Upset in Virginian final

Goodbye Daddy scored an upset victory for owner-trainer-driver Frank Milby in the $9,150 The Virginian late-closing series final Thursday night at Colonial Downs.

Goodbye Daddy was dismissed at 9-1 in the 1 1/4-mile race, but proved clearly the best after a patient drive to win by 3 1/2 widening lengths in 2:32.

Milby took Goodbye Daddy back to last at the start and saved all the ground around the first turn. Winsmith Magic was quickest off the gate but Twinks King went wide on the first turn to take the lead through an opening quarter in :30.2. Winsmith Magic reclaimed the lead down the backstretch and set leisurely middle fractions of 1:02.4 for the half and 1:34.1 for three-quarters. Goodbye Daddy continued to race along the rail in last, 6 1/2 lengths off the lead.

Conway’s Star took the first crack at the leaders with a first-over move on the far turn. Milby swung Goodbye Daddy out to take cover behind Conway’s Star and that duo made a steady advance on Winsmith Magic. Goodbye Daddy powered away from the field in the stretch to win by 3 1/2 lengths over Piano Man. Conway’s Star was another 2 3/4 lengths back in third.

Milby scored an even more surprising win in race three when his Nukem Over powered down the 1,300-foot stretch to win at 59-1. Nukem Over returned $120.40, the highest win mutuel of the meet. Milby also owns, trains and drives Nukem Over. (Colonial Downs)

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