Quills Picks Winners – Thursday 10/22 – Keeneland Race 7

After seeing our winning streak broken yesterday at Keeneland, we will see if we can start a new one there this afternoon. Today, we will look at race seven of an eight-race card as fillies and mares will go a mile and a sixteenth in an allowance race.

Keeneland Race 7 – Allowance

Favored in this allowance race is the 6 Atropa (3/1 ML) She races for the first time since January when she finished third by a neck in the Silverbulletday Stakes at the Fair Grounds. She has some strong workouts leading to her return this afternoon for a trainer that gets 22% winners on horses who return after layoffs longer than six months.

The 2 Maria Louise (4/1 ML) tired to finish third in an optional claiming race at Saratoga at the end of August. She stretches out from that mile race but will have speed to contend with on the inside with the 1 American Pearl (9/2 ML) possibly going to the lead in her first race since January at Gulfstream Park.

The 10 Newtown Pike (8/1 ML) races for the first time since March when she was unable to close in the Fair Grounds Oaks. She did have an excuse in that race as she broke through the gate before the start of the race. She should be able to close here this afternoon, but she is trained by a trainer who has not won recently with horses off of long layoffs.

The 9 Passionfruit (6/1 ML) closed to finish second in an allowance at Churchill Downs last month. She ran well in her last two races as the races got longer. Look for her to sit behind the leaders and make a move late like she did last month.

Joe’s Pick

With the speed that is on the inside, I am liking the favorite Atropa in her return race. Look for this filly to sit behind the speed like she did in the Silverbulletday Stakes and get up to win her return race this afternoon.

I’m calling this race 6-10-9-2 and my play is $20 to win on the 6. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!