Quills Picks Winners – Tuesday 8/25 – Assiniboia Downs Race 6
It’s Tuesday, which means we head north of the border to Canada, and specifically Assiniboia Downs. Last night, we saw a match race there where a horse won by 84 lengths. I doubt we will see that tonight or probably ever again.
But we see what happens tonight at AsD as a field of eight horses go a mile and a sixteenth in the Plentiful Stakes. Note that with the bullring setup at Assiniboia Downs, This field will have approximately two and a half furlongs to the first turn. Keep that in mind when you handicap this evening’s race.
Assiniboia Downs Race 6 – Plentiful Stakes
Favored in tonight’s race is the 5 Judo (8/5 morning line). He went gate to wire in an optional claiming race where he was claimed two weeks ago. He loves running on the front end, and here at Assiniboia, winning 3 of 4 this year and 7 of 11 lifetime. This gelding has become a front runner since he came up north this spring.
The 4 Dominant Spirit (4/1 ML) has been sprinting and dueled four-wide here at AsD and came back for the win. This gelding could challenge the favorite here while on the favorite’s inside.
The 1 Elston Gunnn (3/1 ML) also has the tendency of wanting to go for the lead. He did so going longer here at Assiniboia and tired in the Manitoba Derby three weeks ago. He may be able to stalk behind the speed, but will he go for the lead here like he did three weeks ago along with the rail position tonight?
The 2 Wico (6/1 ML) wants that speed duel. He closed well last time out in an optional claiming race which was a mad dash to the finish after a duel down the backstretch. He stretches out tonight but should be able to close into this field tonight.
Joe’s Pick
As much as I just want to say take the favorite and move on, I think Judo gets caught up in a speed duel here and the beneficiary here will be Wico. He did close well last time out but there were a bunch of horses closing that night. I think Wico gets up late to win the Plentiful Stakes.
I’m calling this race 2-5-1-4 and my play is $20 to win on the 2. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
