With nominations for the $500,000 Virginia Derby closing Wednesday, Feb. 25, Ocelli and Grade 3 winner Incredibolt have emerged as doubtless starters.
The 1 1/8-mile Virginia Derby shall be run Saturday, March 14, highlighting Colonial Downs’ three-day meet, which runs Thursday, March 12, by way of Saturday, March 14. Held seven weeks earlier than the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby offered by Woodford Reserve, the race awards 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying factors to the highest 5 finishers towards a berth within the “Run for the Roses.” The three-day meet additionally consists of the $250,000 Virginia Oaks, providing 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying factors.
Skilled by Whit Beckman, Ocelli has generated buzz with three in-the-money finishes and sharp morning exercises. “I’ve all the time seen the expertise that this colt has,” Beckman stated. “We’re excited to level him towards the Virginia Derby.”
The Join colt, owned by Ashley Durr, Anthony Tate and Entrance Web page Equestrian, completed sixth behind Renegade within the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in February. Ocelli has confronted high 3-year-olds in all 4 of his begins, together with a third-place end to Reagan’s Honor on the Lecomte undercard at Honest Grounds. Reagan’s Honor later earned a 96 Beyer Velocity Determine in an allowance win.
“He is had some excuses, some robust journeys, confronted some superb horses,” he stated. “I feel it will likely be a very great place for him. Trying over the situation e-book, there are some good races for us and we’ll have just a few extra entries for the week.”Join BloodHorse Day by day
Skilled by Riley Mott, Incredibolt earned 10 Kentucky Derby qualifying factors together with his victory in October’s Avenue Sense (G3) at Churchill Downs. The Bolt d’Oro colt, owned by Pin Oak Stud, completed sixth within the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park in his lone begin this 12 months.
Nominations for all seven opening-week stakes shut Wednesday, Feb. 25.
The meet 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, Virginia-restricted fillies and mares). The $150,000 Boston Handicap (7 furlongs, Virginia-restricted older horses) follows Friday, March 13. Virginia-restricted races are open to Virginia-bred, -sired and -certified horses. The $100,000 Royal New Kent and $100,000 Sandy Backside, each 1-mile races, will debut on the Virginia Derby undercard.
Gates will open at 10 a.m. for Virginia Derby Day on Saturday, March 14 and submit time is 12 p.m. All reserved tickets are bought out, however a restricted variety of Normal Admission tickets stay accessible at www.ColonialDowns.com on the fan-friendly worth of simply $5 in addition to $75 “loaded” GA tickets that embody two meals objects and 4 drink tickets.
Gates open at 10 a.m. March 14 with a midday first submit. The summer season meet runs June 25 by way of Sept. 7.
This press launch has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the group that produced the discharge.
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