Quills Picks Winners – Wednesday 6/17 – Churchill Downs Race 8

We head back to the states and to Churchill Downs for today’s race of the day. Today at Churchill, we have a field of 11 horses sprinting six furlongs in an optional claiming race.

Churchill Downs Race 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming

Favored in today’s race is the 10 Champlin (7/2 morning line). He races for the first time since February where she lacked a late kick finishing fourth in a turf race at the Fair Grounds. He returns to the main track today where he has been on the board in five of six tries at Churchill Downs. Look for him to be near the pace this afternoon with a stalking trip on the outside.

The 2 Verifire (4/1 ML) finished third in the slop here at Churchill in his first race since last August. He definitely needed that race and still get a dry track this afternoon. Look for him to be closer to the pace today.

The 6 Thoughtthatcounts ((9/2 ML) finished in front of Verifire last time out. He was gaining while wide but could not get to the winner. He figures to be a little bit more behind the pace but will make a move late today.

The 7 Track Mate (6/1 ML) is the closer in the race and will be coming from the back of the pack. He was wide last time out and finished second in an optional claiming race. If he can get a trip closer to the rail he might have a chance here.

Joe’s Pick

Thoughtthatcounts will be sitting right behind the speed today and will look to take over once they turn for home. He will be challenged late by Track Mate and Champlin but will get there for the win.

I’m calling this race 6-7-10-2 and my play is $20 to win on the 6. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!