Quills Picks Winners – Sunday 5/31 – Woodbine Race 8

We close out the week (and month) north of the border at Woodbine in Toronto for today’s race of the day. Today we are looking at race eight of a 10-race card. This race is an optional claiming race going a mile and a sixteenth on the main track. A field of eight is entered in this test.

Woodbine Race 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming

Favored in our featured race is the 6 Side Street (5/2 morning line). He races for the third time this year after a nine-month layoff. He returned to a synthetic track for the first time in almost two years and closed well to finish second in an optional claimer. Look for this gelding to sit back and make a move late in this race.

The 4 Blind River (3/1 ML) returns to Woodbine after wintering at Gulfstream Park. He broke his maiden there in February on the grass on the lead, then he showed late kick in the Cutler Bay Stakes on Florida Derby Day. He returns here and could be on the lead, but I think he stalks.

The 1 Lucky Guest (7/2 ML) races for the second time this year after finishing fourth while boxed in through the stretch last month. The pedigree screams two turns and a cleaner trip will help this gelding today.

The 8 Bowman’s Run (10/1 ML) makes his seasonal debut at Woodbine today after taking the winter off. He typically closes but occasionally you can see him stalking. He might need a race, but it is possible that he at least gets a piece of this here today.

Joe’s Pick

Sometimes you have to dig for additional information. Lucky Guest was an unlucky runner in his debut. He sprinted when his pedigree streams two turns. Then on top of all that, he had absolutely nowhere to run in the final two furlongs of the race. Despite drawing the rail, I think he shows his ability to run and take this race this afternoon.

I’m calling this race 1-4-6-8 and my play is $20 to win on the 1. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!