Quills Picks Winners – Tuesday 8/18 – Parx Race 11

It’s a big day at Parx, especially for a Tuesday. They have five stakes races on the card, all of which give the top three finishers entry into its corresponding stakes race on Pennsylvania Derby Day on September 19.

The race we will look at is the Smarty Jones Stakes. We all know about the history of Smarty Jones and he is honored with this race which is a local prep for the Pennsylvania Derby. A field of six horses are entered in this mile and a sixteenth race.

Parx Race 11 – Smarty Jones Stakes

Favored in the Smarty Jones is the 6 Ponder and Dream (8/5 morning line). He stumbled at the Start of the Lil E. Tee Stakes for PA breds but still got the lead and romped to a 15-length win. Look for him to go for the lead here which he has done in almost all his races. But could be bounce off of this effort last month here at Parx?

The 3 Freedom’s Echo (4/1 ML) stalked in an optional claiming race here at Parx last time out and rallied for the win. This is his third race off of a layoff so he may be looking at a top effort here today. If he stalks the pace here this afternoon, he might be able to steal this race.

The 2 Micanopy (6/1 ML) was wide on both turns at Delaware Park last month and finished fourth. He is a horse gelding that likes to close and may be able to close into the pace here if a duel develops.

The 4 Star Sweeper (6/1 ML) races at Parx for the first time since March though he has been on a road trip to Keeneland and Monmouth Park. He finished off the board in the Grade 1 Haskell, but that could be a combination of a sloppy track as well as facing some top notch horses. He should have a dry track this afternoon which should help him some as well.

Joe’s Pick

There is a possibility of a speed duel here this afternoon. I think Freedom’s Echo and Ponder and Dream could duel on the front end and soften each other up. This will set things up for the closers here.

I’ll take Micanopy in an upset here. He has improved in his last few starts and he will be closing if the duel happens. I think he gets the job done here at hopefully a nice price.

I’m calling this race 2-3-6-4 and my play is $20 to win on the 2. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!