NICK'S PICKS, JUNE 30, DAY 25

LATE SATURDAY EVENING POST - If you show up at Colonial Downs at Noon on Saturday, chances are you may be a little lonely. Remember that post time for the first race is 5:00 PM.

Saturday's feature is the $50,000 Daniel Van Clief Stakes for Virginia-bred/sired three-year olds and up going a mile and a sixteenth on the inner turf. The Van Clief owned and operated Nydrie Stud in Albemarle County. Daniel Van Clief , a member of the House of Delegates, drafted the resolution to create the racing commission and worked on the bill that created pari-mutuel racing.

Looking for yet another stakes win, the trio of owner Edward P. Evans, trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey Horatio Karamanos have another morning line favorite in Storm Play (9-5). An Albemarle County interest Frisky Thunder (5-2), the 2008 Van Clief winner and last year's runner up is also back for Crozet's Braeburn Farm. Post time for the feature is set for 8:16 PM.

RACE 1 - 6 HE'S A WONDER - Motion's Maria's Mon, solid in 1st start, might benefit from speed duel. 4 ARE WE CRUISIN', 2 BILLY MY BOY

RACE 2 - 6 – SHESOFTHESCALE - Public may once again make OC's "Clare" the choice. I like OC's other. 2 ADA CLARE, 1 POPULAR ACT

RACE 3 - 4 BUREAUCAT - Bureaucrat has closed in recent turf starts. "Time" stretches out. 5 DEADLINE TIME, 1 WELL LA DEE DAH

RACE 4 - 6 HIT ANOTHER GEAR - "Valentine" leads early but will have difficulty when Homeister Hits Another Gear. 3 VALENTINE AVENUE, 1 GENO MADERO

RACE 5- 5 OUR DUET - Class bisects this field. Danielle on a rare favorite shipping from Delaware. 6 FREX, 1 FIREFIGHTER

RACE 6 – 6 BOUNDFORTHESHORE - Smith's filly by Lite the Fuse drops and shortens. Can "Mudbug" repeat a big effort? 7 LADY MUDBUG, 1A PAGEN STAR

RACE 7 – 7 PINK PALLET - Two-year old "Pink" moves to the turf and is a race up on the 2 choices ahead of her. 2 AGEWOOD, 6 CARIBEAN LADY

RACE 8 - 10 KENNESSEY - Kingsley risks high win % to moving Royale from claiming ranks. Kennessey drops. 11 ROYALE, 8 EARLY STAR

RACE 9 - 1 JAZZIT - DIRT ALERT: Coupled duo may thrive on speedy dirt, especially shortening Jazzit. 4 LOPSTER, 6 GRINNIN N WYNNIN

VA-BRED WINNERS AT CLN JUNE 26, 27 & 28

All Photos by Jeff Coady/Coady Photography.

Click on image for a closer look.

NICK’S PICKS, JUNE 29, CLN DAY 24

WORLD CUP OF JOCKEYS – If you are looking for some international flair perhaps there is no better place to look for it than in the jockey's room at Colonial. Among riders hanging their tack are Puerto Rican brothers Luis and Geovanny Garcia, Serbian Stevica Djuric, Argentinian Horatio Karamanos, Englishmen Sheldon Russell, Columbian Julien Pimnetal, Jamaican Tadious Simpson. Josean Ramirez is also Puerto Rican. I'm obviously leaving several others out.

As for their interest in the World Cup, perhaps there is no bigger fan than Sheldon Russell. Despite the playing their best match of the World Cup, England suffered a 4-1 loss to Germany on Sunday morning. The agony of defeat was heighted by an obvious game tying goal by England not recognized by game officials. If only soccer had as much replay as horse racing.

