Pocono Picks

Get ready for Virginia racing as the Virginia Racing Commission has licensed Shenadoah Downs for its inaugural ten day racing meet starting September 10.  Racing will be conducted for five weekends (Saturday and Sunday) which represents a come back after the closing of Colonial Downs.  Purses will average $80,000 a day.

As promised, here are my selections for the big-three stakes being conducted at Pocono Downs tonight.

In the 11th race, The Valley Forge, we are going against the logical choice, Pure County, primarily under the presumption two starts against the colts has taken its toll against her.  My top choice is Blue Moon Stried (#7, 6-1) who herself has been racing pretty well Darlinonthebeach (#66, 3-1) is coming in to the race with two consecutive wins and figures to be tough.  Call Me Queen Be (#1, 12-1) and Kiss Me Onthebeach (#3, 5-1) look to complete the exotics.

In the 12th race, The Colonial, with the exception of a few horses, it may as well be called Hambletonian Redux.  Going out on the limb a little, Dayson (#1, 5-1) is stepping up but when he has stayed flat, he has been undefeated and he is on a three race win streak.  Hambo winner Marion Marauder (#2, 5-2), has been in peak form,  Southwind Frank (#6, 3-1) looks to rebound off a tough second place finish to Marion Marauader while Milligan's School (#3, 10-1) put in a poor effort in last start, should be better here.

For the 13th, The Battle of the Brandywine, three year old pacers are on display.  Control The Moment (#8, 3-1) has been dominating of late; expect another notch in the belt here.  Betting Line (#1, 5-2) is the other star of the division winning last eight including last week's Milstein where he broke and recovered.  Racing Hill (#3, 4-1) returns off Adios Victory, may be a little short.  Another Daily Copy (#4, 15-1) looks like he is improving; completes the superfecta.