mile, four lengths at the end of three quarters, and seven lengths as he cruised down the stretch. The final margin was 8 1/4 lengths in a time of 1:39.22, and was worth $10.20 at the mutuel windows. The gelding bred by JDAB Stables now has earnings of $37,474.