Duke of Mischief heads Charles Town Classic nominations

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Charles Town, WV (Sports Network) - Duke of Mischief has been nominated to defend his crown in this year's $1 million Charles Town Classic at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. The 1 1/8-mile Classic drew 54 nominations and will be held on April 14.

Trained by David Fawkes, Duke of Mischief won the 2011 Classic by 2 1/4- lengths over Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude. The six-year-old chestnut horse has won seven of 26 career starts for more than $1.7 million.

In two starts this year Duke of Mischief has failed both times to find the winner's circle. He was fourth to Mucho Macho Man in the Sunshine Millions Classic and 11th in the Tampa Bay Stakes behind Roman Tiger.

Others nominated include Ron the Greek, winner of this year's Santa Anita Handicap, Donn Handicap champ Hymn Book and Nates Mineshaft, winner of Sunday's New Orleans Handicap.