Quills Picks Winners – Thursday 5/7 – Churchill Downs Race 8

We stay in the Midwest this afternoon, but we go a little south of Horseshoe Indianapolis and stop in Churchill Downs for a race on their Twilight Thursday card. Today we have three-year-old fillies racing a mile and a sixteenth this evening in a optional claiming race.

Churchill Downs Race 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming

Favored in today’s race is the 7 Raiding Party (5/2 morning line). She won her debut at Keeneland last October drawing off late to win. She wintered in Florida and heads to Kentucky for her 2026 debut today. This filly did have a stop at Turfway Park for a couple of workouts, but she should be ready today.

The 2 Rhythm Lady (6/1 ML) finished second in her turf debut at Keeneland last month. She was wide on the final turn and held second late in that race. If she can settle like she did last time out, she will have a chance here today, but her lone win was on the lead in February at Turfway Park.

The 5 Good Family (3/1 ML) won impressively at Fair Grounds near the end of their meeting in March. She was not far off the pace and made bold move for a runaway win. She could get a similar trip here this evening.

The 9 Call On Me (9/2 ML) broke her maiden on her second attempt last month at Keeneland. She made her move in the upper stretch but was drifting out late. She had three works on the race, so we will see if that corrects that issue despite the win tonight.

Joe’s Pick

Good Family looked great in her win last time out and with the rail out 36 feet, I think she will have the perfect trip if she can replicate it today, which I think she can. Also, the configuration of the Fair Grounds track is similar to Churchill, which I might hold too much stock into than others.

I’m calling this race 5-9-7-2 and my play is $20 to win on the 5. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!