Quills Picks Winners – Monday 5/25 – Santa Anita Race 6

Happy Monday everyone and I hope everyone is having a nice holiday weekend. Today, we head back to Santa Anita where they close out their holiday weekend with some stakes action.

We take a look at the sixth race on the card as fillies and mares will go a mile and an eighth in the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes. A field of eight will take to the turf in this graded stakes event.

Santa Anita Race 6 – Gamely Stakes (Grade 1)

Favored in today’s race is the 5 Thought Process (7/5 morning line). She won the Grade 2 Buena Vista Stakes at the end of February here at Santa Anita stalking the pace and taking over in the stretch. She prefers the front end but did show last time out that she can rate behind the speed as well. Note that Grand Slam Smile, who finished third in the Buena Vista, won two of her last three since this race, including the Fran’s Valentine on Saturday.

The 4 Take A Breath (10/1 ML) won two in a row, winning the Grade 3 Santa Anita and Grade 3 Royal HeroineStakes. In both races, she closed strongly to get the win. She has a strong closing kick and will be showing it off this afternoon.

The 6 Vronti (4/1 ML) faces graded stakes company for the first time after winning two in a row. Last time out at Keeneland, she split foes to take the lead and held on. She is stepping up in class here but could fit in here very nicely.

The 8 May Day Ready (6/1 ML) finished second in the Royal Heroine, closing well but unable to get by today’s morning line favorite. She races for the second time after a six-month layoff and should be improving off of that good effort here at Santa Anita.

Joe’s Pick

The favorite Thought Process should be tough here after winning the Royal Heroine and May Day Ready will be closing as well. But I think that Take A Breath is a filly who should be able to close strongly here and get up for the win.

I’m calling this race 4-5-8-6 and my play is $20 to win on the 4. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!