Colonial Downs racing secretary Dan Bork has released the condition book for the track's new three-day spring meeting, which runs March 13-15. The special meeting is highlighted by the $500,000 Virginia Derby and $250,000 Virginia Oaks, which for the first time are points races on the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" and "Road to the Kentucky Oaks".
The Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks have been moved to the dirt and repositioned to March 15. The Virginia Derby will be run at 1 1/8 miles, and the Virginia Oaks will be contested at 1 1/16 miles. Each race offers 50 points to its winner while the next four finishers will receive 25, 15, 10, and 5 points on a sliding scale toward the appropriate race.
There are several lucrative options for Virginia-restricted runners topped by a pair of overnight handicaps. The $150,000 Stellar Wind, a six-furlong dash for older fillies and mares, and the $150,000 Boston, a seven-furlong race for older horses, headline the March 14 card
Maiden special weight races will go for $75,000 for open runners and $93,750 for Virginia-restricted horses. A first-level open allowance carries an $80,000 purse, and the corresponding Virginia-restricted event is worth $100,000.
Nominations for the Virginia Derby, Virginia Oaks, and the two overnight handicaps close Feb. 26. Entries for the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks will be taken at Colonial Downs March 8. The condition book is available online.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
