Colonial Downs continues its 2025 racing season with Wednesday’s card featuring eight races with varied distances and surfaces. The meet is running through September 13 with post times at 12:30 PM on Wednesdays. The Virginia track features two premier racing surfaces – the Secretariat Turf Course, which is the widest grass racing surface in North America, and a dirt track that ranks as the country’s second largest.
Track Conditions and Weather Forecast
Current track conditions show the dirt surface listed as “Fast” and the turf surface as “Firm” based on the most recent available reports. The temporary rail distance has been set at 20 feet.
Currently at New Kent, VA, where Colonial Downs is located, it’s 69°F (20°C) with mostly cloudy skies. The humidity is quite high at 95% with light winds from the north-northwest at 1 mph. Visibility is 5 miles with 88% cloud cover. Today’s forecast calls for a thunderstorm around in the afternoon.
Jockey Analysis and Insights
The jockey colony at Colonial Downs continues to show competitive depth at the midway point of the meet. Ben Curtis maintains his position as the leading rider with 26 wins from 106 starts, striking at nearly 25 percent and generating a meet-high 5.13 “added wins,” which measures actual victories against those predicted by betting odds.
Paco Lopez remains Curtis’s closest pursuer with 20 wins from 82 mounts, matching Curtis’s 24 percent strike rate while recording 2.47 added wins. Axel Concepcion has emerged as a hot rider, surging into contention with 15 wins and 3.11 added wins after winning six times from just 11 mounts in recent action.
Mychel Sanchez sits third in the standings with 17 wins from 102 starts, though his negative added wins figure suggests he may be overbet by the public. Sheldon Russell and Micah Husbands continue to outperform expectations, each carrying more than 1.5 added wins.
In the specialized steeplechase division, Graham Watters remains dominant with seven wins from eight starts, generating an exceptional 54 percent of available purse money.
Trainer Insights and Analysis
Michael Trombetta continues to set the pace among trainers with 19 wins from 77 starters, striking at 25 percent and leading all conditioners with 5.71 added wins. His consistent performance throughout the meet has established him as the barn to watch.
Brittany Russell holds second place with 15 wins from 70 starts at a 21 percent clip, recording 2.33 added wins. The Russell stable has shown steady production throughout the meet.
Michael Stidham has demonstrated impressive efficiency with eight wins from just 26 starters, posting a 30.77 percent strike rate and 1.85 added wins. Jamie Ness and Mark Casse are tied with Stidham at eight wins each, with Ness maintaining a 25 percent win rate.
John Fisher continues to maximize limited opportunities with six wins from 12 starters and a remarkable 3.56 added wins, leading all trainers with 34 percent of available purse money earned. Kelsey Danner showed recent form with three winners from three starters in recent action.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1
Race 1 is a Maiden Special Weight contest scheduled for 12:30 PM featuring 10 runners competing at 5 furlongs 110 yards on Colonial’s premier turf course. The race carries a substantial purse of $87,500 with $55,125 going to the winner, making this one of the more lucrative maiden events on the card.
Hot Cocoa enters as the morning line favorite at 19-10 odds and brings the most consistent recent form to this contest. The runner finished third in an August maiden race at Colonial Downs, stalking the pace in third-wide position before making a move at the quarter pole but missing second place by 6 1/2 lengths behind Tosca. This effort shows the ability to compete at this level and suggests improvement with the race experience.
State Conceal appears as the second choice at 13-2 morning line odds with recent stakes experience. This runner finished fourth of six in a stakes race at Colonial Downs over 5 furlongs on the fast dirt surface, running in 3-2 position early before drifting wide in the stretch and finishing 5 1/2 lengths behind Trendsetter. The stakes experience and competitive showing provide solid credentials for this maiden special weight level.
Interesting Newcomers
Several first-time starters bring pedigree appeal to this contest. Dynacito is a Munnings colt out of Dynaire, representing a sire known for early speed and turf aptitude. Jessica’s Eyes is a Mosler gelding out of Miracle Mischief, while Proton comes from the first crop of Astern, an Australian-bred stallion making his mark in American racing.
Play It Cool represents the Midshipman sire line, known for turf runners, while Randy Said So is by Paynter out of Spring Run. These newcomers will need to show natural ability to compete with horses that have race experience.
