Quills Picks Winners – Tuesday 11/3 – Zia Park Race 9
I thought I would go with a bit of a curveball this afternoon. Instead of going to Parx like I planned originally, let’s head to Zia Park in New Mexico for their featured race this afternoon.
Their featured race is race nine of a ten-race card, as a field of nine horses will sprint six furlongs. There are some interesting names that show up here this afternoon in their penultimate race of the day.
Zia Park Race 9 – Allowance
Favored in today’s race is the 4 Itsmybirthday (5/2 morning line). He last raced at Albuquerque in September where he was closing in the Budweiser Special Stakes but could not get by the winner. This is a gelding who was on the Road to the Kentucky Derby in 2025 and faced some tough horses this year in Iowa and West Virginia. Expect him to be near the pace and try to take over late.
The 7 Bertrani (7/2 ML) won that race in September and came back last month and did not fire in the Downs at Albuquerque Handicap going two turns. He is better suited for one turn and that last race should be totally ignored.
The 1 Prince Adu Dhabi (4/1 ML) is probably in the same boat as Bertrani as he did not run well going two turns either in the Budweiser Special. This one-turn event may be a blessing for him as well He might be further back looking to make a late run this afternoon.
The 8 Bye (9/2 ML) was on the lead in an allowance at Albuquerque and lost the duel late back in mid-September. He likes to be on the lead but can come from off the pace like he did in a 1000-yard quarter horse race two races back. But I lean more towards him being on the lead here today.
Joe’s Pick
Sometimes there are factors that you have to involve in your handicapping, like in this case, horses that failed going two turns. That is the case for Prince Abu Dhabi and Bertrani are two horses that hit that angle. Itsmybirthday could make that theory go up in smoke today but I’m taking my chance on Bertrani who beat the favorite back in September.
I’m calling this race 7-1-4-8 and my play is $20 to win on the 7. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
