Quills Picks Winners – Saturday 4/25 – Churchill Downs Race 9

It is opening day of the spring meet at Churchill Downs today. That means that we are only one week away from the Run for the Roses. We will take a look at the Roxelana Stakes as older fillies and mares will sprint six furlongs on the main track.

Churchill Downs Race 9 – Roxelana Stakes

A field of eight is entered in the opening day Churchill Downs feature. Favored is the 1 One Magic Philly (5/2 morning line). She showed speed in her last two races at Gulfstream in December and January, but tired in both races. She wants the lead and try to take advantage of drawing the rail here. But there is other speed right to the outside of her.

The 4 Lotsandlotsofcandy (7/2 ML) was unable to get the lead on the turf at the Fair Grounds in the Mardi Gras Stakes in February. She returns today at Churchill on the main track where she has won twice in three tries. She might be faster than the favorite and will try to go gate to wire here this afternoon.

The 8 Asternia (10/1 ML) is also very fast and has won on the front end as well. But she showed that she can stalk like she did two races back at Oaklawn in March. If she can stalk today with her outside post just like she stalked that race, she could have a major upset chance.

The 7 Vincey Girl (9/2 ML) closed well in a short field to win an optional claiming race at Tampa Bay Downs in her first race in six months. She is one of the closers in the race and looks to be the most consistent of the closers here today.

Joe’s Pick

As long as Vincey Girl does not get bothered that much by Asternia at the start of the race, things will set up nicely. She should be able to close into the speed duel that should set up here this afternoon. She will wind up on the turn and close late for the win over Asternia.

I’m calling this race 7-8-4-1 and my play is $20 to win on the 7. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!