Quills Picks Winners – Monday 7/6 – Ellis Park Race 8
I had to do some research this morning when I decided to zig when the weather here in Philly zagged. The weather was bad here all week here in Philadelphia, going from extreme heat to extreme rain. I decided last night that I would not cover Parx like I normally would because of the rain but instead look to see what would come up this morning.
I also looked to see if I had covered Ellis Park, a track in western Kentucky. Apparently we did a couple of races last year, and I thought today we would head to the Pea Patch for today’s race of the day.
I have chosen race eight on their nine-race race. In this race we have a field of 11 three-year-olds going seven furlongs on the main track. Let’s take our first foray of the season at Ellis Park.
Ellis Park Race 8 – Allowance
Favored in our featured race today is the 8 Rebel Instinct (9/5 morning line). He finished second in his first race in almost seven months, which also was his first race against winners at Churchill Downs. He wants to be close to the pace and will try to make his move on the turn this afternoon.
The 5 Volendam (9/2 ML) returns to the races after finishing fourth in the Federico Tesio at Laurel Park in April. He was bumped around at the start but was only three lengths back of second as Taj Mahal won that race by eight lengths. He should be close to the pace but he will also benefit from a cutback to a sprint after trying a mile and an eighth in that stakes race.
The 6 Corona de Oro (7/2 ML) finished fifth in the Grade 3 Matt Winn last month. He has some back class having also run in the Lexington Stakes and the Preakness. He shortens up as well and could settle behind the leaders down the backstretch.
The 4 Vintage Cowboy (10/1 ML) showed nothing in the Texas Derby at Lone Star Park, finishing last in a field of six that day. His lone win was in April at Oaklawn Park back in April where he made a bid around the quarter pole and dueled late to win going one mile. He may go for the lead like he has done in his last two attempts.
Joe’s Pick
There are some interesting three-year-olds in this race, but in the end I will take Volendam here this afternoon. I admit Rebel Instinct looks very dangerous here, but I am going to try to beat him this afternoon. I do not think Volendam’s Tesio was that bad aside from the bumping at the start. Look for him to get up and win this race in a race that is more suited to his pedigree.
I’m calling this race 5-8-4-6 and my play is $20 to win on the 5. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
