Diamond in the Rough – Colonial Downs Race 8

Colonial Downs in Virginia is one of the lesser known racetracks in the United States. Racebook fans probably rarely take a look at this small track that has produced some fine racing action for a long time.

That’s okay. As I’ve always contended, some of the best betting action can be found in places like Colonial Downs.

Let’s take a look at Race 8 at Colonial Downs on Tuesday night.

Colonial Downs – Race 8

Allowance $24,000 n$y

For Three Year Olds and Upward Which Have Never Won $6,800 Other Than Maiden, Claiming or Starter or Which Have Never Won Two Races

6 ½ furlongs on dirt

Storms Past – - 5/2 morning line

The unheralded Ben Feliciano brings over this $250,000 buy sired by Pulpit to try the Colonial Downs racing strip after running him first time after the claim in a $30,000 allowance at Pimlico. Feliciano is absolutely terrific with his second time claimers having won 50% second time out of 26 second time starters. Storms Past’s running line of 4-2-1 out of 10 races means that he rarely fails to hit the board. Expect big improvement from this guy in this race laying a bit off of the speed and then making a nice run around the turn.

Confirmondi – - 8/1 morning line

Trainer Jackie Earhart is the classic “softballer” having won with 2 of his 8 starters in 2009. He doesn’t saddle many but when he does, they are often times very good. Confirmondi is going second time for Earhart and should be the speed of the speed. The nice outside draw makes him tougher than he should be in this and he’s been running against better horses at Aqueduct even though the races were at a lower level. He’s got a shot to add value to the exotics.

Banana Boat Joe – - 2/1 morning line

This fella has gotten pretty good in his last two starts, a maiden victory and a second in a $22,400 allowance. The issue is whether or not he bounces off of those two stellar efforts or keeps it going in this. Joe has been all over the country having run at Hollywood, Arlington, Gulfstream, Laurel, Mountaineer, where he ran in his last two, and now here at Colonial. He’s got a shot but his form says he might go the other way in this race.

Wagering Strategy

I absolutely love Storms Past in this and will bet him to win and place. I will key him in an exacta over Banana Boat Joe and Confirmondi. I will reverse for less. I will also key Storms Past in the win and place slots in the trifecta over a box of Banana Boat Joe, Confirmondi and Purely Precious.