The VA Derby – GIII
8/31/19
CNL Race 1 1 1/8M – Turf
Purse $250.000
Three Year Olds

A field of six three year old turf runners has been entered up for the return of the Virginia Derby over the huge Colonial Downs turf course. It will be the first time this race has been run in six years. Let’s take a look at the field.

1. Mucho Baked (6-2-2-0 $9.750), trained by Spankys Barn

The first runner in the field here is coming into this race off of over a three month layoff. He last ran seventh in an allowance race at Pimlico on the dirt. He likes to show a lot of speed so he will may wind up in front but I just do not see him having much of a chance in here.

2. Freaky Onez (6-1-0-0 $33.180), trained by Maxmillion Farm 

And now the next horse in the field right here is coming into this race off of a fourth place finish in a statebred allowance at Saratoga. He also likes to show quite a bit of speed but I think if he takes back he will have a longshot chance at winning the race.

3. Deadly Denim (9-3-1-0 $116.400), trained by Fractious 

Next runner that we come across right here is entering this race off of a ninth place finish in the grade National Museum of Racing at Saratoga. He will have to run a lot better than he did that day to have a chance at winning this race.

4. Ghost From The North (11-3-0-2 $112.820), trained by Maxmillion Farm

Second runner from the Maxmillion Farm barn right here and in his last start he ran fifth in the grade three Kent Stakes at Delaware Park. Most of the time he likes to come from behind so a quick pace up front will help him out.

5. Blame It On Luck (6-2-2-0 $119.600), trained by Mb Stables

One of my top two picks right here just ran a very good second in the grade two Whittingham at Santa Anita against older horses. He likes to show speed but I think if he can sit off of the pace a little bit he will be tough to beat.

6. King Niagra (11-2-1-4 $425.600), trained by John Henry

My top pick of the race right here just ran a very good third in the Saratoga Derby. That was his first ever race on the turf so I think he will improve off of that race. If he runs that same race in here he will be very tough to beat. He is my top choice.

Summary

A decent field here for the Virginia Derby. Five of the six are looking for their first graded stakes win and all of them are looking first one on the turf. I think the top two are the two outside runners as they just look better than the rest. Good luck to all in the field.

6-5-4-2

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES