At Pimlico yesterday, Grade 3 Virginia Oaks winner Nellie Cashman made her return to the races for trainer Tres Abbott.  It was the first start since November for the daughter of Mineshaft, whose three year-old season also included a win (but disqualification to third) in the Grade 3 Lake Placid and a second-place effort in the Grade 3 Valley View.  Yesterday, facing a salty group of older fillies and mares going a mile on the turf, she moved to third place, within three of the leader, at the quarter pole before emptying out late to finish fifth.  Larry Murray trainee Nashly’s Vow sped to the lead when the gates opened and never looked back, winning by four…

In other Old Hilltop news, Wesley Ward took his second baby race of the season, as Bessie’s Boy prompted the early pace before taking over late to win the 4 1/2 furlong test for two year-olds…

Five races later, a horse in a very different moment in his career — Handsup Moneydown — won for the seventh time in his career.  The five year-old gelded son of Sharp Humor has now won four straight and six of seven.  He is one of four horses tied for the national lead with five wins in 2014…

Two weeks ago, Satyricon finished seventh, beaten 14 lengths at the maiden claiming $7,500 level.  So bettors at Charles Town were not overwhelmed by his presence in a maiden event yesterday, one level down the ladder.  But the Jeff Runco trainee had big ideas.  Sent off as the third favorite at 4.90-1, the son of Ready’s Image came out running, took some early pressure, and then drew off decisively to win by 14 lengths under rider Jose Montano.  It was the third win on the card for both Montano and Runco.  Montano leads the Charles Town jockey colony by wins, and Runco is the top trainer at the track by wins…

When William Otero piloted Cover of Darkness to a win in the fifth yesterday at Penn National, a maiden special weight for Pennsylvania-breds, it was his second win of the day and put him atop the track’s riders with 34 wins in 2014.  But David Cora won the very next race, on Smoken Legacy, to draw even.  Those two have a three-win lead over Dana Whitney…