Long Shots with Experience
Feisty Notion carries 20-1 morning line odds but showed some ability when fourth of 11 in a July maiden race at Colonial Downs, pressing the pace before weakening in the stretch to finish 5 1/2 lengths behind Doubting Thomas. The effort suggests ability but raises questions about stamina or class.
Jigger also finished in that same July maiden race, taking third place at 45-1 odds after tracking in 2-3 wide position and making a bid four-wide before flattening out. The runner finished 4 1/4 lengths behind the winner, indicating some competitiveness at this level.
This Is The Life appears overmatched based on a poor showing in the same stakes race as State Conceal, finishing last of six and 28 lengths behind after being bumped at the start. The 60-1 morning line odds reflect this disappointing effort.
Jockey and Trainer Considerations
Paco Lopez follows with 20 wins at a matching 24.39% clip. Any mount for these leading riders deserves extra consideration in the wagering.
Sheldon Russell and Micah Husbands continue outperforming expectations with more than 1.5 added wins each.
Race Analysis
This maiden special weight on the turf presents a competitive field mixing experienced runners with promising newcomers. Hot Cocoa brings the most consistent recent form and figures to appreciate the return to Colonial’s turf course after previous dirt efforts. The third-place finish in August shows competitive ability at this level.
State Conceal offers stakes experience and should handle the class drop from that recent stakes effort. The ability to compete in stakes company suggests this runner possesses the talent to succeed in maiden special weight company.
The first-time starters merit respect based on breeding and connections, particularly those from leading barns. The turf debut adds an element of uncertainty but also opportunity for improvement.
Wagering Strategy
Hot Cocoa deserves favoritism based on recent form and course experience, but the odds may not provide significant value. State Conceal offers a logical alternative with stakes experience and potential class advantage.
Consider the first-time starters as potential value plays, particularly those from leading trainers or with accomplished jockeys aboard. The maiden special weight conditions create opportunities for well-bred newcomers to make immediate impact.
For exotic wagering, key the top two choices while using the promising newcomers underneath in exacta and trifecta combinations. The competitive nature of maiden races often produces surprise results that reward broader coverage in multi-horse wagers.
Race 2
Race 2 is an Allowance contest scheduled for 12:59 PM featuring eight runners competing at six furlongs on Colonial’s dirt surface. This represents one of the stronger events on the card with a substantial purse of $90,000, paying $56,700 to the winner, $18,000 for second, $9,000 for third, and $6,300 for fourth.
Field Analysis and Top Contenders
Bold Diversion (5/2 Morning Line)
Bold Diversion enters as the morning line favorite at 5/2 odds, suggesting strong recent form or class credentials that make this runner the public choice. The relatively short odds indicate solid backing from the handicapping community for this allowance-level contest.
Eastbostonbenny and Mr. Keys (3/1)
Both Eastbostonbenny and Mr. Keys share co-second favoritism at 3/1 odds, creating an interesting dynamic in the wagering. Eastbostonbenny brings solid recent form credentials to this contest and rates as a key player. The consistent backing at 3/1 suggests both horses possess legitimate winning chances at the allowance level.
Great Heavens (4/1)
Great Heavens rounds out the shorter-priced contenders at 4/1 morning line odds. This runner merits consideration based on the competitive odds, though specific recent form details require further evaluation to assess true winning prospects.
Nola Boss (8/1)
Nola Boss brings proven Colonial Downs success to this contest, having won a six-furlong dirt race at the track in July, defeating Candycrumbs in a field of six runners. The victory demonstrates both track familiarity and surface preference, making this runner particularly dangerous at 8/1 odds despite the class test in allowance company.
Long Shots
Nancy Made My Day carries 10/1 odds, while Schrader faces a significant challenge at 20/1. Gabriel’s Wing appears overmatched at 30/1 morning line odds, suggesting limited winning prospects based on recent form or class considerations.
Jockey and Trainer Angles
Axel Concepcion has emerged as the hot hand, winning six times from just 11 mounts in recent action to surge into contention with 15 overall wins and 3.11 added wins. Sheldon Russell continues outperforming expectations with 1.52 added wins and a 19.64% strike rate.
