Quills Picks Winners – Sunday 8/9 – Woodbine Race 7
Today is a big day at Woodbine. There is no stakes race on the card today. But there is something different about today’s races.
That difference is the fact that their main turf course, the E. P. Taylor turf course, is up and running after a renovation project that started after last year’s King’s Plate card. The backstretch was the focus of the renovations and opens today about a month ahead of schedule.
Our race today is the seventh race on an 11-race card, and 11 horses will christen the newly renovated turf course this afternoon as they will go seven furlongs.
Woodbine Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Favored in today’s race is the 6 Two Out Hero (3/1 morning line). He finished second and could not get by the winner in deep stretch on the inner turf. He has a win over the outer turf as a two-year-old last year, and he should be close to the pace this afternoon.
The 1 War Bomber (9/2 ML) was outkicked in the stretch in an optional claiming race here at Woodbine in mid-June. He likes to be forwardly placed and will try to go gate to wire from the rail position here today.
The 8 Wicked Django (4/1 ML) finished second in an optional claiming race going longer in mid-June. He stalked in his last race, but he has shown that he can close from further back in races. He gets the extra long stretch here at Woodbine to pass front runners this afternoon.
The 9 First Empire (10/1 ML) races for the third time after a layoff of almost two years. He was wide last time out on the inner turf finishing fourth. He wants to go for the lead and I expect him to sit right at the hip of War Bomber if he can get close to the rail.
Joe’s Pick
First, it’s good to see Woodbine’s main turf course back up and running. About the race, I think that Wicked Django will enjoy the cutback and the longer stretch on the European-style course that goes around the main track. Look for him to be flying late to get up for the win today over Two Out Hero and War Bomber.
I’m calling this race 8-6-1-9 and my play is $20 to win on the 8. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