RACE 1 - 3 TOTOLOCHEE - "Toot" just an edge up on Moon here with 2 good turf outings &coming out of MSW. 1 MOON CITY, 2 I AIN'T LYIN'

RACE 2 - 6 PURE FANTASY - I think "Pure" & "Daniele" came out of a solid race and "Lucy Mae" isn't here today. 4 DANIELE MA BELLE, 3 FIRST COLONY

RACE 3 - 2 GOLDEN ACCOUNT - Don't see much difference among the picks of this talented trio so find price. 3 PORONUI, 4 LIVE THE DASH

RACE 4 - 4 MINT SLEWLEP - Once a Colonial Turf Cup starter and pacesetter, the "Slewlep" drops a little more. 9 KID CAROUSEL, 3 CHESTERMITE

RACE 5 - 1 FOREVER GLEAMING - A leading owner/trainer duo comes back with a Cape Canaveral colt. Deep field. 10 HEY JOHNNY JOHNNY, 7 FINGER TAPPING

RACE 6 - 8 TRAVISION - Liked the 1st start of Dennehy-Godsey's colt at $45k. A" Flying Garcia" exacta? 5 NAVY BRASS, 6 MISTER DISH

RACE 7 - 9 WARACHA - Jazz's "Not for Love" impressed here in 1st outing off the jumps. 5 HIT ANOTHER GEAR, 6 DIAMOND DAVID

RACE 8 - 9 ACTION ANDY - Secor is winning with about a third of his starters. Returns a well tuned gelding here. 7 CONCEIT, 3 HOT ESCAPADE

RACE 9 - 6 GRAND LEE - A bit of a troubled trip for Allen's filly in last start and still had the lead late. 4 TO THE MAT, 2 MEG OF MY HEART

GIANT MOVER WINS BROOKMEADE

In a scintillating performance, Virginia-bred Giant Mover led from gate-to-wire to take the 15th running of the $50,000 Brookmeade Stakes for Virginia-bred fillies and mares on Saturday at Colonial Downs.

After setting a two-length lead over Fur Lined along the rail, favorite Giant Mover and jockey Horacio Karamanos increased their lead around the turn and quickly drew clear in upper stretch to win by 7 ½ lengths. Huge moved three wide and gained in the stretch to take second, with Patriot Miss finishing willingly for third. Pace stalker Fur Lined weakened to fourth, with Imanheiress rounding out the field while racing four wide. The final time was 1:35.65.

Bred in Virginia by Edward P. Evans, Giant Mover is a four year old filly by Giant’s Causeway out of Gold Mover by Gold Fever. In thirteen lifetime starts, she has finished on the board in six and has earned a bankroll of over $100,000 for trainer Todd Pletcher.

The win was Horacio Karamanos’ second of three on the card.

(Photo by Jeff Coady/Coady Photography)

VA-BRED CHAMP MALIBU PRAYER WINS MONMOUTH STAKES

Edward P. Evans’ Virginia-bred Malibu Prayer took the lead early, gave it up to Ask the Moon before retaking that foe on the inside just before the quarter pole and reporting home a 4 ½ length winner.

“I talked to Todd [trainer Pletcher] this morning and he told me to just put her someplace near the pace,” said Gomez. “Around the far turn, I let her go a little and she responded, handled the turn well and had plenty for the finish.”

Malibu Prayer, who paid $5.20, $3.80 and $2.60 as the second choice in the field of eight fillies and mares, covered the mile and a sixteenth in 1:43 2/5. Luna Vega rallied to pay $7.60 and $4.20 and completed the $51.60 exacta. It was another half-length back to race favorite Just Jenda, who paid $2.20 to show.

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Malibu Prayer improved her lifetime mark to 5-3-2 from 11 starts. The daughter of Malibu Moon from the Grand Slam mare Grand Prayer has now earned $408,026 for owner Evans.

