Quills Picks Winners – Friday 8/14 – Saratoga Race 9
After a heartbreaking defeat yesterday, we look forward to today’s race at Saratoga. Our featured race is the ninth on a ten-race card. Fillies and mares will sprint five and a half furlongs on the turf in the Smart and Fancy Stakes.
Saratoga Race 9 – Smart and Fancy Stakes
We do have a “main track only” entrant in the 10 Munnings Express (3/1 morning line). Like I’ve said in past articles, if this race is off the turf, this will be the horse to play. But today, that might not be the case today.
Favored in this race is the 9 Zeitlos (2/1 ML). She is usually sprinting on the main track but has moonlighted on the turf occasionally. Last time out, she closed well in the Grade 2 Caress Stakes but finished second. She has run well in the past on the turf, but she has not won in five tries on the grass.
The 6 Miss Vyvyanne (5/2 ML) wants to be on the lead and won the Grade 2 Highlander Stakes at Woodbine last time out facing the boys. She only knows one way to run, but that modus operandi has led to five wins in her last six races.
She will have company on the front end from the 7 Itzel (8/1 ML). She was caught late in the Hummingbird at Ellis Park which was run over a yielding turf course.
The 4 Le Amazonia (8/1 ML) comes in from Gulfstream Park where she stalked the pace in a handicap race but could not get to the winner in her first race in three months. She should be able to get that trip here today with some speedy targets in front of her.
The 5 Capturing (5/1 ML) closed well in an optional claimer here at Saratoga last month and got up in the last jump to win. She steps up into stakes company for the first time, but she could be closing late here this afternoon.
Joe’s Pick
Things will set up for the stalkers and closers today. The most seasoned horse in this race is Zeitlos. Her success has been more on the main track, but she can sprint on the grass as well. She will get up late for the win here today.
I’m calling this race 9-6-5-4 and my play is $20 to win on the 9. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
