The spotlight will be on C’Mon Eileen when a field of eight West Virginia-bred 2-year-old fillies lines up for Friday night’s $75,000 John McKee Memorial Stakes at Charles Town Races. Run at 4 ½ furlongs, the dash honors the memory of longtime West Virginia horseman John McKee.

Trained by Brittany Russell, C’Mon Eileen (4-5) turned heads in her career debut last month at Colonial Downs, pressing the pace before drawing off to an emphatic victory by nearly 10 lengths in a $70,000 maiden event. She earned a lofty 91 Brisnet Speed figure, the fastest last-out number in the field, and now returns against statebred rivals with leading jockey Arnaldo Bocachica aboard.

Her chief challengers include a trio from the barn of Anthony Farrior. Blames Honey (5-1) graduated at first asking at Charles Town in July and most recently tried deeper waters in Delaware’s Blue Hen Stakes. She should appreciate the cutback to 4 ½ furlongs. Stablemate Mitoleisdynamite (12-1), a daughter of Mitole, exits a maiden claiming score at Timonium and brings speed to the table.

Another to watch is Edy’s Flame (9-2), who scored on debut at Charles Town in June, circling the field with a wide rally. She hasn’t been seen since but has trained smartly for her return. Truth and Justice (6-1), representing John McKee’s widow Cynthia McKee, comes off a sharp maiden victory here in August. The gray daughter of Fiber Sonde should be part of the early pace picture.

Spotlight Girl (10-1) has been busy, making six starts already, including a maiden win at Colonial on turf earlier this month. She has back experience at Charles Town but will need to step forward against this group.

The longshots Malibu Candy (50-1) and Rita the Redhead (50-1), both winless in one start, will need major improvement to contend.