Kentucky Downs isn’t the only track in the nation with an abundance of high-quality turf racing right now. The Colonial Downs meet is in full swing, and nine of Wednesday’s 11 races at the New Vent, Va., oval will be contested on the lawn. My picks for five of the day’s events are below.

Best bet: Charlottesapproval (race 8)

Best value bet: Promise Me Gold (race 2)

Race 2

No. 1 Promise Me Gold (7-2) is one of two second-time starters who caught my eye in this field. She was off slowly on debut but finished with interest to pick up second at 29-1. Improvement is expected, especially if she gets away cleanly. No. 6 Last Glance (10-1) demonstrated late interest vs. tougher and didn’t finish all that far behind No. 8 Splash of Jack (8-5, morning-line favorite) at first asking. Blinkers go on, which should sharpen this long shot’s speed. Splash of Jack (8-5) is logical on speed figures while trying a new low, but I believe her potential to improve is limited, and the morning line is no bargain.

How I’d bet it (based on a $100 budget): $2 exacta box 1/6/8, $8 win 1

Race 4

No. 2 Clint Maroon (15-1) is a bit win-challenged but it looks like he’ll get to close into fast fractions in this one, unlike his last start when he got up for second while laying behind a plodding pace. Ben Curtis, winning at a 20 percent clip, has the call once more. No. 9 Bodecream (6-1) gives new pilot Jevian Toledo, 26 percent, tactical options and just beat a similar bunch here. No. 6 Bizzee Channel (3-1, morning-line favorite) is logical on speed figures while shipping in from Lone Star on the trainer switch to Jonathan Thomas. Antonio Gallardo picks up the assignment.

How I’d bet it: $2 exacta box 2/6/9, $2 exacta 9/2,6, $4 win 2

Race 7

No. 7 Millibar (15-1) gets class relief while stepping onto the grass for the first time, and the surface switch is a welcome one based on pedigree. No. 1 Courageous Mission (3-1) has made up late ground in each of his first two starts at sprint distances, so the stretchout is a logical move here. No. 10 Buoyant (5-2, morning-line favorite) may improve upon his last-out speed figure earned on yielding turf with a firm course expected today. Toledo and Brittany Russell are firing at a 42 percent win rate together across the past two months.

How I’d bet it: $2 exacta box 1/7/10, $2 exacta 1/7,10, $4 win 7

Race 8

No. 7 Charlottesapproval (5-2, morning-line favorite) was off for nine months after three uninspired dirt efforts but exploded late after encountering traffic trouble to win her turf debut in a highly rated effort. If she can replicate or improve upon that figure with a clean trip, this is a one-horse race. No.1 Truly Grateful (8-1) and No. 5 Heart (12-1) closed with belated interest off the bench when they met on Aug. 10, and both boast high-percentage connections. Look for them in the lane in a race chock-full of early speed.

How I’d bet it: $10 exacta 7/1,5

Race 11

No. 4 Streetcorner (7-5, morning-line favorite) could be the shortest price of the day while dropping in class and adding blinkers for Michael Stidham, who’s been pushing all the right buttons at the meet to win at a 29 percent rate. She has a decided edge on speed figures too. No. 1 Classy Disposition (6-1) and No. 6 Luna Amarilla (15-1) are the main threats for second while stretching out after closing with interest going shorter when last seen.

How I’d bet it: $10 exacta 4/1,6

Robert Criscola is a free-lance handicapper based in New York.