Quills Picks Winners – Thursday 8/6 – Saratoga Race 9

Once again our spotlight is on Saratoga, and once again we are looking at a state-bred stakes race today. Today’s race is the male equivalent of yesterday’s Johnstone Stakes.

Today we are looking at the John Morrissey Stakes. Conditions of the race are the same as yesterday’s race except that this is an open race, meaning the male horses run though females could enter if their connections dare. They are going seven furlongs on the main track in our featured race of the day.

Saratoga Race 9 – John Morrissey Stakes

Favored in today’s race is the 10 Doc Sullivan (7/2 morning line). He races for the first time since March where he last of seven in the Grade 3 Essex Stakes at Oaklawn Park. He shortens back up to his best distance for his first race in four months. Note that at Aqueduct last winter, he was winning seven furlongs and one mile races. As long as he is stalking the pace, he has a great chance this afternoon.

The 3 El Grande O (6/1 ML) likes to be near the pace as well and won an allowance race at Aqueduct at the end of June. He seems to be an allowance horse but turned into a nice sprinter.

The 8 Bold Journey (6/1 ML) closed to finish third on the grass in at Aqueduct at the end of June. He has run well on the dirt as well and the turf to dirt angle is live with this gelding today. He looks like he will be closing from further back in the pack.

The 13 Radio Red (10/1 ML) draws the far outside post in this large field. He should be near the pace like he was in an allowance race at Aqueduct. He will have time to get in a good position for the turn in today’s stakes sprint.

Joe’s Pick

I admit that Doc Sullivan is very inviting today in this large field, but I am going to go with Bold Journey today. He can sprint on both grass and dirt and should be flying late for the victory here this afternoon.

I’m calling this race 8-10-13-3 and my play is $20 to win on the 8. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!