(Photo by Horsephotos.com)

VIRGINIA-OWNED JUST LOUISE WIN GRADE III DEBUTANTE

Eldon Farm Equine’s Just Louise put away 3-5 favorite Salty Strike in deep stretch and then held off a late surge from Tristanme to win the 110th running of the $108,800 Debutante Stakes (GIII) for 2-year-old fillies by a neck on Saturday afternoon at Churchill Downs. Eldon Farm Equine is located in Charlottesville.

Trained by Dale Romans and ridden by Robby Albarado, Just Louise tracked the early pace of Big Sweets and Salty Strike, who blistered the first quarter-mile in :21.14. Midway on the far turn, Albarado sent Just Louise up three wide to grab the lead from Big Sweets as Salty Strike dropped back to third.

Turning for home after a half-mile in :44.73, Just Louise had the lead, but Salty Strike, under Calvin Borel, re-rallied on the rail to take the lead in upper stretch. Salty Strike maintained the advantage until fewer than 50 yards remained when Just Louise eased by and had enough left to hold off Tristanme, ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan.

Just Louise ran the six furlongs on a fast main track in 1:11.85. The victory, the second in as many starts for the Kentucky-bred daughter of Five Star Day out of the Mt. Livermore mare Kings Lynn, was worth $66,107 and increased her bankroll to $94,907.

(Photo by Churchill Downs/Reed Palmer Photography)

NICK'S PICKS, JUNE 28, CLN DAY 23

LOOKING FOR ONE MORE – Trainer Dale Romans was quoted after the Turf Cup that in regard to pedigree, Paddy O'Prado's best days are in front of him. That may be more true if he wins the Virginia Derby. Other than English Channel, the Colonial Turf Cup has proven to be the highlight of its winner's careers. Taking a look back Showing Up ('06), Summer Doldrums ('07), Sailor's Cap ('08), largely mark the 1st leg of the Twin Turf as their career highlight. The jury may still be out on Battle of Hasting's ('09), however he did go on to win the Virginia Derby.

The second half of the Twin Turf, the Virginia Derby has lauched the careers, in some cases long careers, of its winners. Recently, Go Between ('06) has a superb career on the synthetic, Red Giant ('07) went on to set a world record and Gio Ponti is still winning Grade Ones. Battle of Hastings, if not gathering wins, is gathering solid graded stake checks.

Packett quoted trainer Dale Romans saying that Paddy's pedigree suggests he will only get better. He is certainly looking for one more win in Virginia.

RACE 1 - 7 JOIE DE VIE - A one-turn mile on the dirt? Where are the sulkies? "Joie" near the pace early. 5 CYNTHIA'S SECRET, 4 APROMISEBYTOMORROW

RACE 2 - 8 ARE WE CRUISIN' - Monte's gelding stretches out to a mile which appear to be more favorable. 7 CASTLE VICTORY, 2 UNION CHAPEL ROAD

RACE 3 - 3 BAGOGA - Geovanny has been knocking at the door with Gaudet's gelding. Kicks it in today. 8 O'GULCH, 1 SEE ME RUN

RACE 4 - 3 AWESOME DREAM - This one is for Super Sheldon who is steaming about the English "non-goal". 1 RISKY RED, 4 A FLEET SPIRIT

RACE 5 - 2 ROMAN RULER - Should any maiden be 1-2 in the Morning Line? Not in a ten-horse field w/ Special K. 9 POPEA, 8 QUITE SASSY

RACE 6 - 5 IRISH CHANNEL - I'm not sure on precise breeding here but English Channel was by Smart Strike. 1 BEAU'S TRIP, 4 ANOTHER SMOKIE

RACE 7 - 7 SWEETVIRGINIABREZE - Solid outings by Dowell's filly this meet on both the turf and dirt. Busy finish here. 6 SECRET STYLE, 10 LADY IN ERMINE

RACE 8 - 5 LOST LETTERS - Fur Lined likely out. Two impressive winners in first starts may set up closer. 1 RED VICTORY, 3 WILL'S HILL

RACE 9 - 2 CORTEZ THE KILLER - The only thing that may catch up to Camacho in the stretch is Cortez's own last race. 1 POLISH SHEDEVIL, 8 FIDELMA

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"One of these days we'll work First Dude on the grass but for right now, we're going to concentrate on dirt races for him and turf races for Paddy O'Prado."


