Late push wins for Nicota at Colonial Downs

NEW KENT -- Nicota made up a 10-length deficit at the midway point and stormed home to win the fastest of eight Virginia-bred title races on yesterday's $334,000 "Day of Champions," which concluded the track's fall harness season.

In last week's prep race, Nicota lost by a neck to Rick's Crossroads, the heavy favorite in yesterday's $43,800 event for 3-year-old colts and geldings. Nicota seemed buried entering the home straightaway. But it was there that reinswoman Devan Miller began her late surge.

Nicota, a Blissful Hall gelding, went three wide, picked off the six horses in front of him and crossed the finish line in 1:52 1/5, three lengths in front of Richie's Place. Tap Five finished third.

In the $40,400 sophomore colt and gelding trot, The Doctor reached the winner's circle for the third time this fall. Trainer/driver Renfrow Hauser directed his Luring gelding to a wire-to-wire effort in 1:58 1/5. The Doctor beat Charlie Dunavant's Blue Motorcycle by a length. Jamas took third.

In the $39,500 3-year-old filly pace, Blueridge Kathleen shook off her runner-up status in last Saturday's prep to gain revenge on Tidewater Misty. Trainer Vickielynne Lake's entry nosed out Tidewater Misty in a thrilling stretch duel that ended in 1:53 3/5.

Edenridge Farms of Charlottesville dominated the $41,700 3-year-old filly trot. Its horses finished first, second and fourth. Abigail Eden beat her stablemate Sadie Eden by a neck in 1:57 1/5. Lee Wind took third.