Quills Picks Winners – Saturday 6/6 – Saratoga Races 11 & 12

After a highly successful day yesterday, I thought that I would handicap some additional races today. I have chosen two additional races today.

First we will look at race 11 on the Belmont Stakes card at Saratoga. This is the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap (aka the Met Mile). A field of seven will traverse the “turn and a half” that I like to call this race here at The Spa.

Then we will look at the Grade 1 Manhattan Stakes. This will be run on the Mellon (or outer) turf course going a mile and three-sixteenths. Nine horses are entered in this race.

Saratoga Race 11 – Metropolitan Handicap (Grade 1)

Favored in the Met Mile is the 1 Nysos (9/5 morning line). He finished second to Forever Young in the Saudi Cup back in February. He returns here and shortens up for this Grade 1 race. He should be near the pace, but will drawing the rail mean he goes for the lead?

The 4 Saudi Crown (8/1 ML) won the Grade 3 Commonwealth Stakes going seven furlongs back in April. He is usually on the lead, but he pressed the pace while wide and drove clear. If he can rate, he has the chance of pulling off an upset, but I think he is part of a crazy speed duel.

The 3 Antiquarian (6/1 ML) returned from a six-month layoff to win the Grade 3 Westchester Stakes drawing clear to win easily in a short field. He has won at longer here at Saratoga but should be off the pace a little bit here today.

The 7 Journalism (5/2 ML) finished third in the Oaklawn Handicap when facing White Abarrio and Sovereignty almost two months ago. Last year’s Preakness winner will be sitting waiting to make his move and should have the pace to close late today.

Joe’s Met Mile Pick

Journalism faced some of the toughest horses in the United States last time out in his first race in five months. He faces a tough crew here, but It’s not as tough as that race at Oaklawn. He gets the set up and will get up late for the win.

I’m calling this race 7-4-1-3 and my play is $20 to win on the 7.

Saratoga Race 12 – Manhattan Stakes (Grade 1)

The last race before the Belmont Stakes is the Manhattan Stakes as these older horses will go a mile and three-sixteenths on the Mellon turf course.

Favored is the 7 Rhetorical (2/1 ML). He went gate to wire to win the Grade 1 Turf Classic in the race before the Derby at Churchill Downs. He is usually close to the pace, but he took the lead and never looked back. But he is recovering from a fungal infection and will wear an aluminum pad on his affected foot today.

The 6 Bright Picture (3/1 ML) likes to run from off the pace and will be showing off his late kick here this afternoon. He finished second in the Group 1 Prix Ganay at Longchamp in France at the end of April. He closed well, but the winner showed an insane kick to draw off.

The 3 Make Me King (8/1 ML) closed well in the Turf Classic but could not get to Rhetorical as today’s favorite pulled away. Look for him to make a similar move late in this race today.

The 5 Deterministic (7/2 ML) won last year’s Manhattan in the bog that was last year’s turf course. He has run on the lead over the last year or so, but he does have the ability to close if he doesn’t get the lead. He is more likely to go for the lead than the morning line favorite.

Joe’s Manhattan Pick

I admit I am concerned when it comes to the foot issue with Rhetorical. I am going to make him beat me here this afternoon. But I will take Bright Picture here today. You will have to find his races online, but he does have a closing kick that will help him get to the front late to win.

I’m calling this race 6-5-3-7 and my play is $20 to win on the 6. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!