- Trainer Dale Romans, who sent out First Dude to place in the Preakness and Belmont and Paddy O'Prado to place in the Kentucky Derby and win the Colonial Turf Cup by way of ST Publishing. (Steeplechase Times).

VIRGINIA-BRED RACE WINNERS

Bowman's Native (g, 4yo), Bowman's Band - Petion's Star by Petionville. B - Gale Lanser & Diana Ledesma. Colonial Downs, 6 /21/2010, mdn clmg, $12,714, 8 f, 1:39.05.

Boxer Shorts (c, 4yo), Two Punch - Green Jeans by Green Dancer. B - Richards Althea.Colonial Downs, 6 /26/2010, clmg, $10,858, 5.5 f, 1:03.53.

Giant Mover (f, 4yo), Giant's Causeway - Gold Mover by Gold Fever. B - Evans Edward P. Colonial Downs, 6 /26/2010, stk hcp, $30,000, 8 f, 1:35.65.

I'm Unforgettable (f, 3yo), Unforgettable Max - Egret by Alwuhush. B - Keswick Stables. Colonial Downs, 6 /26/2010, mdn sp wgt, $19,859, 8 f, 1:37.67. ($20,000, 2yo, 2009, ftmmay)

Just Jane's Girl (f, 4yo), Proud Citizen - Cottage Flower by Pentelicus. B - Audley Farm, Inc.
Suffolk Downs, 6 /22/2010, alwc, $10,320, 6 f, 1:13.13. ($67,000, yrlg, 2007, keesep)

Liveinthepresent (g, 8yo), Cat Thief - Serene Nobility by His Majesty. B - Lazy Lane Stables, Inc. Mountaineer Park, 6 /27/2010, clmg, $5,460, 8.5 f, 1:48.41. ($75,000, yrlg, 2003, keesep)

Malibu Prayer (f, 4yo), Malibu Moon - Grand Prayer by Grand Slam. B - Edward P. Evans. Monmouth Park, 6 /26/2010, stk hcp, $55,000, 8.5 f, 1:43.40.

Minidrop (g, 7yo), Lemon Drop Kid - Ministorm by Storm Cat. B - Evans Edward P.Penn National, 6 /22/2010, clmg, $13,200, 6 f, 1:11.21.

More Than Steady (c, 3yo), More Than Ready - Monabella by Lando (GER). B - Audley Farm. Colonial Downs, 6 /21/2010, mdn clmg, $7,830, 8.5 f, 1:44.32.

New York Baby (c, 4yo), Not For Love - Li Law by Known Fact. B - Mark O'Donnell.Emerald Downs, 6 /24/2010, mdn clmg, $2,805, 5 f, 0:56.80. ($80,000, yrlg, 2007, ftsaug)

Rocket Defense (f, 4yo), Peace Rules - Seemslikearocket by Beau Genius. B - Audley Farm. Delaware Park, 6 /22/2010, alwc, $25,200, 5.5 f, 1:04.24.

Staged Affair (f, 4yo), Not For Love - Colonial Stage by Pleasant Colony. B - Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin, III. Colonial Downs, 6 /27/2010, clmg, $13,549, 8.5 f, 1:43.89.

Trouble At Home (c, 4yo), Domestic Dispute - Troublesome by Hennessy. B - Paisley Eugenia D. Finger Lakes, 6 /21/2010, clmg, $4,800, 8.3 f, 1:45.83. ($68,000, wnlg, 2006, ftmdec; $30,000, 2yo, 2008, ftmmay)

TRF EVENT AT COLONIAL DOWNS JULY 11

For a better view, click on the image.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

In this photo provided by Benoit Photo, My Summer Slew, ridden by Alonso Quinonez, goes on to win the Robert K. Kerlan Memorial Handicap on Sunday, June 27, 2010, at Hollywood Park.

