AP Million Stakes

1 1/4 on Turf Grade 1
Purse $1,000.00 For Three Year Olds And Upward
Colonial Downs Racetrack New Kent, VA

-Summer racing in Virginia kicks into high gear on Saturday as Colonial Downs takes center stage hosting the Grade 1 AP Million Stakes. An eight horse field with several handicapping angles to look at will have race fans cheering when the gates open, let’s try and find the right formula. Seven Is Lucky from Mb Stables will take plenty of action at the windows and for good reason. “Lucky” eyeballs win number four in a row and is sent out by one of the countries top barns. He has been right there in all races for quite a while and even with the outside box seat he is simply too sharp to not be feared. he is however winless in two previous tries at this distance, still, he is the horse to beat. American Nightmare from DJC Racing Stables is sharp and fits big here if you throw out his last start out and as long as he gets the fast and firm surface that he wants. At five years old he is improving and looks to be at concert pitch for this, when viewed properly. Penal Hockey Party from Maxmillion Farm needs no introduction to racing fans. The seven year old continues to hit triple digit numbers, but admittedly takes more time between drinks these days. The barn has solid career turf numbers and this guy won this race back in 2023, so you know the distance is no issue. He must still be considered. Dont Ever Try It from Night Rider Stables is the knockout here. Taken for only $5 by the current connections, this guy has never been better and his limited turf numbers are more than solid. Clearly the upsetter of note and one to be reckoned with late. This barn is excellent at moving low priced purchases up the ladder, especially over the last few years.

Of The Rest;

Jerk Pork from TwinTowers Racing is going good right now as he tries this distance for the first time. I am split on how he will like it, but I can’t blame anybody that jumps onboard. He should offer value at the windows as well. Food for thought.

King Luka, also from Night Rider Stables has a low percentage in turf starts (2 for 26) and looks like an also ran in this spot unless it rains, then everybody in attendance will be zeroing in on his Makers Mark Mile dead-heat win over an off track.

Stylish Dime, also from Maxmillion Farm is a recent $25 claim giving off some mixed signals here. A 134.2 work at Philadelphia Park catches the eye as does the trainer’s confidence boost in class, but with a 2 for 11 win record, he just doesn’t look seasoned enough to pull this off to me, so I will have to pass.

Gatorbyte from Winning Link Stables is a four year old that was bought at auction for $10 by the current connections and from the barn sending out the top choice here, so he will grab some attention in this spot. The barn has made good use of him since, he is sharp, but again, he just looks too unseasoned to pull this off, like the older foe picked right above him.

-Trackman

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES