Horse Racing Picks: Colonial Downs Predictions, Previews, and Odds (Aug 12)

• Huge day of graded stakes action takes place at Colonial Downs on Saturday
• The action is headlined by the G1 Arlington Million

An exciting afternoon of racing awaits fans at Colonial Downs on Saturday, as three graded stakes races will be staged. The standout of those is the 2023 edition of the G1 Arlington Million. You can find our latest horse racing picks for the action below.

Schedule and How To Watch

• When: Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 1:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Colonial Downs, Virginia
• How To Watch: FanDuel TV

Arlington Million Stakes Odds & Pick

The Arlington Million is one of my favorite races of the summer. It was previously staged at the legendary Arlington Park, but it was moved to Colonial Downs from Churchill Downs in 2023. A total distance of 1 ¼ miles will be covered on the turf, with a purse of $1 million available.

Santin was the winner of this race last year, but he is yet to reach the same heights, having failed to finish in the first three on his previous four starts this year. Most recently, he was seen finishing fourth in the Hanshin Stakes at Ellis Park. There’s a clear case that the five-year-old has regressed this season.

Old boys Set Piece and Master Piece are both worth considering, but it could be worth siding with a runner that is still on an upward trajectory. Therefore, we will be taking a chance on Catnip. The four-year-old was second on his previous start in the G1 United Nations Stakes, but he was very impressive when landing the G3 Monmouth Stakes in late June. He’s ideally drawn this weekend, and could be the most likely winner for Michael Stidham.

Free Pick:

READ MORE: Canelo Alvarez vs Jermell Charlo Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Sept 30)

Beverly D Stakes Odds & Pick

The other Grade 1 on the card this weekend at Colonial Downs is the Beverly D Stakes. Chad Brown holds an excellent record in the race, having won the contest on six previous occasions. He is well-represented with two runners on Saturday, with Flavien Prat taking the ride on Gina Romantica, and Tyler Gaffalione on board Rocky Sky.

Both aren’t without a chance, but Gina Romantica looks to be the more progressive. She finished fourth on her return to the track in the G3 Eatontown, but she remains of considerable interest following her victory in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup last season, which scored a career-best 108 speed figure. She is an obvious win angle, as she likely need that return to action to get back up to speed.

Miss En Scene is another runner on the comeback trail, but she could find this race a little too hot. Therefore, a chance will also be taken on Argentinean-bred Didia. The five-year-old was second in the G1 New York Stakes on her previous start, and has been incredibly consistent since moving to the United States, having failed to run below a speed rating of 100. She should be bang there.

Free Pick:

Other Colonial Downs Predictions