Classic opens Charles Town stakes schedule

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Charles Town, WV (Sports Network) - The 2012 Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races stakes season will get underway April 14 with the fourth running of the of the $1 million Charles Town Classic.

The newly crowned Grade III stakes for older thoroughbreds is contested at 1 1/8-miles on Charles Town's six-furlong oval. The stakes has quickly become one of the top races on the national scene.

"The Charles Town Classic was one of the best and most productive races in the handicap division this year," said Director of Racing Operations Erich Zimny. "We're already looking forward to the 2012 edition and putting on another great show for our fans."

This year's race was won by Duke of Mischief over runner-up Game On Dude who had won the Santa Anita Handicap and later in the year would win the Goodwood Handicap and finish second in the Breeders' Cup Classic to Drosselmeyer.