by Nick Hahn
Nick’s Notes
The Colonial Turf Cup could be a war. The field includes Air Support, Atigun and Swift Warrior, General Logan and Roadhog, all with strengths and liabilities. Before the battle, the three undercard stakes races that form the All Stakes Pick 4 are assured to provide plenty of action. Here’s what to look for:
Everybody was in a fog on Colonial’s opening night, but it might be “Clare Skies Ahead” for Turf Cup night. Photo by Nick Hahn.
The All Along is named after Edward P. Evans, but Graham Motion owns this race. Motion has won 6 of the 14 runnings of the All Along since it’s been run at Colonial Downs, including twice with Film Maker (not in consecutive years). He’s handing Appealing Cat’s reins to Edgar Prado Saturday evening. Clare Skies Ahead, last year’s runner up is back, as well as Susan Cooney’s Embarr, undefeated in three Colonial starts. Todd Pletcher and James Scatuorchio have entered English Channel-sired Channel Lady. English Channel swept Colonial’s “twin turf” in 2005.
Action Andy wants another Da Hoss win to add to his 2011 effort, but he will have to face Todd Pletcher’s Hudson Steele and Motion’s Hoofit. Action Andy’s blitzy runs have become legendary at Colonial. Just prior to the Da Hoss in the Old Nelson, Saintly Love looks for his 5th straight win.
Weather for the Colonial Turf Cup should be fabulous. In the heat of the day when the first race posts at 5:00 pm, temperatures are expected to be 85 degrees and then drop as evening approaches.
Nick’s Picks
| RACE 1 | ||
| 1 | WINNING QUEST | McClure passed up a Thursday start to run here versus a filly that closed well in last start, “Magic”. |
| 2 | WATCH THE MAGIC | |
| 8 | PALM SUNDAY | |
| RACE 2 | ||
| 1 | HIGHSTAR | McManigell was sorry to see scratch last weekend but ready to ride here. Franklin mare capable. |
| 6 | MORADA CHOICE | |
| 4 | LADY ARTEMIS | |
| RACE 3 | ||
| 10 | EDGE OF GLORY | McMahon’s colt sunk in the soggy opening night turf but may relish firmer going. “Cat” drops and gets “K”. |
| 3 | CONCRETE CAT | |
| 1 | COUSIN BRUCY | |
| RACE 4 | ||
| 1 | SECRET SIGNAL | Look for a better result for Allen’s “Rose”, troubled on the off turf in 1st CNL start. Boniface filly relishes turf. |
| 11 | VIRGINIA ROSE | |
| 3 | ATTENTION | |
| RACE 5 | ||
| 7 | NUIT DE CHANCE | PTK’s 10-yr old CNL veteran won 3 races last year, but didn’t race at CNL where he’s had success. |
| 4 | ARTIE’S PARTY | |
| 2 | INSPEIGHT | |
| RACE 6 | ||
| 13 | LIKE MAGIC | Monterrey aboard a longshot for Jenkins tries the longer distance on firmer going. Chalk won’t play out here. |
| 2 | SIR GUS | |
| 7 | MARQ YOUR BIBLE | |
| RACE 7 | ||
| 3 | PERSNICKITY | Facing a tough couple, Ham’s filly needs a good start & same ending kick. “Lover’s” loves Virginia. |
| 1 | A LOVER’S QUESTION | |
| 8 | REWARDING MOMENT | |
| RACE 8 | ||
| 2 | ARKLE PARK | Several here already have CNL starts with Russell riding best on McMahon’s colt. Godsey back again. |
| 6 | GRAND VIZIER | |
| 5 | BIG RUSH | |
| RACE 9 | ||
| 6 | CLASS BOPPER | Bopper the Hooper back at Colonial. Utilitarian once won the “Zeke”. Compatriot drops in turf return. |
| 9 | COMPATRIOT | |
| 4 | FLYINGTOBECHILDERS | |
| RACE 10 | ||
| 2 | FROGTOWN | “Dyno” makes his 3rd CNL start this summer. Frogtown shortens to a mile. More turf for Coopertown. |
| 1 | COOPERSTOWN | |
| 13 | COMPLETE DYNO | |
