Quills Picks Winners – Sunday 6/7 – Saratoga Race 8
We close out the Belmont Stakes Festival with a race on the grass here this afternoon. We are looking at race eight on an eleven-race card on the final day of the final weeklong festival at Saratoga before racing returns to Belmont Park in September.
A field of eight fillies are entered, but at the most seven will run. The 8 Niche does have a niche, and that’s the main track and did not get enough run to fall yesterday to cause the race off the turf. But we will look at the other seven fillies set to sprint in the Grade 3 Soaring Softly Stakes.
Saratoga Race 8 – Soaring Softly Stakes
Favored in today’s featured race is the 4 Slay the Day (6/5 morning line). She comes in from Churchill Downs where she finished second to Cy Fair in the Mamzelle Stakes. She staked the pace and dueled with the champion fully but could not hold her off. This filly will be looking to pounce when they turn for home this afternoon.
The 3 Cadenza (4/1 ML) won the Take The A Train Stakes at Aqueduct last month as she made a wide move and took over in the stretch for the win. She probably stalks as well, but she will be on the inside of the favorite today.
The 7 Alpenglow (8/1 ML) gunned for the lead in the Take The A Train, was bumped at the start of the race and tired. She appears to want to go for the lead from what we see in her last two races, but will she be able to hold on here?
The 1 Hen Party (7/2 ML) finished third in the Mamzelle and closed strongly in the race but could not get to the top two fillies that day. She will want this to be an all out speed duel where she can pick up the pieces.
Joe’s Pick
I do not think this will be an all out speed duel. Yes, these fillies will be going fast, but I don’t think we get that meltdown scenario. The favorite Slay the Day faced the toughest sprinting filly last time out and did not disappoint. But she did not win. Look for her to get the lead in the stretch and hold off Cadenza for the win.
I’m calling this race 4-3-1-7 and my play is $20 to win on the 4. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
