Quills Picks Winners – Sunday 8/30 – Saratoga Race 9

Usually on Sundays we head north of the border to Woodbine, but with all the fun that we had at Saratoga, especially yesterday, I thought we should stay at The Spa and close out the weekend there.

Today’s race is race nine of a ten-race card. New York bred fillies and mares will race a mile and a sixteenth on the Mellon (or outer) turf course today in the Yaddo Stakes. A field of 12 is entered in today’s featured race at Saratoga, but at the most nine will run as we have three “main track only” entrants in the field.

Saratoga Race 9 – Yaddo Stakes

Favored is a main track only horse in the 10 Munnings Express (9/5 morning line). The favorite in the body of the field is the 9 Awesome Czech (2/1 ML). She finished fourth in the De La Rose Stakes closing despite getting bumped on the first turn and wide throughout. The winner came back and won the Grade 2 Ballston Spa last week here at Saratoga.

The 1 Midnight Concerto (4/1 ML) closed well facing allowance foes here two weeks ago. Look for her to be closing here today with the speed that is in today’s race.

The 4 Being Betty (6/1 ML) did not fire in the De La Rose last month, but she might have first run at the leaders once they turn for home today. She likes to stalk the pace which could be an advantageous position to be in today.

The 8 Sail With the Wind (6/1 ML) has won three races in a row and will step up into stakes company here this afternoon. She was wide in the upper stretch and was inside her opponent for a dead-heat win. The outside trip may not be ideal but she will be flying late.

Joe’s Pick

There is plenty of speed and horses who want to be on the front that this race will benefit the closers. Awesome Czech had all kinds of issues in the De La Rose with bumping and a wide trip. She will have the outside post, but she should be able to have a less eventful trip and will get up for the win here this afternoon.

I’m calling this race 9-4-8-1 and my play is $20 to win on the 9. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!