Catching My Eye at Colonial Downs Week 6

Week 6 is in the books here in Virginia, which means we’re two-thirds of the way done with the summer meet. Three weeks remain until closing day, Sept. 7, which will feature the Virginia Derby (G3) at Colonial Downs. 

We had gorgeous weather every day last week and all turf races stayed on, which made for some good wagering and exciting races. Here’s a few that particularly stood out. 

Overwish

Overwish ran second on Thursday's card on the main track in an allowance/optional claiming event. She was sent off as the favorite in the eight-horse field and completely walked out of the gate. The three-year-old filly was a little fractious and that cost her being ready when the gate opened. Jockey Jevian Toledo didn’t rush her up but let her gradually get back into the race. She started closing nicely, and at the top of the lane, I actually thought she still might win. 

Overwish flattened out just a touch but given this was just her second career start and first time going a mile, I think she still ran really well. She races for big-name connections so it’s not like she’s going to be much of a price going forward, but I think there’s some real ability there. 

Ready for Peace

Ready for Peace was a very solid debut winner on Saturday’s card, and a few things stuck out to me about the horse and race. 

She was a first-time starter on turf, and trainer Ignacio Correas didn't bring encouraging stats. He actually had two debut winners this week, but going into the week, he was 2-for-55 with debut runners and winless from the last 17 on turf. I always take notice when a horse wins on debut at two turns, and Ready for Peace looked very professional in this maiden special weight event. 

The other thing that really stood out was that for a turf race, the field was very strung out behind Ready for Peace. It could just be the rest of the group wasn’t all that good, but there’s enough there to think maybe this horse is worth keeping an eye on. 

Bee Plus 

Going back to last Tuesday for this one, but Bee Plus was definitely an eye-catcher. 

The final race was a pretty deep maiden special weight event, and Bee Plus ended up going off favored. He was a little bit of a victim here of getting caught behind a pretty modest pace. The three horses that finished ahead of him were all closer to the early pace, including the winner who was right on it. I just remember seeing Bee Plus’ yellow silks starting to really get going at the sixteenth pole, but it was just too late. 

That was one of the better maiden special weight events I remember for older runners here, and I think Bee Plus will be tough at that level if he gets the right trip.