Incredibolt, Ocelli Willing To Take Aim At Virginia Derby

[Wandering Eyes]

With nominations for the $500,000 Virginia Derby closing Wednesday, Feb. 25, GSW Incredibolt (Bolt d'Oro) and Ocelli (Connect) have emerged as likely starters, Colonial Downs said in a press release on Friday.

The 1 1/8-mile Virginia Derby will be run Saturday, Mar. 14, highlighting Colonial Downs's three-day meet held Mar. 12-14. Nominations for all seven opening week stakes also close Feb. 25.

Held just under two months from the GI Kentucky Derby, the Virginia Derby awards 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying points to the top five finishers toward a berth in the “Run for the Roses.”

Trained by Riley Mott, Incredibolt earned 10 Derby qualifying points with his victory in October's GIII Street Sense at Churchill Downs. Owned by Pin Oak Stud, the colt was sixth in the GIII Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park in his lone start this year.

Another potential starter in the Virginia Derby is Whit Beckman trainee Ocelli, who has generated buzz with three in-the-money finishes.

“I've always seen the talent that this colt has,” Beckman said. “We're excited to point him toward the Virginia Derby.”

Owned by Ashley Durr, Anthony Tate and Front Page Equestrian, the colt finished sixth behind Renegade (Into Mischief) in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs earlier this month.

Ocelli has faced 3-year-olds in all four of his starts, including a third-place finish to Reagan's Honor (Honor A.P.) on the Lecomte undercard in New Orleans. This week, Reagan's Honor earned a 96 Beyer in an allowance win at Fair Grounds.

“He's had some excuses, some tough trips, faced some very good horses,” Beckman added. “I think it will be a really good spot for him. Looking over the condition book, there are some good races for us and we'll have a few more entries for the week.”

Gates will open at 10 a.m. ET for Virginia Derby Day and post time is Noon ET. All reserved tickets are sold out, but a limited number of general admission tickets remain available.

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