Family Tree finds suitable spot in Old Nelson

The question isn’t whether the 1 3/16 miles of the $75,000 Old Nelson Stakes on Saturday at Colonial Downs is too far for Family Tree but rather if it’s too short.

Family Tree managed a win over 1 1/16 miles at Pimlico in May, but it was when he stretched out to 1 1/2 miles on July 13 at Laurel that his form jumped forward. Family Tree raced as far as 1 3/4 miles during the overseas portion of his career and, having changed barns since his last race to that of trainer Neil Morris, could have jumps racing in his future.

For the present, the Old Nelson looks like a suitable spot. The race is essentially a starter allowance and is open to horses who have raced for a $25,000 claiming tag during the last two calendar years. Family Tree did so once, when he was dropped in for a quarter in May at Laurel, scoring a narrow victory at a middle distance short of his best.

Birdsnest Party, claimed for $35,000 out of his most recent start, is the likely pacesetter and is in solid enough form but never has raced farther than 1 1/16 miles during his 23-start career and might not stay the trip. Dothat Dance, Master Plan, and Heza Kitten also rate a chance in what ought to be a competitive Saturday feature in Virginia.