Among trainers, Brittany Russell holds second with 15 wins from 70 starts at 21% and 2.33 added wins.
Race Analysis
This allowance contest presents a competitive field where class and recent form will prove decisive. Bold Diversion’s favoritism suggests strong credentials, though the relatively tight odds from the top four choices indicate a wide-open contest.
Nola Boss stands out as the value play based on proven Colonial success over the exact distance and surface. The July victory demonstrates both tactical speed and finishing kick necessary for allowance-level success. The 8/1 odds appear generous for a horse with demonstrated track bias advantages.
The co-second choices Eastbostonbenny and Mr. Keys create interesting wagering dynamics, with expert analysis favoring Eastbostonbenny’s recent form credentials. The unexposed nature of Mr. Keys adds intrigue but also uncertainty in this competitive spot.
Great Heavens at 4/1 offers middle-ground value between the favorites and longer shots, though specific form analysis would better determine true winning prospects.
Wagering Strategy
The competitive nature of this allowance field suggests excellent opportunities for exotic wagering. Bold Diversion deserves respect as the favorite but may not offer significant win betting value at 5/2 odds.
Nola Boss represents the standout value play at 8/1 based on proven track success and distance preference. The July victory over this exact configuration provides significant edge over rivals lacking similar Colonial experience.
For exacta wagering, consider keying Nola Boss on top of the shorter-priced contenders Bold Diversion, Eastbostonbenny, and Mr. Keys. The reverse combinations also merit consideration given the competitive nature of allowance fields.
Trifecta players should include the top four choices while using Great Heavens and Nancy Made My Day as potential value underneath runners. The 6/1 and longer shots create attractive payoff opportunities in multi-horse wagers.
Race 5
Race 5 is a Claiming contest scheduled for 2:26 PM featuring 11 runners competing at 5 furlongs 110 yards on Colonial’s premier turf surface. This claiming race carries a purse of $34,500 with $21,735 going to the winner, $6,900 for second, $3,450 for third, and $2,415 for fourth place. The sprint distance on the turf creates an interesting dynamic for handicappers seeking speed and tactical versatility.
Key Contenders and Analysis
Spirit of Victory
According to expert analysis, Spirit of Victory emerges as the standout selection based on consistent speed figures over the course and distance. The runner has been clocking decent speed figures over this exact configuration at Colonial Downs, suggesting strong familiarity with both the track surface and distance requirements. This course-and-distance form provides a significant edge in claiming company.
Afterneath
Afterneath brings winning form into this contest after a dominant performance at Penn National in August. The runner won a 5-furlong turf race in good fashion, “kicking on” and “holding sway” to defeat Missy’s Map by 2 1/4 lengths in a field of seven. The recent victory demonstrates current form and distance preference, making this runner a serious threat despite the venue change from Penn National to Colonial.
The 16-10 favorite status at Penn National suggests this runner commanded respect from bettors and handicappers, indicating solid underlying ability at the claiming level. The winning margin and race description suggest both tactical speed and finishing kick necessary for turf sprint success.
Field Dynamics and Pace Analysis
With 11 runners entered in this turf sprint, the pace scenario becomes crucial for handicapping success. The 5 furlongs 110 yards distance on Colonial’s wide turf course typically favors horses with natural speed who can secure good position early while maintaining enough kick for the stretch drive.
Jockey and Trainer Considerations
The race benefits from Colonial’s exceptional jockey colony led by Ben Curtis, who maintains 26 wins from 106 starts with a 24.53% strike rate and 5.13 added wins above expectations. Paco Lopez follows closely with 20 wins from 82 mounts at 24.39% and 2.47 added wins. Sheldon Russell continues outperforming expectations with 1.52 added wins.
Surface and Distance Analysis
Colonial’s Secretariat Turf Course represents the widest grass racing surface in North America, providing ample room for tactical maneuvering in this 11-runner field. The 5 furlongs 110 yards distance falls into the sprint category but allows for some tactical development compared to shorter sprints.
Horses with proven turf form hold distinct advantages over those making surface debuts or attempting to transfer dirt form to the grass. The claiming level suggests most runners have established their surface preferences through previous starts.
