Quills Picks Winners – Monday 9/28 – Horseshoe Indianapolis Race 5

Though the nor’easter is weakening and winding down in my area, we will avoid the mid-Atlantic region this afternoon and head to Horseshoe Indianapolis for today’s race of the day. Today we will look at race five as fillies and mares will go one mile on the turf course in an optional claiming race.

Note that there are ten fillies and mares in today’s race, but up to nine will run. The 10 Beach Dancer is entered for the main track only. Now let’s take a look at today’s race.

Horseshoe Indianapolis Race 5 – Starter Allowance Optional Claiming

Favored in today’s race is the 8 Crickenberger (5/2 morning line). He finished second three weeks ago in allowance company closing in a shorter field of fillies and mares. She has the ability to close here this afternoon and has been consistent in closing despite not winning so far this year.

The 6 Woodruff (9/2 ML) comes in from Delaware Park where she may have found her niche as a turfer. She won two of her last three races on the turf with a heartbreaking neck loss in between. She should be stalking right behind any horse that will be on the lead here this afternoon and have first run to take over in the stretch.

The 1 Polka Polenta (3/1 ML) tried to go gate to wire against similar company in July but could not hold on to the lead late. She is the speed in this race, but she doesn’t seem to make it to the end. There are a couple of bullet workouts leading up to the return, but will she be able to hold on to the lead today while running fresh?

The 3 Never Really Know (6/1 ML) defeated a field of claiming horses on the grass last time out, holding on for the win. She was off the pace that day but appears to have found a field here today where she might be able to close to make things interesting in this race.

Joe’s Pick

Though Crickenberger has improved and has run better on the turf since changing barns when arriving at Horseshoe Indy in the spring, I think she might be a horse that closes well but just does not get the job done. I’m going to let her beat me this afternoon.

I think Woodruff gets the perfect trip stalking the speed Polka Polenta today. Never Really Know and Crickenberger will be closing, but the filly that has the first run, Woodruff will get to the wire first this afternoon.

I’m calling this race 6-8-3-1 and my play is $20 to win on the 6. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!