Quills Picks Winners – Thursday 7/16 – Saratoga Race 8
After a change of plans and heading to Indiana yesterday, we will go as scheduled today for racing at Saratoga. Today’s race is a race for three-year-olds going the quirky “turn and a half” mile race on Saratoga’s main track.
This race has a field of eight horses in this starter allowance optional claiming race. This will be an interesting race because none of these horses have gone the mile distance here at Saratoga.
Saratoga Race 8 – Starter Allowance Optional Claiming
Favored in today’s featured race is the 7 Palacios (5/2 morning line). He comes in from Churchill Downs where he rallied to finish third after being crowded in the beginning of the race. Look for him to be closing late in this race.
The 5 Gethsemane (4/1 ML) was no match for the winner last month at Churchill Downs went finishing second in a starter allowance race. He has run on the front end in his previous two races, so it would not surprise me if he entered up on the lead today.
The 6 Max Money (7/2 ML) faces open company for the first time after facing New York bred horses in each of his first seven races. He is a fast horse, but he has not been on the lead often. His lone win in April was closing from mid-pack for the win going seven furlongs. It did not go well facing winners for the first time in the Mike Lee here at Saratoga, but it could be a mulligan type race.
The 8 Micanopy (15/1 ML) may be the best closer in the race. He comes in from Delaware Park where he finished second in an optional claiming race on the grass. He has closed well on the main track as well. Look for him to be flying late, especially if a speed duel develops.
Joe’s Pick
There is the potential for a speed duel but I am not sure if it will develop or not. But I still think that the closers will make themselves known late. Palacios appears to be suited best for this distance, but I like Micanopy’s chance here today. He appears to have the strongest kick and could steal this race at a price.
I’m calling this race 8-7-5-6 and my play is $20 to win on the 8. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
