Quills Picks Winners – Thursday 8/27 – Saratoga Race 8
Yesterday we had the juvenile fillies sprinting on the grass. Today, we have the boys, or should I say open race? A field of nine juveniles are entered with at most eight horses running in the Skidmore Stakes.
We have two fillies taking on the boys here in this race, including Legacy Lady who was cross entered into yesterday’s Bolton Landing Stakes but was scratched for this spot. Arsenal Star (5/1 ML) is an “also eligible” entry who probably runs at Kentucky Downs.
Rain is in the forecast as well, and as of last night, the rain appears to be arriving mid-card. It is possible that this race does get rained off the turf since we have the combination of young horses and an ungraded stakes where it will be an easier decision to move the race to the main track.
With that we will look at this race as if the race stays on the turf.
Saratoga Race 8 – Skidmore Stakes
Favored in the Skidmore Stakes is the 6 Titan Ready (8/5 morning line). He comes down to Saratoga after a private purchase after his last race at Woodbine last month. He was pressured while on the lead for most of the race and lost in the final strides of the race. This colt is still a maiden after two races, but he is fast and could take this field a long way.
The 5 River of Deceit (5/2 ML) closed strongly in his debut at Aqueduct and finished second. He had to check while wide on the turn around the quarter pole but quickly regained momentum but couldn’t get by the winner. There is plenty of speed in this race where he could be closing late.
The 7 Legacy Lady (8/1 ML) was scratched here yesterday at Saratoga to face the boys here today. She won on the grass last month at Monmouth Park and may be part of the pace. If she can rate right behind the speed, she has a great chance.
The 3 Johnny Hockey (15/1 ML) may finish off the board here, but his only turf race was a disaster as he started slowly then ducked inward and wasn’t near the leaders. He won at Monmouth three weeks ago on dirt, and if this race is rained off the turf, this is my pick.
Joe’s Pick
There is enough speed that we can see that speed be slowing down late. But these are juveniles and strange things do happen. But I will lean towards the former here today and think that we could have a set up for a closer today.
I’ll go with River of Deceit today if this remains on the grass. He had to check around the quarter pole and still made a nice closing move. I think he will be able to close here again today, but this time, break his maiden in his second try.
I’m calling this race 5-6-7-3 if this race stays on the turf. If this ends up rained off the turf and runs on the main track, I’ll take the 3 Johnny Hockey. Whether it is River of Deceit or Johnny Hockey, it will be a $20 win wager. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
