NICK'S PICKS - FATHER'S DAY

TAKING THE TURBO TRIP

The winner of last night's Colonial Turf Cup ran to form and if trainer Todd Pletcher was watching the race on TV last night, he must have been thrilled when track announcer Dave Rodman called 24.34 and 49.78 and saw his bay running lonesome on the lead.  If jockey Joe Bravo didn't know where he was after the race when he looked over the outer rail, he certainly knew where he was inside the railing.  Despite whatever was going on behind him launched bids and closing kicks and all, the field was never inside a length of Bravo aboard Turbo Compressor. 

The time of 1:55.15 was slower than last year's 1:54.68 set by Rahystrada.  Solely on the led, Bravo not only controlled the pace but his position staying in his comfort zone along the rail.  Those who went wide seeking to launch bid after the winner were doomed, especially turning for home.  

Runner up Air Support may have liked the Turf Cup's 1 & 3/16ths but would have loved to have that extra 1/16th that the Virginia Derby offers.  Despite a terrible trip, we might have seen a repeat of his trademark closing kick with a little more racetrack.  Sheldon Russell might have had Rahystrada moving even better than Air Support at the wire. If you missed the 8-year old's rally Saturday night, don't fret.  Robert Courtney, his owner, already said wants to bring him back as a 9-year old.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Horse racing is like nuts and bolts.  If the rider's nuts, then the horse bolts.

HORSES AROUND....

I wonder is jockey Joe Bravo liked what he saw when ACTION ANDY won the Da Hoss in wire-to-wire.  Action Andy avenged FOLLOWMYFOOTSTEPS who captured last year's running.  Paco Lopez stalked the Edward P. Evans All Along field to prevail with SNOW TOP MOUNTAIN.  SUMMER FRONT won yesterday's Hill Prince over HOWE GREAT.