Trio of Late Nominations Add to Virginia Derby Field

The late nominations of Orchard Park, Flying Dash, and Van Minister has increased the potential quality of the $500,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs. The 1 1/4-mile turf race will be contested July 13.

There are currently 60 nominations for the Virginia Derby, excluding late mail. Horses can be supplemented for the race for $5,000 at the usual time of entry.

The Bill Mott-trained Orchard Park enters the Virginia Derby after winning the Jefferson Cup (gr. IIIT) over Mr. Mellon at Churchill Downs.

Flying Dash may be the most interesting 3-year-old colt in America after winning two consecutive North American starts, the Transylvania Stakes and the Hawthorne Derby (gr. IIT). Flying Dash was later disqualified from his Hawthorne win after a positive drug test and his trainer was suspended. Drysdale has appealed the ruling.

In his last race, Van Minister charged from last to first to win the Hill Prince Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Belmont Park.