Wagering Strategy and Value Opportunities
Spirit of Victory represents the logical choice based on course-and-distance form and expert analysis highlighting consistent speed figures. The runner’s familiarity with Colonial’s turf and proven ability at this exact distance configuration provide solid handicapping foundation.
Afterneath offers excellent value as an alternative based on recent winning form at Penn National. The dominant 2 1/4-length victory over 5 furlongs on turf translates well to this claiming level at Colonial. The venue change adds some uncertainty but shouldn’t diminish the recent winning effort.
For exotic wagering, consider keying these two primary contenders while using broader coverage underneath given the competitive nature of 11-runner claiming fields. The wide turf course creates opportunities for closers and horses with tactical speed to find racing room in the stretch.
The daily double connecting this race to the subsequent allowance contest provides excellent wagering opportunities, particularly when combining the top claiming selections with stronger allowance contenders in Race 6.
Trifecta and superfecta players should focus on the top speed figures and recent form while including potential value horses with leading jockey-trainer combinations aboard. The claiming level often produces surprising results that reward broader coverage in multi-horse exotic wagers.
The presence of 11 runners in this turf sprint creates attractive payoff potential in exotic pools while providing multiple wagering angles for handicappers seeking value throughout Colonial’s competitive claiming ranks.
Race 7
Race 7 is an Allowance Optional Claiming contest scheduled for 4:09 PM featuring seven runners competing at 1 mile 110 yards on Colonial’s premier turf surface. This represents one of the evening’s stronger events with a substantial purse of $80,000, paying $50,400 to the winner, $16,000 for second, $8,000 for third, and $5,600 for fourth. The route distance on the turf creates excellent opportunities for tactical development and stretch-running tactics.
Field Analysis and Top Contenders
Dripping Gold (9/5 Morning Line Favorite)
Dripping Gold enters as the clear morning line favorite at 9/5 odds based on strong recent form at Colonial Downs. In July, this runner finished a hard-fought second to Goldeneye in a 1 mile 1 furlong turf race at Colonial, swinging six-wide at the 3/16 pole and bidding strongly before being beaten just a neck. The effort demonstrates both class and tactical speed necessary for this allowance level, while the course experience provides a significant edge over rivals lacking Colonial familiarity.
The narrow defeat suggests improvement with another race over the track, and the slight distance cutback to 1 mile 110 yards may favor the runner’s tactical speed. Leading jockey Ben Curtis has the mount, adding significant value given his meet-leading 26 wins and 24.53% strike rate with 5.13 added wins.
Raptor’s (5/1)
Raptor’s brings proven Colonial success to this contest after a dominant victory in July over 1 mile 1 furlong on the turf. The Brazilian-bred runner broke outward and bumped at the start but settled inside before tipping three-wide to win by 2 3/4 lengths over Wow Whata Summer. The victory demonstrates both tactical ability and finishing kick necessary for route racing on Colonial’s expansive turf course.
The slight distance cutback should suit Raptor’s style, and the proven ability to handle Colonial’s unique turf configuration provides a distinct advantage. The 5/1 odds appear reasonable for a recent course-and-distance winner stepping up slightly in class.
Eff Thirty Five (4/1)
Eff Thirty Five offers interesting value as the second choice at 4/1 odds despite a modest recent effort at Penn National. In June, the runner finished fifth of 10 in a handicap at Penn National, racing 4-5 wide on the pace before rallying late to finish 2 1/2 lengths behind Fierce And Strong. While the effort shows some ability, the class test in this allowance optional claiming spot requires significant improvement.
The morning line positioning suggests connections expect improvement, possibly from the surface change to Colonial’s superior turf or the distance adjustment to 1 mile 110 yards.
Just A Photo (6/1)
Just A Photo brings stakes experience after finishing fourth in a stakes race at Gulfstream Park in July. The runner encountered traffic at the 5/16 pole and flattened out late, finishing 3 3/4 lengths behind Prevent. The stakes experience provides class credentials, though the disappointing finish raises questions about current form and ability to transfer Gulfstream success to Colonial’s turf.
