Quills Picks Winners – Saturday 6/20 – Thistledown Race 12 – Ohio Derby
We reach the main event of the card at Thistledown this afternoon as the marquee race of the season with the Ohio Derby. This is a Grade 3 race going a mile and an eighth, and we have horses here who are reappearing from their attempts in the recently completed Triple Crown races.
Five horses who appeared at Churchill Downs and/or Laurel Park return today are entered for today’s race, but it a new shooter who is favored in today’s race.
Thistledown Race 12 – Ohio Derby (Grade 3)
Favored in the Ohio Derby is the 8 Desert Gate (5/2 morning line). He won the Texas Derby at Lone Star Park back in May. He is a front runner who only has to deal with one viable horse that could challenge him on the front end.
The 3 Chip Honcho (3/1 ML) appears to be the only horse who has a chance to keep up with the morning line favorite early. He could not get the lead in the Preakness and finished third while unable to get to the winner Napoleon Solo. He probably doesn’t get to the lead with the Baffert entry here.
The 5 Ocelli (9/2 ML) closed for fourth in the Preakness but was not getting to the top three last month. He loved the crazy speed duel in the Kentucky Derby where he came from way back in the back of the pack to get third. He is still a maiden, but He has shown that he still can run with these horses.
The 10 Albus (10/1 ML) showed nothing in the Derby, but that could be said about many horses that ran in that race, not only last month but through the course of history. He is more suited for shorter distances, but the dam (mother’s) side of the pedigree has some distance on it. He did win the Wood Memorial in April closing, but he is going to need a speed duel.
Joe’s Ohio Derby Pick
This is all about Desert Gate today. He did have an early duel at Lone Star but won going away. I think he will be alone on the lead and will never look back. I highly doubt we get 5/2 odds, but as I say sometimes, some picks are for the win percentage and not the ROI.
I’m calling this race 8-5-3-10 and my play is $20 to win on the 8. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
