Week one is in the books for Colonial Downs return to racing and it seems as though it was a successful return to the commonwealth. I had a really solid week one last Friday hitting both pick 4’s so I’ll try to keep the train rolling this week. You can follow me on twitter
@stonerhole Best Bet Race 6 #1 BoondoggleLongshot Play Race 8 #2 Kissthatbabygoodby
Race 1 9-10-7
#9 Gone Skiing just missed at this level last time out at Delaware Park and speed figures have been consistent recently. She has faced better at Gulfstream in her career. #10 Miss Antonella ships in from Gulfstream and drops to lowest level of her career. Throw the last race in the slop out and she should be right there at the end of this race. #7 Slug and Jockey just missed at Mountaineer last out at a higher level. This was the first time in a long time she got the turf and not a sloppy track, must be respected at a price.
Pick 4 Play for .50 cents 1/1A(only)4,5,6/3,8,10,12/6,9=$16
Race 2 1
#1 Succeed Quietly broke his maiden last time out at Parx in good fashion. Abner Adorno comes into ride which is always a positive sign. Anything close to last race should easily defeat this group.The rest of this field is a combined 6-138 and if they beat my top choice I’ll tip my hat and move on to the late pick 4.
Race 3 5-6-1A
#5 Kitty Zip drops from a 40K MSW at Laurel where she ran very respectfully to today claiming level. She’s 3rd off the layoff and McMahon is 18% with these types of runners. Speed figures have also been increasing. #6 My Sweet Paynter completely throw out that last race at Charles Town and her 2 previous races fit with this group. She should be closing late. #1A Domestic Violet takes a slight drop in class and returns to the turf and 3 seconds in a row on dirt at Prairie Meadows. Must be respected.
Race 4 8-10-12
#8 Blue Danube returns to the level where he finished 2nd 2 back at Laurel at this distance. Should set a perfect stalking trip here. #10 Watchmeneighneigh also drops in class and ships in from Laurel. Speed figures have been increasing lately as well. #12 Optical Illusion finished right behind top pick in his last start at Laurel, but 0-13 on the turf makes me a little nervous, but the addition of Russel can’t hurt which is why I included him in the pick 4.
Race 5 6-9-2
#6 Colonel Pike ships in from Churchill and takes a drop in class 1st off the claim for Thomas Vance. Looks like this guy will be tough to beat. #9 Ore Pass ran a solid 4th only beaten a length and a half at Presique Isle last time out closing nicely. All 11 career wins have been on the dirt so the surface change has to help. #2 Manolete has faced and beaten better at Gulfstream in his career but that seems like a lifetime ago. Upset chance on class drop.
Late Pick 4 Play for .50 cents 1,6/1,4,5,13/1,2,4,7,8/4,7=$40
Race 6 1-6-5
#1 Boondoggle finished 6th but was only beaten 4 lengths having traffic problems in last Saturday’s 100k stakes race. Drops to much easier spot tonight and looks to be tough. #6 Dopo Lavoro ran a huge race here last week although at a much lower level. Speed figures has increased in his last 3 starts since returning to the turf. #5 Rhombus broke his maiden in his 9 career start last time out after not showing much early in his career. Maybe the “light bulb” turned on for this guy.
Race 7 5-13-4
#5 Penny Rose ran a solid race here last week and now drops down a level. Speed figures have been consistently increasing lately, and the drop has to help. #13 Janneydancer hasn’t run in almost 2 years to the day but her career races were against tougher then these. I just can’t leave these types of runners off my ticket because you never know if they’re ready. #4 Conquesthardcherry comes into this race 3rd off the lay off for Lilli Kurtinecz who’s 28% with these types of runners. She’s faced better in her career so this drop has to increase her chances.
Race 8 2-8-4
#2 Kissthatbabygoodby drops in class and returns to the turf after some sub-par races at Arlington. He’s had 6 wins(all at this distance) in 18 career turf starts and been in the money 13 of those time. Has certainly faced much better in his career. Should get a solid price. #8 Triple Burner has been close in his last 3 races at much higher levels with increasing speed figures but the fact he’s been a beaten favorite 2 of those 3 races makes me nervous but he must be respected. #4 Bust Another closed a ton late in his last start at Laurel. Takes a slight drop in class here and will be flying late again for sure.
Race 9 7-10-4
#7 Minerunner finally gets on the turf after his first 2 start were washed off at Arlington. Also drops from MSW to Maiden claimers for Stidham who’s 24% with this type of move. Looks tough to beat. #10 Makeanentrance drops in class after 2 ok races on the turf at Laurel. Throw out that race 2 back in the slop at Suffolk and this guy fits here. #4 Leadingman makes his second career turf start and drops in class. Speed figures have increased recently. Upset chance.
Good Luck everyone!!!!!!