Pick 4 of the Week: Colonial Downs Saturday

A trio of Pick 4 wagers will be offered on the big card at Colonial Downs on Saturday, and it’s the four-race sequence in the middle that I will take aim at for the Pick 4 of the Week.

Race 4 Wager

• 50-cent Pick 4: All with 1,4,7 with 4 with 1,2,5,8 ($36)

Race 4 – Maiden Special Weight

Sophomore fillies will jaunt six panels on the dirt to commence the play. A compact field of six has been assembled, and using the ‘all’ button to get things started seems like a good option to me. It wouldn’t surprise me if morning-line choice #2 Keepsake (1-1) takes the field down, but I don’t think that the Into Mischief filly is a sure thing by any means. I’m hoping to get better value to start the play. 

Race 5 – Maiden Special Weight

A one-mile tilt for three-year-old boys attracted seven. #1 Lion of Justice (3-2) brought $1.1 million as a yearling and appears to be training quite well leading up to his unveiling. The Brad Cox pupil is a full brother to Grade 2 winner Everso Mischievous, and I envision him being forwardly placed throughout the event.

California import #4 Dettori (6-5) is logical in his first for Brittany Russell, and Graham Motion’s European invader #7 Richard Feynman (10-1) is worth including too in his dirt and U. S. bow under Victor Carrasco, as well. 

Race 6 – Maiden Special Weight

Sophomores will dash six panels on the main oval in the third leg. Trainer Brad Cox has a bevy of live horses on the card, including Resolute Racing’s first-time starter #4 Verifire (5-2). The chestnut son of Authentic brought a cool $1 million at OBS in 2024 and looks to be training forwardly in preparation for his unveiling. He shows a long string of morning drills in advance of Saturday, and I expect him to be the one with Flavien Prat taking the reins. I will single the Kentucky-bred. 

Race 7 – Optional Claiming

A total of 10 males are signed on for the one-turn optional claiming contest. Conditioner Sam Wilensky does good work with limited stock, and he will saddle #5 Lure Him In (5-2) in the closing piece. The eight-year-old son of Khozan has put in a trio of good races in succession in the Sunshine State since joining the barn, and he also gets Irad Ortiz Jr. He is a must-use, in my opinion. 

The Jamie Ness duo of #1 Eloquist (7-2) and #2 Just Call Ray (4-1) will also be included, as will Mike Maker’s #8 Two Eagles River (5-1).