In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, Devil May Care, right, ridden by John Velazquez,, captures The Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park on Saturday, June 26, 2010.

Strike It Rich, with Garrett Gomez riding, won the $150,000 Boiling Springs Stakes at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J. on Saturday June 26, 2010.

Stretching out to 1¼ miles for the first time proved to be no impediment for Michael Tabor’s Turning Top (Ire) and Brice Blanc as they easily won the $100,000 Beverly Hills Handicap Gr.III on Saturday at Hollywood Park. (Benoit Photo)

Grand Adventure, with Patrick Husbands up, wins the Grade II King Edward Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday. (Michael Burns Photography/WEG)

My Friend Nev (left), Kendrick Carmouche up, wins $100,000 Wild and Wonderful Stakes at Charles Town Races and Slots on June 19, 2010. (Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA)

Jockey Pat Dobbs looks for danger as he rides Dr Green to victory in The Best Odds Guaranteed At totesport.com Maiden Stakes at Windsor racecourse on June 26, 2010 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Mellifera ridden by jockey Adam Kirby (C, green, yellow cap) challenge at the two furlong marker before winning the Get Live Football Stats At totesport.com Fillies' Handicap Stakes at Windsor. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

NICK'S PICKS, JUNE 27, CLN DAY 22

A PLETCHER FULL - While Fruit Loops is being recalled around the country, we received a healthy portion of "Special K" yesterday at Colonial Downs when Horatio Karamanos delivered three wins on the card including a stroll in the $50,000 Brookmeade Stakes aboard Giant Mover. Giant Mover is owned by Virginia breeder Edward P. Evans. Making his first start below the Mason-Dixon line, Giant Mover was never challenged in his 7+ length win going a mile. If so, he may have set the track record.

For trainer Todd Pletcher, yesterday's Brookemeade was one of a trifecta of stakes winners he won on Saturday afternoon. Evans and Pletcher teamed up again with Malibu Prayer in the Lighthouse Stakes at Monmonth Park. Kentucky Derby starter Devil May Care won Belmont Park's Mother Goose for Pletcher.

Virginia horsewomen represented well at Colonial's Ladies' Day event on Saturday. Owners/breeders Peggy Augustus and Robin Richards both had winners on yesterday's card.

RACE 1 - STEEPLECHASE - 5 MANASSA MAULER - Voss' experience and expertise a plus in a field of maiden jumpers. 8 HOUGHTON REGRETS, 2 COUPE DE VILLE.

RACE 2 - 1 CAPTAIN BRY -Chenery winner hasn't lived up to expectations but worth a another shot with Camacho. 3CICISBEO, 4 GOLDEN DOVE

RACE 3 - STEEPLECHASE -3 FOGCUTTER - Foes here know each other well, either out of Riddle's CNL race or Fair Hill. 4 INDY RUN, 7 EAMONN

RACE 4 - 4 STAGED AFFAIR - Cobbley's takes this spot over yesterday's Brookmeade & Giant Mover--smart. 3 ABSARAKA, 1 COBBLEY'S BREEZE

RACE 5 - 1 QUEEN OF THE TURF - Three returning CNL winners at the same distance. Karamanos a hot rider. 6 SKY CUP, 3 YIELD TO NO ONE

RACE 6 - 7 FASTBACK - OC's colt went wide and fast at a mile. Might finish at 5&1/2 furlongs. 1 IM GOOD AT THAT, 6 SILURO

RACE 7- 1 WATERFORD BAY - Pino back for more after a Eric's maiden breaking score. Again the favorite. 6 ROYAL RICHES, 4 COPPER FLASHING

RACE 8 -5 MOJITO MAN -After a solid campaign in the midwest last fall, the Man rises in his 2nd CNL trip. 2 HESA BIG STAR, 6 HOLD ON SMOKEY

RACE 9- 10 SNOW SPRITE - Courtemanche perhaps too aggressive with last out after a win. Adds to win% here. 5 LADY MUDBUG, 4 RAINYDAYBELLS

DISTANCE DOUBLE ON CLN WED CARD

Colonial Downs’ nine-race card on Wednesday wrapped up with a distance double as two unique 12 furlong (1 ½ miles) races were run over the inner Secretariat turf course.

