Let ‘em Run Review of 3/7/26 and Preview of 3/14/26
It was not a stellar week for the Let ’em Run team at the racetrack this past weekend, but if history repeats itself, things may be about to heat up. The upcoming weekend features two important prep races at Colonial Downs in New Kent, Virginia. We will be breaking down the Virginia Oaks for fillies, a Kentucky Oaks prep race that awards 50 points to the winner. Also on the card is the Virginia Derby, which will offer 50 points toward the Kentucky Derby and a chance for runners to strengthen their case for the first Saturday in May.
Be sure to tune in to our Happy Hour show on Friday at 3 PM, and again on Saturday at 11:30 AM. The Saturday show will begin earlier than usual due to the Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day parade taking place later that day.
Looking Back at Tampa Bay Downs
Before turning our full attention to Colonial Downs, let’s take a look at how things played out last weekend at Tampa Bay Downs.
Race 7
The race appeared to be the #5 Alpyland’s to lose, and the runner delivered as expected. This horse was firmly on our radar and made the trip to the winner’s circle to kick off the Late Pick 5 sequence in a straightforward fashion.
Race 8
The sequence took a sharp turn away from the early chalk when #9 Chatelot, switching from turf to dirt for the first time, came home the winner and paid $21.60. Our top selection, #2 Right Timing, ran well but had to settle for second place.
Race 9
We focused on the top three runners in this race, and it turned into a thrilling finish. #4 Destino d’Oro got her nose down right at the wire and returned $8.00 to the winner, giving Let ‘em Run a solid victory in the sequence.
Race 10 – Kentucky Oaks Prep
The first prep race on the card came in Race 10 with a spot on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks on the line. Our top pick, #9 Kokomotion, managed to finish third. The winner, #5 Dandona, earned the 50 qualifying points and likely secured a position in the starting gate for the first Friday in May at Churchill Downs.
Race 11 – Tampa Bay Derby
The card wrapped up with the Tampa Bay Derby. Our top choice, #5 Powershift, did not show the performance we anticipated and finished a disappointing sixth. The winner, #8 The Puma, delivered a strong effort. With connections that previously celebrated a Kentucky Derby victory with Mage, this group now has another potential contender for the first Saturday in May. For those who tuned into our Saturday podcast, we discussed The Puma at length and highlighted why this runner had a real chance.
Turning the Focus to Colonial Downs
This weekend our attention shifts to Colonial Downs, where two important prep races will take center stage. The Virginia Oaks and the Virginia Derby will both award 50 points to the winners, giving several runners an opportunity to strengthen their positions on the road to Churchill Downs.
Join myself and John Kostin for a special Happy Hour show on Friday, March 13 at 3 PM. We will break down the Late Pick 5 at Colonial Downs, which includes both prep races. Then on Saturday at 11:30 AM, John will provide updates following scratches and offer final insights that could lead to some interesting wagering opportunities.
You can catch the show on the Sports Talk Media Network along with multiple streaming apps and social channels. And as we always say, bet smart, cheer hard, and remember that fast horses can lead to serious fun.
