Quills Picks Winners – Thursday 5/14 – Churchill Downs Race 6

We stay in the Midwest, but we move to the other side of the Ohio River as we head to Churchill Downs. We are featuring race six on an eight-race Twilight Thursday card. This race is a high-priced claiming race for older horses going a mile and a sixteenth on the main track.

Churchill Downs Race 6 – Claiming

Favored in today’s race is the 1 Curlin’s Malibu (5/2 ML). He races for the second time this year after a three-month layoff. He made a mild bid in an optional claiming race last time out. This gelding shortens up and drops in class here this evening.

The 7 Badge of War (6/1 ML) is the speed in this race and could take this field gate to wire here this evening. He was passed late but still fought on to the end of the race. Previously at Laurel Park with previous connections in March, he went gate to wire in the mud in allowance company. With not much other speed, lone speed could be very dangerous.

The 8 Classic Car Wash (3/1 ML) comes in from Oaklawn where he finished fourth with a mild bid in the American Pharoah. He does look like he can close like he did in February off of a eight-month layoff. This is his third race back and drops to claiming company here today.

The 3 Keen Cat (5/1 ML) finished well to finish second at Oaklawn last month. He goes from a starter allowance to a claiming race here this evening. He has run well here at Churchill Downs (2 wins, 2 seconds in 5 tires) which could help him this evening.

Joe’s Pick

Unless something unexpected happens here, I see Badge of War going for the lead and not looking back here. He might be challenged late, but I think he holds on for the win here.

I’m calling this race 7-1-3-8 and my play is $20 to win on the 7. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!