The eighth race, an allowance for three year olds and up, was won in thrilling fashion by favorite Quechee. After losing his lead shortly in midstretch, the three-year-old gelding finished gamely to prevail by a neck over longshots Lonesome Nun and Mask and Wig. The final time was 2:32.44.

In the ninth race, a maiden special weight for three year olds and up, Forbidden Dancer (pictured) and James Vail stalked the pace from the inside before shifting out in midstretch and getting up at the wire to win by a head. Heavy favorite Swell Party finished second, with Port Morsbey 1 ¼ lengths behind in third. The race was run in 2:37.57.

Colonial Downs also saw trainer Kathleen O’Connell and jockey James Vail take home three winners on the card. O’Connell had wins in the third and sixth races before pairing up with Vail, who had a riding double in the fifth and sixth races, to take the finale.

(Photo by Jeff Coady/Coady Photography)

GIANT MOVER, HUGE TOP TWO IN BROOKMEADE

By John McDulin/Daily Racing Form

Giant Mover will attempt to wire the field in the $50,000 Brookmeade at Colonial Downs, facing older statebred fillies and mares for the first time. The Brookmeade is run at a mile on turf.

A four-year-old Giant's Causeway filly, Giant Mover makes her second start for trainer Todd Pletcher after finishing second by a head in a one-mile allowance on turf at Monmouth Park on May 23. Giant Mover set the pace until late stretch before being overtaken. She earned a 90 Beyer, the highest in Saturday's field. Kiaran McLaughlin previously trained Giant Mover for owner Edward P. Evans. Horacio Karamanos will ride for the first time.

Huge may have the biggest chance for an upset. A 4-year-old filly, she makes her second start a layoff, and her trainer, John Salzman Jr., has been winning at a 40 percent clip under such circumstances.

In her last out June 5, Huge ran fourth in the Oakley, a 5 1/2-furlong turf race she won last year. She came from far back early and closed in the stretch to finish three lengths behind the winner. The stretch out may help her chances.

NICK'S PICKS, JUNE 26, CLN DAY 21

AROUND THE 2ND TURN - The second half of live Thoroughbred racing in Virginia starts today as we just the half mile pole of Colonial's meet. Here are my midpoint awards.

1ST HALF JOCKEY: Eric Camacho - The Maryland native is tied with Rosemary in the jockey standings in total wins with 22 Coady pictures in 71 Bruce Warner starts. His win percentage is 31%, the highest among leading jockeys.

1ST HALF TRAINER: Michael Pino - It was good to see him here Colonial Turf Cup day. His 10 wins among 23 starters is even better than Camacho's percentage, 4th in total wins behind Ham Smith. Honorable mention to Pablo Andrade who is 3 for 3.

1ST HALF HORSE: Miss Oil - There are 10 horses that are repeat winners here. Miss Oil was named for the veterinarian of Secretariat and dear friend of trainer Mary O'Brien who had tears in her eyes as she watched the her win the 1st time. Can't imagine her reaction with the second win.

RACE 1 - 1 FLYING PUNCH - Four here broke maiden here in last. Malcolm seems to win Saturday openers often. 5 FAPPY NEKIA, 3 UNPINKABLE.

RACE 2 - 4 BETTY JOHN DE - Wish BJD's turf outings were better but class drop will help. Favorite 0 for 15, also drops. 1 THERE'S STILL TIME, 5 TAKE IT ON HOME.

