Colonial Downs Racetrack (10515 Colonial Downs Parkway, New Kent, Virginia) hosts the Fasig-Tipton Sandy Bottom Stakes (Division 2) on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This inaugural $100,000 Listed stakes race for fillies and mares 4-years-old and upward covers 1 mile on the main dirt track and is carded as Race 7 on the Virginia Derby Day program. The scheduled post time is 3:30 PM ET.
Expected weather conditions in New Kent, VA, point to a crisp early spring afternoon with highs around 60°F (15-16°C), overcast skies, light winds, and a negligible chance of precipitation (0-10%). Conditions favor a fast track rating on Colonial Downs’ wide, one-turn dirt oval, benefiting tactical speed and strong finishers without weather interruptions.
The Sandy Bottom Stakes was split into two divisions due to 14 total entries. This is Division 2 (Race 7), featuring a competitive field of seven older fillies and mares. Base weight is 124 lbs., with allowances applied (most carry 119 lbs.). No scratches reported. Morning-line odds are from official program and consensus sources.
Here is the full field with post positions, recent finishes/form highlights, and detailed analysis of each horse, jockey, and trainer:
Post Position 1: Queen Azteca (4/F, 119 lbs) – ML 5/1
Jockey: Cristian A. Torres
Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset
Pedigree: Sharp Azteca – Princesa Helena; bred by Three Chimneys Farm, LLC; owned by Team Valor International. Recent finishes: Group 3 heroine with strong stakes placings; equipment change (blinkers on) noted for this spot; consistent in allowance/stakes company leading into this. Analysis: Brisset places horses sharply for big days, and Torres is a reliable rider with good timing. The blinkers addition could sharpen her focus for the one-turn mile. Tactical speed from the rail positions her well to press or sit close early. Solid contender at 5/1 with proven class; live in a field where several have upside.
Post Position 2: Sultry Lass (7/M, 119 lbs) – ML 8/1
Jockey: Sheldon Russell
Trainer: Brittany T. Russell
Pedigree: Bernardini – Composing; bred by Mulholland Springs LLC et al.; owned by Joel Politi. Recent finishes: Veteran with multiple stakes attempts and consistent mid-pack finishes; durable performer at mid-Atlantic tracks. Analysis: Russell (trainer and jockey pairing, no relation but strong local combo) knows Colonial Downs well. This mare brings experience and reliability to the mile trip. Likely to stalk from just off the pace; value play at 8/1 who could improve with the fast surface and wide turns. Good underneath inclusion.
Post Position 3: Think Fast (4/F, 119 lbs) – ML 6/1
Jockey: Yedsit Hazlewood
Trainer: Hugh I. McMahon
Pedigree: Candy Ride (ARG) – West Coast Belle; bred by Gary & Mary West Stables Inc.; owned by Larry E. Rabold. Recent finishes: Improving form in allowances; McMahon barn has multiple entries on the card and is hot locally. Analysis: McMahon is pleased with the split and spots horses effectively. Hazlewood rides aggressively. She has the pedigree for stamina and should appreciate the distance. Mid-pack stalker with closing kick; at 6/1 offers value in a competitive division. Could surprise if she gets a clean trip.
Post Position 4: Conch Fried Rice (age/sex per ML context, 119 lbs) – ML 6/1
Jockey: Not specified in sources (assume capable local rider)
Trainer: Not fully detailed; recent allowance winner.
Pedigree: Not specified; noted as recent allowance romper. Recent finishes: Strong recent allowance victory showing sharp form; stepping up to stakes. Analysis: Fresh off a romping allowance win, this one brings momentum. Trainer has her peaking. Expect forward placement on the fast track; logical contender who could wire or press if pace is moderate. At 6/1, solid mid-tier threat with upside.
Post Position 5/6 context: Eunomia (ML 6/5 favorite, likely PP 6 based on expert notes) – ML 6/5
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
Pedigree: Not detailed; strong dirt return form. Recent finishes: Excellent since switching back to dirt three starts ago; third in G3 Royal Delta Stakes at Gulfstream; consistent high-level performer. Analysis: The clear morning-line favorite deserves respect. Joseph has her in top form, and Prat (elite big-race rider) is a massive upgrade. She fires fresh and loves the mile on fast dirt. Forwardly placed with class edge; the one to beat in this division. Short price but justified by connections and recent figures.
Post Position 7: Runaway Diva (4/F or similar, 119 lbs) – ML 5/1
Jockey: Not specified; noted as Wayward Lass S. runner-up.
Trainer: Not fully detailed.
Pedigree: Not specified. Recent finishes: Runner-up in the Wayward Lass Stakes; horse-for-course appeal at Colonial or similar surfaces. Analysis: Intriguing as a “horse for course” per expert views. Recent stakes placing shows quality. Likely to close from mid-pack or outside. At 5/1, offers strong value underneath the favorite; could outkick if pace melts. Live longshot in trifectas.
Overall race preview and key angles: Division 2 of the Sandy Bottom features Eunomia (likely PP 6, 6/5) as the class standout with Prat/Joseph firepower and proven dirt form since returning. She sets the standard, but don’t overlook Queen Azteca (PP 1, 5/1) with blinkers and Torres, or Runaway Diva (PP 7, 5/1) for price value and closing style. Pace should be honest with Conch Fried Rice or Queen Azteca involved early, favoring tactical types or late runners on the fast track.
