Quills Picks Winners – Wednesday 9/30 – Belmont Park Race 7

We close out the month of September at Belmont Park where we will look at race seven on an eight-race card. A field of nine will sprint six and a half furlongs on the main track this afternoon in an allowance race.

Belmont Park Race 7 – Allowance

Favored in today’s race is the 1 Sculcos Folly (5/2 morning line). He tried to go gate to wire against allowance company at Saratoga last month and was caught late. He has the speed along the rail to go gate to wire here this afternoon, but there is other speed in the race.

The 8 Golden Tornado (5/1 ML) races for the first time in over a year when he won his debut race at Saratoga. He returns today as a three-year-old who will have speed towards the outside. He was right off the pace last year and took over for the win. It’s possible he does that again especially after firing a bullet in his last workout two weeks ago.

The 4 Shoot the Nickel (10/1 ML) closed to win last month at Saratoga while very wide, edging away for the win. He wants horses dueling up front here and it is possible that he could get it this afternoon. He has been very consistent in 2026, having finished first or second in six of his last seven races.

The 9 Dr Ruben M (4/1 ML) comes in from Ellis Park where he stalked and drew off against 50k claimers last month. He steps up into allowance company this afternoon, but he could have a perfect spot right behind a potential speed duel.

Joe’s Pick

Although he is stepping up in class here this afternoon, I feel like the most consistently closing horse in the field is Shoot the Nickel. Having finished top two in six of his last seven races and closing well in his last four gives me hope that he can close down the long Belmont Park stretch.

Sculcos Folly and Golden Tornado will be dueling, but I think we have a closer that can take advantage of the situation here today.

I’m calling this race 4-9-8-1 and my play is $20 to win on the 4. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!