RACE 3 - 1 STEVIE WOODS - All female jockey ARCA race. I wonder if Stevie Woods? Would Stevie? Wonder do I. 3 LANGLEY PARK, 4 SMOOCHIE HOOCHIE.

RACE 4 - 2 TOCCOA - Toccoa back for 23rd CNL start as both the ML & fan favorite. 1 DANCIN 'N GROOVIN, 6 LITTLE MISS MARTHA.

RACE 5 - 12 FLY THE ATLANTIC - Barr's gelding lost to Broadway, a 2-time winner here. Small drop helps. 4 QUARRY LAKE, 10 MO'S BRO.

RACE 6 - 6 POWER IN TRUTH - Shorten distance & meet's leading rider aids Scho's "Truth". Bailes has 1st turfer. 7 MY PROBLEM TOO, 3 LITTLEBROTHERALEX.

RACE 7 - 3 MISS PAM - Bailes' "Pam" drops out of optional allowance to make 1st start off the layoff. 5 BUSY BEV, 2 STYLISH AFFAIR.

RACE 8 - $50,000 BROOKMEADE - 6 IMANHEIRESS - Look for a rider change or go back for more if Travis really rides. "Mover" will get play. 3 GIANT MOVER, 7 FUR LINED

RACE 9 - 1A PEARLS - Both OC entries here solid in last CNL start. Pearls a little better. Marmora-Canada $$. 10 MARMORA, 4 COUNT TO ELEVEN.

CLN FIRST 20 DAYS BY THE NUMBERS

Virginia H.B.P.A. Executive Director Frank Petramalo has compiled some relevant statistics for the first half of the live meet at Colonial Downs.

Attendance is down from 30,970 to 25,101 for the first 20 days, but the 2009 figures included the Fourth of July weekend.

All source handle and total wagers on the Colonial Downs signal are both up. All source has increased from $13,984,607 to $14,695,404 while wagers on the simulcast signal have increased from $11,816,799 to $13,631,357.

To no one’s surprise field size is down from an average of 8.8 last year to 7.7 this year as total starters for the period has declined from 1,667 to 1,482.

Following the trend of declining handle for the past three years, purses are down for the first 20 cards from $3,359,100 to $3,100,600. The purse figures do not include Breeders Fund bonus money.

There have been five Virginia-bred/sired restricted overnight races run so far.

COLONIAL DOWNS OVERNIGHTS AND ENTRIES

To see the overnight for June 27, click here.

To see the entries for June 27, click here.

To see the overnight for June 28, click here.

To see the entries for June 28, click here.

WORKFORCE OVERTAKES QUALITY ROAD

Not on the racetrack, but in the most recent World Thoroughbred Rankings.

Off the strength of his win in the Investec Derby at Epsom (what some of us oldtimers call the Epsom Derby or older still, the English Derby), Workforce has overtaken Quality Road at the top of the poll. Making only his third appearance, Workforce impresivelly defeated his rivals by 7 lengths and set a course record.

Despite his impressive Metropolitan Handicap win, Quality Road slips to number two in the rankings with Paco Boy, Zenyatta and Byword rounding out the top five.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Virginia-owned graded stakes winner Funny Moon. (Photo by Jay Moran via Flickr)

Zero Money and Fergus Sweeney (purple/grey chequed cap) win The Have A Heart Stakes at Goodwood racecourse on June 24, 2010 in Chichester, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Jockey Ryan Moore drives Ship's Biscuit (L) to victory in The More Than Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Goodwood racecourse on June 24, 2010. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Sextons House and Ryan Moore (L) win The Casco Maiden Auction Stakes from Whodathought at Goodwood racecourse on June 24, 2010. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Slip Sliding Away and Liam Keniry (L) win The Alan Norman 75th Birthday Celebration Handicap Stakes at Goodwood racecourse on June 24, 2010. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

SKIRT MAGAZINE LADIES DAY ON SATURDAY

There will be free admission for the ladies June 26 at Colonial Downs sponsored by Skirt magazine.

