Quills Picks Winners – Saturday 5/23 – Santa Anita Race 8

The final race of the five that we are looking at this afternoon is the Snow Chief Stakes. A field of state bred three-year-olds will go a mile and an eighth on the turf course.

Santa Anita Race 8 – Snow Chief Stakes

Favored is the 3 He’s a Knockout (6/5 morning line). He is two for two lifetime after winning an optional claiming race last month in his first race in eight months. He went for the lead in both races and never looked back. This is the second race back and stretches out here, but he will be tested here this afternoon.

The 6 Ventry Strand (9/2 ML) will step up into stakes company for the first time today after just missing last month going a mile here last month. Distance should not be an issue for this colt who will be closing strongly once again.

The 1 Unrivaled Time (7/2 ML) races for the first time since February. He is already a Grade 3 winner, winning the Cecil B. Demille last fall at Del Mar. He looks to get back on track here after a lackluster performance in the Pasadena Stakes.

The 7 Third Beer (6/1 ML) likes to stalk the pace, but last time out here at Santa Anita could not get to the top three. He looks like he can stalk right behind the leaders but I think the closers have an edge here.

Joe’s Pick

The favorite He’s a Knockout appears to be distance limited here. If he can stretch out and win, he will be tough going forward. But I think that Ventry Strand can get up late with a strong closing kick to get by the leaders late for the win.

I’m calling this race 6-1-3-7 and my play is $20 to win on the 6. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!