Quills Picks Winners – Monday 4/20 – Parx Race 9

After a weekend of exciting action, we head home to Parx for our Monday race of the day. Today we have seven fillies and mares sprinting six furlongs in a starter allowance optional claiming race.

Parx Race 9 – Starter Allowance Optional Claiming

Favored in this group of seven is the 7 I Am Rue (3/1 morning line). She finished third after getting into a stretch duel going two turns two weeks ago. She shortens up here this afternoon looking for her third win in four tries. This filly likes to stalk, so do not be surprised if she makes her presence known as they reach the top of the stretch today.

The 2 Little Cocoa Bean (7/2 ML) weakened after running on the lead under these same race conditions last month. She likes to be on the lead, but could have some company down the backstretch.

The 3 Rock Me Gently (4/1 ML) races for the first time since mid-October when she gave way in an optional claiming race. There may be some concern here with the big break in published workouts, but she does a very talented apprentice jockey riding today.

The 1 Casa Juanita (5/1 ML) finished off the board in her last race at Charleston in optional claiming company. She won at Penn National in her previous try at today’s distance rallying late for the win. She will get a dry track this afternoon and might be able to get up late here today.

Joe’s Pick

It looks like Little Cocoa Bean and Quivira Crane could be dueling down the backstretch and onto the turn, which should set things up nicely for the stalkers and closers. This will bode will for the favorite I Am Rue, who should be stalking on the outside waiting to pounce once they turn for home.

I’m calling this race 7-1-2-3 and my play is $20 to win on the 7. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!