Various women's organizations will be on hand to raise money for their favorite charities.

The first 1,000 ladies will get a free cupcake, and one of those will contain a valuable piece of jewelry.

The feature race is the $50,000 Brookemeade Stakes for fillies and mares, plus there will be a fashion show sponsored by Dillards, a demo by the River City Rollergirls, a trackside marketplace with over 30 vendors and much more.

Enjoy live party music with all girl rock band TONIC JANE.

For more info 804-966-RACE.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

The runners and riders make their way towards the finishline during the George Smith Horseboxes Median Auction Maiden Stakes race run at Salisbury Racecourse on June 23, 2010 in Salisbury, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images Europe)

Race goers watch the Slovenia v England World Cup game at Salisbury Racecourse on June 23, 2010 in Salisbury, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images Europe)

NICK'S PICKS, JUNE 23, CLN DAY 20

SADDLE ON THE LAWN - These kind of ideas are difficult to implement once the daily and weekly routines are in place after the start of a meet but here's an idea for the 2011 Virginia Derby, if not this year.

Why not prepare the little-used front lawn, the area outside the four column main entrance at Colonial Downs to saddle the field for the Virginia Derby and perhaps also the Colonial Turf Cup? There would be no complaints here to have the fountains removed to begin this tradition. (What's so Colonial about fountains anyway?)

There would have to be some capital modifications made for access, safety (horse and fan alike), crowd control, even television camera and several other items that I'm likely not thinking about.

When Colonial Downs was built in 1996 for the 1997 season, racing was scheduled for the fall and the concept of a Virginia Derby was still two years away. I think would add to the aura of Colonial's "Twin Turf". Any thoughts?

RACE 1 - 2 PAY YOUR WAY - Big drop for Karamanos mount. Take the weight for the more mature filly. 1 KINDA KATTY, 3 CRUISIN' BROKE

RACE 2 - 3 JOYFUL ACRES - Hopefully "Joyful" didn't leave too much on the track in last outing last Tuesday. 4 KENAHARRA, 2 JUDITHS VOW

RACE 3 - 5 BULLSEYE BOY - Bullseye drops back to $5000 to avoid trouble line as in last time out. Rosemary aboard. 4 SMOOTH GLITTER, 7 GUSTAUF

RACE 4 - 5 ARCH THIRTEEN - Shopping for price with two impressive winners on the meet despite jockey switch.2 PONZI, 1 GIANT MOVE

RACE 5 - 5 HOMEFIRE -Allen & "Special K" team up on another ML choice. A clear shot to the wire today? 8 NOT SO HOLY, 2 DEADLINE TIME

RACE 6 - 6 GOLD FOREST - All three top choices won in there last start here at CNL. All trainers have solid win %. 5 RASPBERRY ROSE, 4 RIGHT TO WORK

RACE 7 - 6 VALID VELVET - 1st chance this meet to bet a Gary Williams entry. First timer will deliver a price. 7 FREX, 5 GOLDEN DYNASTY

RACE 8 - 9 QUECHEE - Quechee? Gezuntheit. But this Motion gelding's 1st outing nothing to sneeze at. 6 WANTAN, 3 T BONE PICKENS

RACE 9 - 8 SWELL PARTY - Going 1 & 1/2 here reunites Durer and "Party" who watch each other up backstretch. 3 DURER, 6 IRISH BLARNEY

VA-BRED WINNERS AT CLN JUNE 20 AND 21

Click on image for a closer look.

All photos by Jeff Coady/Coady Photography.

MORE VA-BRED CHAMPS

These are the posters and slides created for the Colonial Turf Cup telecast last Saturday at Colonial Downs. The posters will be hung at the Virginia H.B.P.A. building on the backstretch.

(Click on image for a closer look.)