Xcellent Start Archives • The Racing Biz

CT: It’s all about the finish for Xcellent Start

Ted Black / 8 months

5 min read

Claimed earlier this year, the inaptly named, late-running Xcellent Start may be nearing a return to stakes company for trainer Wade Sanderson.

WVBC: Seeking clarity in 2yo stakes

Ted Black / 3 years

5 min read

Saturday’s juvenile West Virginia Breeders’ Classics (WVBC) 2yo stakes could bring some clarity to a division in which upsets have been the norm.

Charles Town Races
Henry Mercer S.
Jeff Runco
Rachel's Turn S.
Sail On Breeze
West Virginia horse racing
Xcellent Start

Jeff Runco eyeing 2yo stakes sweep

Frank Vespe / 3 years
3
3 min read

Trainer Jeff Runco will saddle the morning line favorite for both of Saturday’s 2-year-old Charles Town stakes with Xcellent Start and Sail On Breeze.

Laurel Park picks and ponderings: February 21, 2026

Off to the Races Radio lineup for February 21

CT: Maggie’s Girl tops allowance feature

Laurel Park picks and ponderings: February 20, 2026

LRL: Stakes contenders sport near-opposite resumes

PODCAST: Maryland Racing Today, Feb. 19

CT: It’s all about the finish for Xcellent Start

WVBC: Seeking clarity in 2yo stakes

Jeff Runco eyeing 2yo stakes sweep

Off to the Races Radio lineup.

CT: Maggie’s Girl tops allowance feature

LRL: Stakes contenders sport near-opposite resumes

PODCAST: Maryland Racing Today, Feb. 19

Is Maryland racing in “best place”.

LRL: Passage East “miraculous” in winning.