Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks August 24, 2023
Nick Hahn- August 24, 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
No go on the double last Saturday but it’s still by far my most successful and favorite bet of the meet. CALL IT—Race 5, $2 Double 9,10 with 2,3 (Cost $8).
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
| 10 | INDEFATIGABLE | First time in a while opening on the turf, Allen claimer #10 rested after solid start versus Sippin Jimmy. |
| 4 | FLY FLY AWAY | |
| 2 | KINGPIN |
RACE 2
| 10 | OLD FASHIONED GIRL | Sharp first start at Colonial for #10 stands out in a field where the rest lost by double-digits in their last start; AEs live if drawing in. |
| 12 | COPPER BOUND | |
| 14 | ONE COOL CHICK |
RACE 3
| 3 | SWOT ANALYSIS | On dirt, rematch of July 20 race sees #3 looking to improve on runner-up effort; Howard’s horse #9 looking for 5th straight on the rise. |
| 4 | STORMY PATTERN | |
| 9 | CHARGE TO VICTORY |
RACE 4
| 6 | DUCKPINS | Bailes well set in VA-restricted race with a pair, including #6 owned by Marshall Dowell’s Estate coming off a win. |
| 3 | SUPREME LAW | |
| 4 | CALMING STORM |
RACE 5
| 9 | SPOOKY SPICE | One of the better races of horse names is led by Stidham class dropper and check getter Ballyhooly. |
| 10 | BALLYHOOLY | |
| 7 | LITTLE NUTTER |
RACE 6
| 2 | GLOBAL SENSATION | Another Stidham class dropper #2 that passed on a weekend race to re-enter here. Danner winner #3 back for more. |
| 3 | LITTE G T | |
| 4 | PRINCE OF PORTLAND |
RACE 7
| 2 | MS. TART | First timer #2 with Gallardo up blitzing the mornings in Grantville and is well-bred. Schoenthal has a competitive pair. |
| 10 | SHORESY | |
| 1 | BEA STREET |
RACE 8
| 7 | LADY JEAN | Though a sprint, an emerging duel may set the table for Allen’s mare to close and finally break through. |
| 3 | SIX FEET APART | |
| 8 | SPEAK YOUR MIND |
RACE 9
| 7 | QUARANTINI | Nagle homebred #7 returns to surface and distance after solid first Colonial start, faces those with more starts. |
| 10 | FORTUNE TELLER | |
| 11 | PASSIONFORQUALITY |
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
RETURNING COMMONWEALTH WINNERS — Nominations are out for Commonwealth Champions day at Colonial Downs on September 2. Past Virginia-restricted winners are well-represented. Among them:
Passion Play (’21 Bert Allen and ‘21 Ed Evans), Determined Kingdom (’23 Punch Line), Embolden (’19 Jamestown and ’20 Punch Line), Boldor (’21 Punch Line and ’22 Meadow Stable), Princess Theorem (’21 Van Clief), Titoschangedmyluck (’22 Keswick), Chambeau (Gilpin/Petty ’22 and ’23), Determined Jester (Rosie’s ’23), Puppymonkeybaby (Gilpin ’21), and Alex Joon (’23 Ed Evans) are past winners nominated.
BAND OR BRED? Is it the name of a horse? Or the name of a band?
Today it’s… Love Sign: Band or bred?
Last out: More Than Looks is a three-year-old colt who won the Grade 3 Manila at Belmont Park in July.
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
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