All-Stakes Pick 3 into the Virginia Derby

A bevy of black-type races are on the slate during closing day at Colonial Downs on Saturday. I love the three-race sequence that concludes with the feature, the $500,000 Virginia Derby (G3), and will take aim at that play. 

Wager

• 50-cent Pick 3: 2,5,8,9 with 1,6,7,8,13 with 3,7,10 ($30)

Race 8 – Da Hoss S. 

An excellent cast of 14 turf sprinters will go postward in the 5 1/2-furlong turf adventure. #2 Sweet Cherry Pie (12-1) has been on my radar following his maiden score at Keeneland in April 2023, and the Rusty Arnold charge fits well in this field under Gavin Ashton. This Twirling Candy colt was an impressive winner in his seasonal debut at Gulfstream Park in March and comes in fresh for this heat while moving to the lawn. 

Multiple Group 1 hero #5 Isivunguvungu (8-1) will make his stateside debut in the dash for trainer Graham Motion, and the South African invader is the ultimate wild card in the group. The consistently good gelding shows nine published morning drills in advance of this, and I feel inclined to use the intriguing import. 

#8 Nothing Better (4-1) is an accomplished turf dasher who is in fine form in 2024, and he's a must-use with Jorge Ruiz taking the reins. 

#9 Dream Shake (7-2) looked the part in bagging the Van Clief S. here last time out, and he will receive a hearty pace for which to rally into for Michael Stidham. 

Race 9 – Virginia Oaks

The nine-furlong turf test for sophomore fillies attracted a baker’s dozen of contenders, and I feel that going five-deep will get me through the middle leg of my play. I have appeal for #1 Style Points (8-1), #6 Awesome Czech (10-1), #7 Deep Satin (5-1), #8 Brocknardini (30-1), and #13 Belle of Rights (8-1), so I will include each of the quintet. 

Race 10 – Virginia Derby

I’ll close out my wager with a trio of sophomores in the $500,000 contest. Grade 3 winner #3 Deterministic (3-1), who was a good third in the Saratoga Derby (G1) most recently, Kent S. hero #7 Desvio (8-1), and #10 Oscar’s World (12-1) will each make the cut in the final leg.