Quills Picks Winners – Saturday 7/25 – Del Mar Race 10
Not only are we looking at Saratoga today, we will also look at Del Mar as we did on Also Eligible this morning. I announced last week that we will try to cover as many Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” races, and this race today fits that statement.
The featured race “Where the Turf Meets the Surf” is the Bing Crosby Stakes. A field of nine horses will spring six furlongs on the main track, looking for an all expenses paid trip to Keeneland and a free entry into the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
Del Mar Race 10 – Bing Crosby Stakes (Grade 1)
Favored in the Bing Crosby is the 6 Cornucopian (3/1 morning line). The Bob Baffert trained colt has been based at Churchill Downs after Baffert sent some of his horses there this spring. He bounced back in the Grade 3 Aristides Stakes by pressuring the pace and taking over in that win. He is fast, but he doesn’t necessarily need the lead.
The 1 Maximum Bourbon (7/2 ML) comes in from Churchill Downs winning the St. Matthews Stakes in the opening week of that meet. He draws the rail for his return race and appears that he will try to go right to the front from that position.
The 3 Dr. Venkman (4/1 ML) did not fire in the Bango Stakes at Churchill Downs last month which could be attributed to the sloppy track that day. He might be better at seven furlongs, but he does have a closing kick which should come into play on a fast Del Mar track.
The 5 Stronghold (4/1 ML) races for the first time in almost two months after winning the Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita at the end of May. He also may need this race as well but he does look like a horse here who wants longer. He might be looking at a run near the front here today, adding to what can be a hot pace.
Joe’s Bing Crosby Stakes Pick
This race looks like a horse from off the pace can make his presence known late. That horse is Dr. Venkman. He loves Del Mar (4 wins in 7 tries) and he has a built-in excuse for his poor effort at Churchill Downs. He is running at home today and he gets a dry track.
I’m calling this race 3-1-6-5 and my play is $20 to win on the 3. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
