Quills Picks Winners – Monday 8/3 – Assiniboia Downs Race 6
It is a holiday today in Canada today, and we are going to observe their Civic Holiday this evening with racing from Assiniboia Downs. One of the biggest races of their season is the Manitoba Derby, and they have a field of nine horses going a mile and an eighth this evening.
They will have a long run into the first turn, so this is not your typical mile and an eighth race that you see at most tracks. Let’s see what we have here in Winnipeg.
Assiniboia Downs Race 6 – Manitoba Derby
Favored in tonight’s race is the 2 Western Warrior (2/1 morning line). He finished off the board at the end of May at Churchill Downs. His two-month break included moving into a new barn. He held his own in the Bathhouse Row at Oaklawn in April going tonight’s distance. We will see if he can handle the tighter turns here tonight.
The 9 Forty Twenty (4/1 ML) comes in from Lone Star Park where he went gate to wire in a romp in allowance company. He steps up here today and might have to sit behind the speedier entrants in tonight’s race. If he can do that he can be tough, but in the past if he doesn’t get the lead, he doesn’t win.
The 1 Really Ralis (8/1 ML) won the Derby Trial here at Assiniboia Downs here last month and looks to make it 4 for 5 in his young career. The invaders coming in look tough but he should be right off the pace here this evening.
The 4 Gethsemane (7/2 ML) comes in from Saratoga where he finished fourth in an optional claiming race. He changes hands as well while coming up to Canada for tonight’s race. He has speed but he can sit a few lengths behind the leader if need be.
Joe’s Pick
This is such a hard race because we have horses coming in from everywhere and horses changing hands. But with all that I will get Gethsemane here. The distance will not be an issue and running close to the pace will help him get up late here this evening.
I’m calling this race 4-1-9-2 and my play is $20 to win on the 4. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
