Quills Picks Winners – Friday 6/26 – Churchill Downs Race 10

We made it through another work week and we are also one day closer to a monster race here at Churchill Downs in the Stephen Foster. But today we will take a look at an optional claiming race where a field of 10 horses will go a mile and an eighth in today’s featured race.

Rain is in the forecast so be prepared for crappy weather and a sloppy track today. Let’s look at this field.

Churchill Downs Race 10 – Allowance Optional Claiming

Favored in today’s race is the 3 Interceptor (5/2 morning line). He finished second last time out in the Isaac Murphy Marathon in the slop where he could not get the marathon superhorse Parchment Party. He shortens up here today but should be able to handle the shorter distance and the wet track.

The 4 Stowaway (7/2 ML) was also in the Isaac Murphy Marathon and finished right behind Interceptor. Like today’s favorite, he was near the back and made a late run but could not get to Parchment Party. He may be slightly behind the favorite here towards the back and looking to make a big run at the end.

The 8 Clooney (10/1 ML) appears to be the horse that will assume the lead in a race that is devoid of an obvious front runner. He runs for the second time off of a three-month layoff that included a change of trainers and scenery. Look for him to improve off of that effort this afternoon.

The 5 Aristotle (10/1 ML) finished fourth in his first race in five months where he was closing from the back of the pack. He should improve off of that performance and has been a consistent closer on Woodbine and Turfway’s synthetic main tracks.

Joe’s Pick

With no real speed in this race, this race could end up being a mad dash to the finish. Add the element of a sloppy track and things turn into an even bigger puzzle to solve.

Interceptor and Stowaway are the class in this field and should be ready to pounce by the time they turn for home. This will be a mad dash and I think Stowaway has the better kick here. I will take him over the favorite in a sloppy tenth race.

I’m calling this race 4-3-5-8 and my play is $20 to win on the 4. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!