Quills Picks Winners – Thursday 9/10 – Churchill Downs Race 7

For some, it might be a confusing time of the year for those that follow Kentucky racing. Yesterday, we watched the final day of racing at Kentucky Downs and their all-turf meet. Today, we head under the Twin Spires as it is opening day for the brief September Churchill Downs meet.

Their feature race this evening is an optional claiming race going one mile on the main track. For those that need a reminder, with the configuration of Churchill Downs, these races are one turn races. Let’s take a look at this race on their opening night of the brief season.

Churchill Downs Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming

Favored in the featured race today is the 2 Bold Strength (7/5 morning line). He tired late at Saratoga going shorter when he was part of a speed duel down the backstretch and the turn. He has speed on both sides of him which may not be a good thing for him going down the backstretch again this afternoon.

The 4 Master Controller (6/1 ML) has speed but may not be as fast as the three horses to his inside. He shortens up here which may mean he shows a little bit more speed. If he can sit right behind the speed to the inside, he has a great chance of pulling off the upset here.

The 5 Hypnus (9/2 ML) returns to racing in the United States after spending the winter in the Middle East. He showed a pattern of tiring in those races. The workouts look good for his return here today. He should be able to close into this group if he is ready this evening.

The 8 Special Session (8/1 ML) closed in an optional claiming race and finished third last month at Ellis Park. His ability to close will help him this evening as well with the speed to the inside of him.

Joe’s Pick

Bold Strength is the best horse in this field and could go gate to wire here, but I see all the speed in this race and I have to toss him.

Hypnus may need a race but the workouts look good now that he is back stateside. But I will go with Special Session on the outside here to work a trip and close late to get the win here today.

I’m calling this race 8-5-2-4 and my play is $20 to win on the 8. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!