Quills Picks Winners – Friday 9/11 – Laurel Park Race 7
Before we begin, we want to acknowledge the 25th anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history. Take the time today to remember the innocent lives lost today as well as those affected by the heinous act taken upon this country.
With that out of the way, September is a transitional month. Children have returned to school for another year. Baseball’s regular season is winding down while the NFL just started their season. In horse racing, the summer tracks are closing up for the season if they have not done so already and the fall and winter tracks are opening up for the season.
One such track is Laurel Park who returns from their summer vacation. Maryland racing returns today and their featured race is race seven of an eight-race card. Optional claiming horses will go the one-turn mile on Laurel’s main track.
There is a chance of rain today, but it does look like things may miss the track this afternoon, so expect a fast track this afternoon. With that, let’s look at our featured race today.
Laurel Park Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Favored in today’s race is the 6 Zero Blitz (9/5 morning line). The horse with the fitting name since football season is underway stalked the pace at Colonial Downs last month and edged clear for his eighth win in 14 tries. More impressive is this gelding is six for six lifetime at Laurel Park. Although he has never gone this far in his career, he hopes to blitz by everyone once again here in Maryland.
The 5 Worcester (7/2 ML) returns after a two-month break today when he finished a closing second in the slop here at Laurel Park. Despite having to steady around the three-eighths pole where he was in a tight position, he continued to rally but could not get to the leader. He should benefit from the slight cutback here this afternoon.
The 4 Derbyness (8/’1 ML) goes turf to dirt this afternoon after finishing off the board with some trouble at the start of his last race at Delaware Park. He has run well here at Laurel and at today’s distance. This gelding should be able to sit behind the leaders and make a move late with the elongated stretch with the second wire finish with today’s race and configuration.
The 8 Adero (7/2 ML) has some run late in his last race at Colonial Downs but finished off the board last month. He has run well going longer and just missed in a stakes race here in June. Though he may want longer, he might be able to close strongly here to potentially steal this one.
Joe’s Pick
There is some speed in this race, so there is a good chance that someone will be closing to win this race. You cannot ignore what the favorite Zero Blitz has accomplished here at Laurel Park. He is six for six lifetime here. If there is anything to worry about, it could be the first time this horse runs a mile. But I think he is up to the task and gets the job done, holding off Adero late for the win.
I’m calling this race 6-8-5-4 and my play is $20 to win on the 6. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
