NICK'S PICKS, JULY 10, DAY 31

WHAT'S THE PUNCH LINE? - Punch Line was a two-time Virginia-bred Horse of the Year that won 21 races for breeder/owner Robin Richards in the Nineties. Those races were won from age 2 to 8 years old when he once won carrying 136 lbs. Trainer Billy Turner once referred to Punch Line as the "second best horse he's ever trained". (For those who may not know, Turner trained 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew.)

Richards once pleasured the Colonial gallery by returning Punch Line to the track to lead the post parade for his own race. The most prolific winner of the Punch Line was Bop, who was led to the winner's circle three times after its running.

Elusive Gift is an obvious choice (3-5) for this year's Punch Line over past winners Jake Rattle N Roll and A Reel Buster. The Marsh winner returns "Special K", our Jockey Jive guest on “Off to the Races” Saturday morning.

RACE 1 – 6 SUMMERTON -"Course" ran well at this level 2 races back, then won but chancing Ham's long layoff. 4 COURSE LITE, 5 MAN OF FAITH

RACE 2 – 7 SILVER NITRO - Two first timers battle experienced maidens. Betty drops. Silver by Siphon. 4 BETTY'S JOHN DE, 2 AT WAR

RACE 3 - 6 LOUANN'S BOOT - Despite facing multi-race winners on the meet, Louann's seen tougher foes. 3 O' GULCH, 7 GOLD PAGENTRY

RACE 4 – 8 PAY YOUR WAY - Shortening, classy favorite returns "Special K." Pace helps Ham's Yonder. 3 WILD BLUE YONDER, 7 SISTA

RACE 5 - 7 TEMPERANCE TIME - Poronui, was a classy victor in "Time's" last race even at $7.5K. Time better on grass. 5 DEEP REGRET, 3 UNPINKABLE

RACE 6 - 1 ROAR OF THE SURGE - "Suspenders" Butch having a good week, returns to the Mcl ranks with a "Roar". 4 TREASURE TRIP, 7 PRIMERO PERU

RACE 7 – 6 SHANTA - Miss Oil, with a surprising meet, looks for 3rd straight. Hope I miss here. 5 MISS OIL, 1A SWINGAMONGTHESTARS

RACE 8 - $50,000 PUNCH LINE - 2 THAT'STHEQUESTION "Question" whether "Elusive" pace can foil a sprinting "Bull" again. Passing on 3-5. 8 ELUSIVE GIFT, 1 ROCK TO BOP

RACE 9 - 6 ART OF ATTACK -With the extra eighth for most here, just can't figure 4-5 chalk in a $5K MCL race. 3 DETROIT IRON, 8 THEATRICAL COMOTION