Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks July 20, 2023
Nick Hahn- July 20, 2023
Nick’s Picks is back with Colonial Downs picks and analysis during the 2022 live meeting.
As he has done every year since Colonial Downs opened — all the way back in 1997 — Nick Hahn will share his picks and analysis, plus news and notes and opinions on the Colonial meet. There is no better guide to racing in New Kent than Nick Hahn!
This year’s Colonial Downs meet will feature some things that are new and some that are familiar. Familiar trainer faces include Colonial regulars Graham Motion, Karen Godsey, Kelsey Danner, Mike Tomlinson and Mike Trombetta, along with multiple leading trainer Michael Stidham.
On the jockey side, look for defending champion Jevian Toledo, who is looking forward to a busy summer in New Kent; Colonial’s all-time leading jockey Horacio Karamanos; Antonio Gallardo, a perennial top rider at Tampa Bay Downs in the winter months; Adam Beschizza; and Joe Rocco, Jr.
Nick’s Picks Play of the Day
A classical wager from a classical handicapper who aims for the Daily Double to start the day. CALL IT—Race 1, $2 Daily Double, 5,6 with 2,5 (Costs $8).
CHECK OUT THE LATEST OFF TO THE RACES RADIO!
RACE 1
| 5 | LIGHTNING LAD | Veteran Lightning Lad is putting it together, better with each turf start. Can measure his kick at 1&1/16th? |
| 6 | VILLAGE PREACHER | |
| 3 | I’LLSMILEAGAIN |
RACE 2
| 2 | SWOT ANALYSIS | On the dirt, Casse horse #2 dangerous speedster but Swill, only one not up for claim, will press. |
| 5 | SWILL | |
| 4 | GALAXY MUSIC |
RACE 3
| 6 | MAKE ‘EM TAP | Carares pair in good spots here but which one, breeding or class? Gallardo (#6) may make difference. |
| 7 | ENSIGN SKIP | |
| 2 | DEAR SANTA |
RACE 4
| 6 | NAA DUDETTE | Reigning Virginia Oaks-winning trainer Falcone will need best stride late versus Allen veteran. |
| 5 | SHE’S LIKE THUNDER | |
| 1 | KOBE’S SMILE |
RACE 5
| 9 | WHENIGETTOHEAVEN | June 11 at Laurel a key race. Should Garcia mount #9 not open in 21.56 this time, expect better result. |
| 11 | PUTIN ONLINE | |
| 10 | PRACTICAL SENSE |
RACE 6
| 5 | GLIDER | Perhaps toughest to handicap of the meet so far but Casse has talented young players with recent wins. |
| 4 | SHADOW SPHINX | |
| 11 | WIN FOR THE MONEY |
RACE 7
| 4 | CLASS WIZARD | Should be enough speed in the race for turf closers to kick in. Edge to Carrasco mount #4 who won at CNL last year. |
| 7 | MY BOY BLUE | |
| 5 | GOLD BARON |
RACE 8
| 8 | GLOBAL SENSATION | What worked for Copazo in Tampa didn’t work in Delaware, so edge to elder Ross/Stidham also dropping. |
| 7 | COPAZO | |
| 9 | FINGAL |
RACE 9
| 5 | LOU ANNA | Trombetta filly #3 has fantastic Fair Hill breeze as did Motion #2, but like the first race of McCutchen’s Lou Anna. |
| 3 | VICTORY BADGE | |
| 2 | MEMORIALIZE |
NICKS’ NOTES
HEADING TO THE TRACK? Print a PDF of Nick’s Picks so you’re ready to make some money.
TODAY’S CARRYOVERS
- None
CAPENSIS RETIRED—Last year’s Virginia Derby winner Capensis (taken from the Latin word for “from the Cape”) was retired this week and will soon stand in Argentina as spring approaches the southern hemisphere.
The Virginia Derby was the last race for Capensis, who had returned to training in late spring. Capensis was the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling sale topper at $2 million. Irad Ortiz, Jr. rode the favored grey colt to a two-length win for trainer Todd Pletcher in New Kent., leaving his career mark at two wins from three starts.
BAND OR BRED? Is it the name of a horse? Or the name of a band?
Today it’s… Bop: Band or bred?
Saturday: Carbon Leaf is a Virginia-based band whose music usually introduces Darrell Wood on “Off to the Races.”
LISTEN UP! Off to the Races Radio is on every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m.! You can find it:
- On ESPN Richmond (106.1 FM) for a two-hour program each Saturday during the Colonial meet and one hour thereafter straight through Breeders’ Cup!
- On ESPN Harrisonburg (106.9 FM and 1360 AM) for one hour each Saturday covering the Colonial Downs Thoroughbred meet and the Shenandoah Downs harness meet!
- On Baltimore Positive (1570 AM) every Saturday morning straight through Breeders’ Cup!
YOUNG FOGIE: Former Jockey Ryan Fogelsonger joins Off to the Races-Virginia at 10:30 a.m. each Saturday! He was the 2002 Eclipse Award winner as outstanding apprentice rider.
NICK’S PIC OF THE DAY
LATEST NEWS
