Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks September 1, 2023
Nick Hahn- September 1, 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
Staying with what’s been profitable. Stay out of trouble with Nick’s double. CALL IT— Race 6, $2 Double 1,2 with 5, 10 (Costs $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
| 2 | ROYAL SPY | On dirt, curious spot to run a Virginia-bred after winning as a favorite, so seeking Albert interest #2. |
| 7 | NAKED AND FAMOUS | |
| 3 | SAN COSTANTINO |
RACE 2
| 8 | KOBE’S SMILE | Boniface filly may have enough experience and just enough class to graduate in this group. |
| 1 | VANA BRIGHT | |
| 5 | SHOPPINGAT BLOOMIES |
RACE 3
| 1 | ERLAN | On dirt, where one here has a recent decent start on Colonial’s firm other surface, that a win for Villalobos. |
| 6 | SUMO | |
| 9 | CHARGING AERO |
RACE 4
| 5 | INTREPID DAYDREAM | On dirt again, an assemblage of six fillies in a $90,000 AOC with no previous Colonial starts. |
| 3 | BRAGANZA | |
| 2 | BENEATH THE STARS |
RACE 5
| 9 | UNCLE ANDREW | Is Indefatigable indefatigable after last week’s win? “Blue” #3 seeks to be first to three wins here, but prefer others. |
| 4 | SLIPPIN JIMMY | |
| 7 | INDEFATIGABLE |
RACE 6
| 2 | NO ONE TO BLAME | Trombetta reseats Rosado aboard Laurel winner in a field where nearly all go an extra furlong. |
| 1 | FLOP SHOT | |
| 6 | SCANNO |
RACE 7
| 5 | ADIOS GARY | Some of the more classier performers here really haven’t seen Colonial turf, opening the door for longer angles. |
| 10 | COVERT KAT | |
| 6 | FREESTANDING |
RACE 8
| 6 | STARLIFTER | Schoenthal and Desormeaux both had a near-miss at a mile in first Colonial start. Not much separates #6 and #2. |
| 2 | DUSTIN THE DIAMOND | |
| 8 | PIRATE RADIO |
RACE 9
| 8 | RENNIE | Veteran maiden just missed in Virginia MSW twice is proven over many here, so threat from class risers. |
| 1 | BATTLE OF BASTOGNE | |
| 3 | CODE NAME |
NICK’S NOTES
HEADING TO THE TRACK? Print a PDF of Nick’s Picks so you’re ready to make some money.
TODAY’S CARRYOVERS
- Pick 6: $439
COLONIAL’S HUGE COMMONWEALTH DRAW — Double-digit field s abound in Colonial’s Commonwealth champions day draw for Saturday, September 2. The ten race card features five Virginia-restricted stakes and is a virtual homecoming of past stakes winners at Colonial Downs.
Six races have over ten entries, many with wins earlier in the meet. Those without wins square off in the maiden races, which have 14, 11 & 12, respectatively. Scratches will happen but Colonial’s Saturday program will be special.
REMINDER: Next week will feature an extra day of racing on Wednesday, September 6th.
BAND OR BRED? Is it the name of a horse? Or the name of a band?
Today it’s… Donate Life: Band or bred?
Last out: Barry Manilow’s Wardrobe is a spoof name for a Williamsburg eighties music band named after the movie reference in The Breakfast Club.
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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