We head north of the border for today’s QPW as we head once again to Assiniboia Downs. The days are winding down on their meet, but today we look at their sixth race on their card. They have six horses entered for the Gold Cup Stakes going a mile and an eighth. Post time is a late one for use East coasters as the race goes off around 10:40 pm Eastern time.
Race 6 – Gold Cup Stakes
The favorite is on the outside here with the 6 Blazing Bo (2/1 ML). He is a half-length away from a four-race win streak. He has shown that as the races have gotten longer this season, it has not been a problem. He has consistently closed in every race this year at Assiniboia Downs.
Drawing the rail is the 1 Exacting (5/2 ML). In a race full of closers, this gelding has an opportunity to be loose on the lead and not look back. None of the other horses in this race has shown the ability to run on the front end like this gelding has.
Coming back from a trip to Edmonton and the Canadian Derby is the 2 Roussette (7/2 ML). He shortens up from the mile and a quarter test. He closed well in this race but could be the only other horse that could contend for the lead. He broke his maiden on the lead at Churchill Downs but since arriving in Canada, he’s started to close with his race two back at Assiniboia Downs.
The 4 Big Nick (5/1 ML) closed well the last two times out. He was further back in the Nephrite last time out Could be closer to the pace like he was in the Manitoba Mile two races back, also at Assiniboia Downs.
Joe’s pick
Even though my Eagles lost last night on Monday Night Football, my perverted mind wants to tell you to take Big Nick, since the Eagles honored Nick Foles, the only quarterback to lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl win. Most know what the nickname for Nick Foles is, but you just have to add that word between Big and Nick.
I ask this question. What is the shortest distance between two points? A straight line. Yes, this field will have to negotiate two turns, but Exacting will have the rail ride, which is horse racing’s equivalent of the shortest distance of two points.
Since Exacting will be alone on the lead, he won’t be pressured too much as he will set favorable fractions here. He will have enough to win this race tonight at Assiniboia Downs. Let’s call this 1-6-4-2 and my play is $20 to win on the 1. Best of luck everyone!
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