Won An Award (6/1)
Won An Award carries 6/1 odds despite a poor showing when sixth of seven in a stakes race at Monmouth Park in August. The runner stalked outside early before weakening to finish 3 1/4 lengths behind Air Recruit. The recent stakes experience provides some class appeal, but the disappointing effort suggests this runner may be outclassed in allowance company.
Long Shots and Value Plays
Uncle Jake (8/1)
Uncle Jake merits consideration at 8/1 odds after a competitive fourth-place finish in a stakes race at Evangeline Downs in July. The runner vied for the early lead and made a steady effort to finish 2 1/4 lengths behind Point Proven in a field of 12. The stakes experience and competitive showing suggest ability to compete at this allowance level.
Eyes On The King (10/1)
Eyes On The King faces a significant challenge at 10/1 odds after finishing last of eight at Colonial Downs in July, 10 1/2 lengths behind Goldeneye. The disappointing effort over course and distance raises serious questions about competitive ability at this level. Leading trainer Mark Casse and hot jockey Axel Concepcion provide some hope for improvement.
Wow Whata Summer (15/1)
Wow Whata Summer offers longshot value at 15/1 odds despite finishing second to Raptor’s in their July Colonial encounter. The runner settled inside before swinging four-wide but could only manage second-best, finishing 2 3/4 lengths behind the winner. The effort shows competitive ability, though the rematch with Raptor’s under similar conditions suggests limited winning prospects.
Jockey and Trainer Analysis
This race features several top connections from Colonial’s leading colony. Ben Curtis aboard Dripping Gold brings meet-leading credentials with 26 wins and 5.13 added wins above expectations. Axel Concepcion on Eyes On The King represents the hot hand with recent momentum after winning six times from 11 mounts.
Mark Casse trains Eyes On The King and brings solid credentials with eight wins this meet at a 17.39% rate. The combination of Casse and Concepcion, despite the horse’s poor recent form, deserves some respect in the wagering.
Race Analysis and Strategy
This allowance optional claiming contest presents a competitive field where recent Colonial form and class credentials prove decisive. Dripping Gold deserves favoritism based on the narrow defeat to Goldeneye and proven ability over the course and distance. The combination with leading jockey Curtis adds significant value.
Raptor’s represents the primary threat based on the July victory over course and distance. The proven ability to handle Colonial’s turf and tactical speed necessary for route racing make this runner particularly dangerous at 5/1 odds.
The route distance creates opportunities for tactical development and late-running styles to be effective. Colonial’s wide turf course provides ample room for horses to find their best stride in the stretch drive.
Wagering Strategy
Dripping Gold merits support as the favorite based on superior recent form and course familiarity. The narrow defeat in July suggests improvement potential with another start over the track.
Raptor’s offers excellent value at 5/1 odds as a recent course-and-distance winner with proven tactical ability. The rematch with several runners from the July race creates interesting betting dynamics.
For exotic wagering, consider keying these two primary contenders while using Uncle Jake as a potential value play at 8/1 odds based on stakes experience. The competitive nature of allowance fields often produces surprising results in multi-horse wagers.
Exacta combinations should focus on Dripping Gold and Raptor’s in the top two spots, with Uncle Jake and Just A Photo offering value underneath based on class credentials. The trifecta presents excellent value opportunities given the competitive nature of the eight-runner field.
The daily double and pick-3 sequences connecting this race provide attractive wagering opportunities when combining the top allowance selections with competitive claiming and maiden races on the card.
Wagering Strategies and Value Opportunities
Given the competitive nature of the jockey and trainer colonies, bettors should focus on recent form and track-specific performance patterns. Curtis and Lopez command respect in any race they participate in, given their consistent production throughout the meet.
The presence of trainers like Trombetta and Russell, who both exceed 20 percent win rates, suggests value may exist when their horses are overlooked by the betting public. Conversely, horses from barns showing negative added wins may present underlying betting against opportunities.
The turf races merit special attention given Colonial’s exceptional grass surface, particularly when evaluating horses making their turf debuts or those with specific course experience.
For multi-race wagers, consider keying the top jockey-trainer combinations while using wider coverage in races featuring less accomplished connections. The daily double and pick-3 sequences may offer better value than single-race exotic wagers given the competitive nature of most races.