The 1 1/8-mile Virginia Derby will be held on Saturday, March 14, culminating in the three-day Colonial Downs meeting, which runs from Thursday, March 12 through Saturday, March 14. Held seven weeks before the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, the race awards 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying points to the top five finishers for a place in the “Run for the Roses.” The three-day meet also includes the $250,000 Virginia Oaks, which offers 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying points.
Trained by Whit Beckman, Ocelli has made waves with three in-the-money finishes and sharp morning workouts. “I’ve always seen the talent this colt has,” Beckman said. “We are excited to point him to the Virginia Derby.”
The Connect colt, owned by Ashley Durr, Anthony Tate and Front Page Equestrian, finished sixth behind Renegade in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in February. Ocelli has faced the top three-year-olds in all four of his starts, including a third-place finish for Reagan’s Honor on the Lecomte undercard at Fair Grounds. Reagan’s Honor later earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 96 in an allowance win.
“He’s had some excuses, some tough rides, and he’s been around some very good horses,” he said. “I think this will be a very good place for him. Looking at the condition book, there are some good races for us and we will have a few more entries for this week.”
Trained by Riley Mott, Incredibolt earned 10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points with his victory in October’s Street Sense (G3) at Churchill Downs. The Bolt d’Oro colt, owned by Pin Oak Stud, finished sixth in this year’s Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park.
Nominations for all seven stakes during the opening week close on Wednesday, February 25.
Racing begins Thursday, March 12 with the inaugural $150,000 Golden Horseshoe Handicap (1 3/16 miles, older horses) and the $150,000 Stellar Wind Handicap (6 furlongs, fillies and mares with limited entry to Virginia). The $150,000 Boston Handicap (7 furlongs, older horses with limited entry to Virginia) follows on Friday, March 13. Limited entry races in Virginia are open to Virginia bred, sired and certified horses. The $100,000 Royal New Kent and $100,000 Sandy Bottom, both 1-mile races, will debut on the Virginia Derby undercard.
Gates open at 10 a.m. for Virginia Derby Day on Saturday, March 14, and post time is 12 p.m. All reserved tickets are sold out, but a limited number of General Admission tickets are still available at www.ColonialDowns.com for the fan-friendly price of just $5, as well as $75 “loaded” GA tickets with two food and four drink tickets.
Gates open at 10am on March 14 with a first post at 12pm. The summer meeting runs from June 25 to September 7.
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