Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Colonial Downs – Racing News and Analysis for August 14, 2026


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Colonial Downs — Thursday, August 14, 2026 Quick Reference

Partly cloudy, high 80s to low 90s, turf rated firm to good. Synthetic main track unaffected by weather. Turf routes favor inside posts and patient mid-pack runners; synthetic sprints favor stalkers and pressers.

Race 1 — 6f Synthetic Allowance $90,000

Close The Gate (4) is the deserving 1-1 favorite in a pace-pressured sprint, but the price is too short to play straight. Sav'n Money (1) at 4-1 is the primary value alternative, with G Q Worthy (6) as the exotic closer at the same price.

Race 2 — 11.5f Turf Optional Claimer $36,000

Battle Call (7) holds the public call at 2-1 in a wide-open field. Ironsides (10) at 4-1 with a strong rider assignment is the preferred upset candidate, and Walter Me Lad (2) benefits from an advantageous inside post at 4-1. El De Larry (8) at 8-1 is worth minor exotic inclusion.

Race 3 — 11f Synthetic Allowance $90,000

Marital Trust (5) gets the edge over co-favorite Mon Reve (4) on trainer form in allowance conditions. Sunflower State (2) at 5-1 is the best of the supporting cast as the stable's preferred runner. Box the two co-favorites in exactas.

Race 4 — 11f Turf Maiden Claimer $40,000

Full Tank (3) at 3-1 is the top selection on trainer-jockey strength, with Tulio (5) at 4-1 as the main rival. Tortole (2) at 6-1 is quietly dangerous given barn form in maiden routes, and Kuttawa (4) at 20-1 is worth a token exotic flier.

Race 5 — 11.5f Synthetic Optional Claimer $74,000

Lonesome Boy (6) is the 1-1 stable confidence play, but Passion Rules (2) at 2-1 offers better value and represents elite trainer placement. Power Grid (5) at 6-1 is the exotic inclusion, with Irish Exit (3) at 10-1 worth a trifecta slot.

Race 6 — 6f Turf Claimer $34,500

U Ain't That Lucky (7) at 2-1 is the anchor of a chaotic twelve-horse turf sprint. Ticklers (6) and The Package (5) are legitimate co-threats at 5-1, and Dolce Vino (12) at 6-1 with a strong rider is the best longshot if early position is secured. Build superfectas and rotate freely.

Race 7 — 12.5f Turf Optional Claimer $74,000

End Of Romance (5) at 4-1 is the card's most credentialed runner under an elite turf trainer. Naptown (7) at 5-1 and Ejtimaa (8) at 6-1 are the two best value plays on the entire card. Tosen Wish (10) at 15-1 and Mister Abarrio (12) at 12-1 belong in every superfecta ticket without exception.

Race 8 — 11f Turf Claimer $25,000

Tour Jete (10) at 3-1 is the closing favorite with strong rider support despite an outside post. Birdie Rose (6) at 4-1 is the natural exacta partner, and Don't Tell Deren (1) at 5-1 from the rail is the preferred trifecta inclusion. Stella Mars (4) at 5-1 is worth a small win bet as the day's final value play.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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