Quills Picks Winners – Sunday 8/16 – Woodbine Race 9

After yesterday’s first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, we will take another race from Woodbine to close out the week. Today’s race is race nine and we have horses sprinting five furlongs on the inner turf course in the Vice Regent Stakes.

There are seven horses but up to six horses will run. The 3 Poulin in O T will be scratched after running yesterday in the Grade 3 Bold Venture. He finished off the board in that race.

Let’s take a look at this race with the remaining field contesting this turf sprint stakes race.

Woodbine Race 9 – Vice Regent Stakes

Favored in today’s race is the 2 Outlaw Kid (7/5 morning line). He finished third after getting bumped around some at the start of the Grade 2 Highlander Stakes back at the end of June here at Woodbine. He has been closing in his three races in 2026 and will probably do the same here today.

The 7 Cost of War (6/1 ML) won an optional claiming race here last time out and drove clear late for the win on the main synthetic track. Personally, I’d like to see this horse go longer, but he can put pressure on the front runners from the outside gate today.

The 5 Light the Lamp (4/1 ML) did not fire in the Pink Lloyd Stakes here last month. He returns to the grass today and should be closing late here as well.

The 6 Dark Screen (8/1 ML) was gaining while wide in an optional claiming race going today’s distance and missed by a neck. He may have to make that wide move today from the post position today.

Joe’s Pick

There is enough speed here this afternoon from the 1 Mister Blue (20/1 ML) and 4 Artemus Citylimits (12/1 ML) that the rest of the field will be able to inhale this field late. Outlaw Kid should benefit from speed from the inside where he shouldn’t get bumped at the start of the race. As long as he gets a clean start, he should win this.

I’m calling this race 2-7-5-6 and my play is $20 to win on the 2. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!