by Nick Hahn
Nick’s Picks returns for the second half of the Colonial meet. Tonight’s winners…
| RACE 1 | ||
| 4 | POLLY’S PRIDE | I don’t know where you may be at the time, but if “Polly” gets it done, I’m sure you’ll hear about it. |
| 2 | COBBLEY’S FURY | |
| 6 | SUBTLE DEMEANOR | |
| RACE 2 | ||
| 3 | TRAPPIST MONK | Ladybug gets the mount on gelding sired by Horse of the year St. Liam. Ran well in last turf start. |
| 5 | TEQUILA RULES | |
| 8 | FIVE STAR PRINCE | |
| RACE 3 | ||
| 3 | LOVE THOSE BOOTS | Perez gets the best out of Bailes’ colt. “Goldmine” runs at his best at CNL. Can’t count out Karamanos. |
| 4 | HESAGOLDMINE | |
| 2 | AGONISTIC | |
| RACE 4 | ||
| 7 | MARRIAGE FEVER | PTK colt out of Andrea’s Pic, she was a solid CNL performer. Smith’s prefer’s this spot for “Fever”. |
| 1 | MEANT EVERY TEAR | |
| 6 | TETON JACKSON | |
| RACE 5 | ||
| 2 | CRIMSON COMIC | With Colonial’s best riders aboard, 2 veterans square off. In last, Russell nearly got it done in 1st CNL start. |
| 8 | VENTURE CAPITAL | |
| 6 | FIVE FOR LOVE | |
| RACE 6 | ||
| 4 | LEDA’S SWAN | Three here have wins in their last starts, including 2 at Colonial. KDG returns Cobbley’s for 1st ’13 start. |
| 7 | LION DOWN BY ME | |
| 1 | COBBLEY’S BREEZE | |
| RACE 7 | ||
| 2 | SEA BUBBLE | PTK’s coupled entry capable but looking for value with Jersey shore shipper in 2nd start, 1st on turf. |
| 7 | SOUTHERNBELLESHELL | |
| 3 | BRADY’S NEW CAT | |
| RACE 8 | ||
| 11 | KITTY TWO SOCKS | Small drop for Bailes switching to a ladybug, but hate the post here. KDG looks for more experience. |
| 1 | MEDICINE SHOW | |
| 5 | SWEET HONEY BEE | |
Nick’s Notes
Earlier this week, DRF and Philly sportswriter Dick Jerardi recognized Horacio Karamanos for the 50-1 longshot ride in the Colonial Turf Cup Saturday night. He referred back to the 2007 Virginia Derby many Colonial followers remember well. In fact, the 2007 Virginia Derby was the last stakes race at Colonial we broadcasted live on ESPN 950, WXGI and we blew several commercial breaks waiting for the result of the race. Red Giant at 37-1 prevailed in a photo finish, enhancing “Special K’s” never quit approach to riding longshots.
But nearly a decade ago to the day, it was nearly an even money favorite in the Da Hoss Stakes that first caught my eye to Karamanos’ riding talents. Winning Colonial Turf Cup trainer Lawrence Murray also remembers that race referring it on the winner’s platform Saturday night. When Tam’s Terms stumbled out of the gate and clipped heels with Union One, Karamanos was out of his irons and basically rode Murray’s mount “hobby horse” for the first half furlong. Nearly at a full stop while the field moved into the first turn, Karamanos gathered his feet and dashed toward field looking to make an impact in the race. Calculating the official chart, Tam’s Terms was only 8 lengths behind after the first quarter, but earlier in the race, it had to be at least double the margin. Karamanos won the 2003 Da Hoss aboard Tam’s Terms for Sondra Bender by a length. I tried to find video of the race on-line with no success. The Colonial archives are next.
