Heading into the $500,000 Grade III West Virginia Derby, trainer Brad Cox said the connections were hoping to see Dragoon Guard get more experience and take another step forward. The 3-year-old Arrogate colt met those expectations at Mountaineer Casino, Resort & Races the evening of Aug. 4.

The Juddmonte Farms’ homebred built upon a gate-to-wire victory in the Grade III Indiana Derby in his previous start July 6 with another front-end score in his first attempt at the 1 1/8-mile distance. He faced little pressure turning for home from Society Man, who was in contention throughout and held well for third, and Dimatic, who rallied from fourth to finish second, 2 ¾ lengths behind the winner.

Henro was an even fourth, followed by Agate Road and McQueen in the six-horse Derby field.

The final time was 1:49.96 on a track rated fast. Dragoon Guard, the heavy favorite, returned $3.40 to win.

“It was a solid performance,” said Cox, who won his first West Virginia Derby. “He took another step forward, and we’re very proud of him. We’re not sure about the future schedule for him. We’ll have to discuss that with the owner.”

Florent Geroux has ridden Dragoon Guard in all five of races, in which the colt has taken forward steps in his development. The jockey indicated the West Virginia Derby represented more progress.

“The plan was very simple: Go straight to the lead,” Geroux said. “When I did ask him, he had plenty to give. He lost his first race but the last four were nice wins. So far, he has been very good, and this was one encouraging.”

Dragoon Guard is now four-for-four in 2024 after finishing second, beaten a neck, in his career debut as a 2-year-old last September at Churchill Downs. His earnings now stand at $625,860.