Quills Picks Winners – Monday 7/27 – Gulfstream Park Race 8
After a fairly successful weekend, we take our talents to South Beach while some guy took his talents to South Broad Street. I was interested in seeing where we would end up this afternoon, and at least for this week, we head down to Gulfstream Park for today’s featured race.
We are looking at race eight of a nine-race card. A field of 10 horses are entered in an allowance optional claiming race going the one-turn mile on their main track in the penultimate race of their card.
Gulfstream Park Race 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Favored in today’s featured race is the 8 Latch the Hatch (3/1 morning line). He finished second under these same race conditions going six furlongs. He should be able to handle the stretch out for his first route race in almost two years. There is other speed in this race which may complicate things for this gelding who has sprinted over the last year.
The 10 Noble J (7/2 ML) has run on the lead in the past, but he did chance tactics last month here at Gulfstream when he stalked the pace and drew clear in an allowance race. The outside post should allow him to stalk behind the favorite if he can get the lead here this afternoon.
The 2 Nothingsubtle (5/1 ML) showed little facing handicap horses here at the beginning of the month. Under these same conditions in the previous race in May, he closed strongly to finish second going the one-turn mile. He might get a similar trip compared to that May race with the inside post position today.
The 7 Skellig Michael (9/2 ML) weakened at the end of May going a mile in a short field race with several horses that are entered in this race today. He likes to be on the lead and will probably challenge the favorite from the inside.
Joe’s Pick
There is enough speed here that we could see leaders fading late in this race. This race sets up perfectly for the horse on the outside, Noble J. As long as he isn’t too wide going into the turn, he will be in good shape to take over late for the win over Nothingsubtle.
I’m calling this race 10-2-8-7 and my play is $20 to win on the 10. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
