In preparation for the prestigious $500,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, one horse stands out as a contender ready to showcase its true potential. Render Judgment, a three-year-old colt, is set to compete this Saturday with some strategic changes aimed at improving his performance. Trainer Ken McPeek has implemented new tactics, including the addition of blinkers and adjustments to shoeing, which are expected to enhance the horse's focus and comfort during the race.

Render Judgment's recent performances have been less than stellar, but McPeek remains optimistic about the horse's abilities. The colt's last two races at Fair Grounds were marred by unfavorable conditions. In the Gun Runner Stakes, Render Judgment stumbled at the start, losing crucial ground early on. His most recent effort in the Grade 2 Risen Star saw him finishing eighth, a result that McPeek attributes to racing dynamics that favored horses closer to the rail. "We've made some changes," McPeek explained, "and we're hopeful these adjustments will help Render Judgment perform closer to his best."

The upcoming Virginia Derby offers Render Judgment an opportunity to prove his worth over a distance of 1 1/8 miles. This race marks the first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifying event at Colonial Downs, where the winner will earn valuable points toward the ultimate goal of securing a spot in the Kentucky Derby. Render Judgment has shown promise in longer distances before, breaking his maiden at Churchill Downs and earning qualifying points in previous stakes races. With Brian Hernandez Jr. in the saddle and starting from post 9, Render Judgment will face a field of nine other three-year-olds. McPeek believes this could be the moment Render Judgment steps up to become one of the top contenders in his age group.

As the Colonial Downs meet kicks off, all eyes will be on Render Judgment. The horse's potential for growth and improvement is evident, and with the right conditions, he could very well deliver a performance that matches the talent he displayed earlier in his career. This race serves as a pivotal moment, not only for Render Judgment but also for the future of his training team's aspirations. The Virginia Derby promises to be an exciting test of skill and strategy, setting the stage for what could be a memorable chapter in the young colt's journey.