Virginia Derby Day

 Off we go to Virginia to look in on another Kentucky Derby points race.

Colonial Downs Race 9 {Virginia Derby~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Stakes}

A talented field of ten will enter the gate as some these Derby prep races get longer.

Past Performances used:  DRF Formulator.

Only one of these entrants have gone this distance. All we be racing over the the Colonial track for the first time. Only one will be testing the dirt for the first time. There is sufficient speed to produce a fast pace. Speed figs are fairly close as these lads continue to improve on their racing journey. It should be another exciting prep race on the road to the Kentucky Derby.

#1 Buetane (Prat / Baffert) is the deserved favorite with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and three strong peaking workouts. This lad comes in from Oaklawn Park and should track the pace closely. He is expected to take another step forward. A son of Tiz the Law, he is 100% in the money from four starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#5 High Camp (J. Velazquez / Walden) will be stretching out from a seven-furlong contest down at Gulfstream Park. Three superb workouts add to his arsenal. He is another that should track the pace closely. A son of Instagrad, he is 100% in the money from two starts. 

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#7 Incredibolt (J. Torres / R. Mott) drops down from a grade three contest at Gulfstream. Look for him to be part of the tracker pack setting up for a gallant stretch run. This guy has put in four consistent workouts in the last thirty days. A son of Bolt d'Oro, he has a 50%-win rate from four starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#6 Lockstocknpharoah (E. Morelos / Drury) will be making the surface switch from Synthetic to dirt but should handle it well. He should show speed. This guy will be looking for his third win in a row. A son of American Pharoah, he holds a win rate of 100% from two starts.

#2 Grittiness (Maragh / Pletcher) is the only entrant that has gone this distance. He should be part of the tracker pack. This guy achieved an o.k. last out speed number while racing up at Aqueduct. Three hearty workouts add to his cause. A son of Curlin, he is 40% in the money from five starts.

#8 Confessional (Leparoux / B. Cox) comes in from Tampa Bay Downs where he raced at a slightly less route distance. He has put in three strong workouts readying for this contest. Expect him to track the pace closely. A son of Essential Quality, he is 66% in the money from three starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#1 Buetane  ///  #5 High Camp,  #7 Incredibolt,  #6 Lockstocknpharoah,  #2 Grittiness,  #8 Confessional.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#5,  #7,  #6,  #2,  #8  ///  #1 Buetane.

Best of luck with all of your Stakes Saturday plays!!!