Quills Picks Winners – Wednesday 8/12 – Saratoga Race 8

We head to our usual Wednesday stop during the summer season as we head to Saratoga for today’s race. The featured race today is an optional claiming race for fillies and mares going a mile and an eighth on the main track.

Saratoga Race 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming

Favored in this field of seven is the 1 Answered Prayers (5/2 morning line). She closed to finish second in the slop at Churchill Downs in June, only to lose by less than a length. She has held her own in her two races after breaking her maiden and looks to sit behind the leaders and make a late move today.

The 3 Higher Force (10/1 ML) defeated starter allowance foes at Aqueduct in June while on the front end. There is not that much speed in this race, so there is a possibility that she could go gate to wire here.

The 2 Hidden Rose (3/1 ML) was on the lead in an optional claiming race here at Saratoga last month but got passed by a heavy favorite in deep stretch. She should love the extra ground that she will get into today’s race whether she is close to the lead or slightly off of it.

The 5 Sailaway (5/1 ML) goes turf to dirt here after finishing off the board in an optional claimer on the grass here last month. She probably has the best closing kick in the field and may overcome the slow pace that could happen here today.

Joe’s Pick

Higher Force should assume the lead here today, but I think she could get caught here late. The favorite Answered Prayers will be coming as will Hidden Rose. But I think Sailaway is the play here with that closing kick.

I’m calling this race 5-3-1-2 and my play is $20 to win on the 5. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!