Quills Picks Winners – Wednesday 6/10 – Churchill Downs Race 8

After Assiniboia Downs’ last minute cancellation due to weather, we head south to Churchill Downs for today’s race. Usually we are there on Thursdays, but this week, we are throwing a bit of a curveball with this week’s races.

A field of 10 horses are entered in today’s featured race. It is an optional claiming race going the one turn, one mile race on their main track.

Churchill Downs Race 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming

Favored in today’s featured race is the 5 Rothko (2/1 morning line). He changed his tactics some in his last three races as he starter going one mile and longer. If he can stalk with all the speed in this race like he did last November here at Churchill while sprinting, he might have a chance here.

The 9 Bullard (3/1 ML) raced early on the Kentucky Derby card in an optional claimer and rallied to finished second. Look for him to take advantage of the speed duel in this race with his outside post.

The 6 Master Controller (15/1 ML) won an allowance race here at Churchill last month stalking the pace and taking over in the stretch. He could be a bounce candidate, but he could be closing late here as well.

The 7 Crushed It (9/2 ML) did just that when won an allowance race at Oakland at the end of April. He won going the one turn mile at Aqueduct at the end of March, so going from two turns back to one should not be an issue here.

Joe’s Pick

I think there is enough speed in this race that it will benefit the stalkers and closers. Rothko will get in a speed duel and that will allow Bullard and Crushed It to get up late. I’ll just Crushed It to get up late for the win.

I’m calling this race 7-9-5-6 and my play is $20 to win on the 7. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!