Virginia Derby Offers Redemption for Incredibolt and Other Kentucky Derby Hopefuls
NEW KENT, VA – March 14th marks a pivotal stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby as Colonial Downs hosts the $500,000 Virginia Derby. The race presents a crucial opportunity for redemption for several contenders and a final chance for others to firmly establish themselves on the Derby trail. The top five finishers will earn qualifying points on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale.
Incredibolt Seeks to Rebound
Among those looking for a turnaround is Incredibolt, a colt owned by Pin Oak Stud and trained by Riley Mott. The son of Bolt d’Oro impressed early in the Kentucky Derby prep season with a victory in the Street Sense Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs in 2025. Although, a disappointing performance in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) on January 31st, where he finished 25 1/4 lengths behind the winner, cast doubt on his Derby prospects.
Jockey Jaime Torres attributed the poor showing to Incredibolt’s discomfort with the Gulfstream Park surface, a sentiment echoed by trainer Riley Mott. “I think it was mostly just a matter of him disliking the track surface,” Mott stated to Colonial Downs publicity. “Whether that had to do with it being deeper on the inside, I’m not sure, but he certainly didn’t obtain a hold of it at any point.”
Mott is optimistic about Incredibolt’s chances at Colonial Downs, citing the tighter surface as potentially more suitable. “I’m optimistic (Incredibolt) will like Colonial’s surface,” Mott said. “It’s a tighter surface, so he should be able to get more traction over it (than Gulfstream). The timing of it was right, and we’ve done okay shipping to Colonial. I think this spot might just fit the horse.” Incredibolt is listed at 10-1 odds, making him the sixth choice in the ten-horse field.
Buetane Aims for Stakes Success
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert will be looking for a breakthrough with Zedan Racing Stables’ Buetane. The Tiz the Law colt has consistently placed in graded stakes races, finishing second in both the Hopeful Stakes (G1) and the San Vicente Stakes (G2). However, he finished third in the Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park, and the Virginia Derby offers him a chance to stretch out over 1 1/8 miles.
Buetane is the 5-2 morning-line favorite.
Confessional Looks for a Clear Run
Steve Landers Racing’s Confessional, trained by Brad Cox, is also seeking redemption. After promising performances in his debut and an allowance race, the colt faced trouble in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, getting boxed in and finishing seventh. A better post position (post 8) and the added distance are expected to benefit the son of Essential Quality.
Lockstocknpharoah Undefeated and Ready for a Challenge
Trainer Thomas Drury Jr. Believes the race is “kind of wide open,” but is confident in his entrant, Lockstocknpharoah. The Let It Ride Equine Holdings-owned gelding is undefeated in two starts, both over the Tapeta surface at Turfway Park. Drury believes Lockstocknpharoah’s versatility will be an asset. “If Edgar (Morales) decides he wants to be forward he can, if he wants to tap on the breaks and follow somebody around there, he can do that as well.” Lockstocknpharoah is listed at 5-1 on the morning line.
Virginia Derby Entries
Colonial Downs, Saturday, March 14, 2026, Race 9
STK 1 1/8m Dirt $500,000 3 yo 5:10 PM (local)