Frank Carulli: Colonial Downs $3 Pick 3 Analysis | Friday, August 7, 2026

It’s the perfect spot for an hour-long afternoon escape. Whether you’re looking to add to a winning day or bail out from a bad one, Colonial Downs’ Late Pick 3 fits the bill. With double digit turf entrants in races 7 through 9 and a minimum $3 wager, the payout could be lucrative.

Colonial Downs 7th Race (3:30 p.m. EST)

ZEVON, an allowance winner on the Colonial Downs lawn, and THE BRIGADE, slowed by the pace in a longer route race last out, both improved to the 80 Beyer speed figure range on turf since adding Lasix early this year, earning spots in the leadoff leg of the ticket. RECKLESS “cruised” past the dueling leaders and held safe the slow-starting favorite to romp on the surface switch to the turf, but he will be undervalued off the claim for high-percentage trainer Jamie Ness. The last time BOLT FROM ABOVE ran on turf, he appeared hopelessly beaten at the 1/2-mile marker, only to launch an eye-catching rally to win in a longer race at the Fair Grounds. PROMISSIO, claimed out of a runner-up finish in the same spot at Santa Anita seven weeks ago, worked four times locally for his first start off the cross-country journey. He took 3-wide aim in the stretch, held off the favorite for second but couldn’t get by the 17-1 winner. Use him at 15-1 on the morning line. Try to beat 4-1 second choice IZZY D’ORO, who was disqualified from a front-end victory against THE BRIGADE at this level after he set slower middle fractions than a $16,000 maiden claimer on the same card.

Colonial Downs 8th Race (4:00 p.m. EST)

KNOCKANARA was a nose short of five consecutive wins sprinting on turf before he finished third in the Turf Sprint Championship at Aqueduct, surrounded by three multiple stakes winners who are a combined 22-for-68 on turf with $1.5 million in earnings. He is a solo play in the Pick 3. (NOTE: If he is scratched, use numbers 9 and 10 on the Pick 3 ticket).

Colonial Downs 9rd Race (4:30 p.m. EST)

BOSS LILLY returns to his level of claim, where his momentum stalled in a traffic jam on the final turn and he had to regroup to finish a clear second two starts ago. He was no match in his most recent start against Reckless, who will provide a good measuring stick in today’s 7th race. BEEKMAN STREET, the lone Maiden Special Weight winner in the field, drops below his claim level for top trainer Brittany Russell. He backed off a torrid pace battle two starts ago, re-grouped to take a brief stretch lead and fought gamely to the wire to get beat a length.

Suggested $3 Pick 3
CNL 7th Race: 3, 4, 6, 9, 10
CNL 8th Race: 8 (If scratched, use #s 9 and 10)
CNL 9th Race: 4, 9
Cost for a $3 ticket: $30

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