Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks September 8, 2023
Nick Hahn- September 8, 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
Once more into the breach with a Pick 3. CALL IT— RACE 5, $1 Pick 3, 2,3,4,5,6 with 2,8 with 3,5 (Costs $20).
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!
| 1st Race | ||
| 10 | PARQUETRY | Neat 2 miles for those that previously raced over jumps at Colonial this summer. Winner will be rewarded. |
| 8 | I AM FORTUNATA | |
| 11 | RIPTIDE ROCK | |
| 2nd Race | ||
| 6 | LOU ANNA | On dirt. I can see Alonso #1 on the lead but can he hold it with Ashton #6 experienced speedster shortening. |
| 2 | BETSYLICIOUS | |
| 1 | POLA OF TROUBLE | |
| 3rd Race | ||
| 1 | SPURS UP | Ashton #1 on back-to-back morning line favorites on dirt. Who would have ever thought coming from England? |
| 2 | KITTEN’S CLOWN | |
| 5 | OVER THE BORDER | |
| 4th Race | ||
| 5 | VALIANT VINNY | Seems to be one of those spots where Neusch’s horse #5 can rise up and win, especially if Rebel Posse is not sharp. |
| 10 | REBEL POSSE | |
| 3 | KINGPIN | |
| 5th Race | ||
| 3 | ABSTRACT MOMENT | Woodberry’s four-year-old #3 a different horse than as a three-year-old. Ran big in a deep field in early August. |
| 5 | MOLLIE TAPPER | |
| 6 | RUN AROUND SLEW | |
| 6th Race | ||
| 8 | ULTIMATE MISSION | Rider Colby Hernandez #8 starting to collect wins in bunches aboard a four-year-old. Virginia having a good week at CNL. |
| 2 | GIRVINIZED | |
| 3 | CARMEL SUNRISE | |
| 7th Race | ||
| 3 | BELTANE | Good spot for Beltane against Virginia restricted for Aguirre who nearly gets a month to get ready. |
| 5 | YAHMO | |
| 6 | FONDRE | |
| 8th Race | ||
| 1 | SHASTA STAR | Kleasaris and Karamonos, at it again with eight-year-old #1 looking for her fourth straight win at three tracks. |
| 5 | THREATLEVELMIDNITE | |
| 11 | TRANSLATE | |
| 9th Race | ||
| 7 | LORD OF MISCHIEF | Not sure Munoz’s sophomore #7 ran as poorly as PPs indicate in first two dirt starts. Gets turf and a price now. |
| 2 | FAST BOAT TO SKYE | |
| 4 | DITHER | |
| 10th Race | ||
| 6 | IGNITED | Trombetta six-year-old #6 has been near at different venues and surfaces but gets first Colonial start. |
| 4 | PICO D’ORO | |
| 1 | TAPIT BRIO | |
| 11th Race – STEEPLECHASE | ||
| 5 | LUDICROUS MODE | Still a long way from the last jump to the wire, favoring those who can move into margins. |
| 6 | OSCAR WINNER | |
| 4 | SEISMIC WAVE | |
| 12th Race – STEEPLECHASE | ||
| 2 | REASSURED | Preakness starter Risk Taking (8th, 2021) gets second chance over jumps, but on the inside of him is steady performer. |
| 3 | RISK TAKING | |
| 8 | AUCTION KINGDOM | |
| 13th Race – $100,000 LIFE’S ILLUSION STEEPLECHASE | ||
| 2 | BERCASA | A little fresher is Bercasa who outraced several here in different venues. |
| 1 | CAINUDOTHETWIST | |
| 6 | BOURBON DIVERSION | |
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
- None
VERSATILE VIRGINIA DERBY — The eleven horses drawn for the Virginia Derby are certainly a diverse crew to conclude the meet.
From first start winner (Integration) to one-time winner (Laurel Valley). From undefeated invader (Program Trading) to hometown hero (Gigante). From Saratoga, Monmouth, Laurel, Delaware and Indiana Grand to Colonial. From Shug, Todd, Christophe, Chad, Graham, Brad, Steve and Michael. A suitable way to conclude a fantastic meet.
BAND OR BRED? Is it the name of a horse? Or the name of a band?
Today it’s… Deep Enough: Band or bred?
Last out: The Wonder Years is an American rock band playing the National in Richmond on September 13.
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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