Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks August 10, 2023
Nick Hahn- August 10, 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.
Nick’s Picks Play of the Day
Double-digit fields today except for three races that have nine entered. Requires a bigger ask to hit doubles. CALL IT—Race 8, $2 Double 8, 9, 11 with 9, 12 (Costs $12).
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.
CHECK OUT THE LATEST OFF TO THE RACES RADIO!
RACE 1
| 9 | JACK CLOUD | (Dirt) Like first-starters over starters despite class drops of 2yo. Of Allen’s duo, there is a standout #9. |
| 7 | TIZZY INDY | |
| 1 | SWEET SODDY J |
RACE 2
| 6 | STILL TEMPER | (Dirt again, this time fillies) Like the well-bred Stidham trainee. |
| 4 | HIDDEN VASE | |
| 10 | MISSY BOSS |
RACE 3
| 7 | TEMPLET | Of top selections, only Commander Keith #4 remains in after scratches. |
| 8 | SMILE BRYAN | |
| 4 | COMMANDER KEITH |
RACE 4
| 10 | MONCRIEF | Of top selections, only #1 Starstreet still in after scratches. |
| 1 | STARSTREET | |
| 6 | RUDY S. |
RACE 5
| 5 | NINETEENAMENDMENT | Trombetta filly, a contender in last week’s (Chickahominy) race, couldn’t get off AE list. Like better here. |
| 3 | WISE AND ELEGANT | |
| 8 | CHALICE |
RACE 6
| 5 | CRAZY ODDS | Of top selections, only #6 Seize the Breeze remains in after scratches. |
| 6 | SEIZE THE BREEZE | |
| 3 | COSMICALITY |
RACE 7
| 3 | BEACH HOUSE | Top choice Beach House a scratch. |
| 12 | DULCE KIARA | |
| 10 | LILLY SIMONE |
RACE 8
| 9 | PERUVIAN LUCKY | Several here coming off some 20 days rest, poised off of changes in trainer, class, surface and venue. |
| 8 | BY THE SEY SHORE | |
| 11 | REBEL POSSE |
RACE 9
| 9 | SCHMEAR | Opening day effort nearly enough for Tomlinson youngster #9 who really seemed to take to the turf. |
| 12 | BIG BOULDER | |
| 10 | FLEETS BAY |
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
BROKEN RECORD — There are two horses on Saturday’s Arlington Million card, drawn on Wednesday, that set course records at Pimlico on Preakness weekend. Nagirroc reset the course record at a mile in the James Murphy, and Never Explain did so at a mile-and-an-eighth in the G2 Dinner Pary.
Both horses on that weekend were ridden by Flavien Prat. Should they both run back within a tick of those times again, the Colonial Downs records would also be reset.
BAND OR BRED? Is it the name of a horse? Or the name of a band?
Today it’s… Good Shot Judy: Band or bred?
Last out: Nellie Cashman won the Virginia Oaks in 2013 with Forest Boyce aboard for trainer Tres Abott and owner Sycamore Racing, LLC.
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.
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