By Joe Quillen
Tuesday 6/4 – Assiniboia Downs Race 3 – Taboga Stakes
We stay north of the border at Assiniboia Downs for the QPW and tonight’s race is the Taboga Stakes going 5 furlongs on the main track. The fillies and mares will head to the post late in the evening Eastern time, with an approximate post of 10:15 pm. Note also that there is rain in the forecast that appears to stop around an hour or so before the first post tonight, so expect a sloppy to muddy track.
Favored in this group of eight fillies and mares is the 7 Halfintherwrapper (2/1 morning line) who tired in her 2024 debut and her return to Assiniboia Downs after running the last two years at Woodbine. She has consistently gone for the lead and will do that again tonight when she runs in this race.
She will have company on the front end here. The 2 Spitten Kitten (4/1 ML) should be right there with the morning line favorite. She has been on the front end consistently as well and could help set things up for the closers here.
The 8 Damn the Torpedoes (3/1 ML) making her second start of the year after starting two weeks ago here as AsD, winning from last to first. She may have finally learned in her last few races last year to learn to rate which she was able to do successfully in her return.
The 3 Melisandre (5/1 ML) has the ability to go for the lead or can run off the pace. She just missed last time out against Damn the Torpedoes in her seasonal debut closing as well.
The 1 Soaring Lady (15/1 ML) draws the rail here and won her debut at AsD after wintering at Sam Houston. She has won five straight races after starting her career with two thirds at Remington Park. She is definitely a closer that could steal this as a huge price.
I think we are going to have a speed duel where Halfinthewrapper and Spitten Kitten burn each other out. This is definitely setting up for the closers, and I’m going to swing for the fences here with the 1 Soaring Ladyto upset the field here. I’ll go 1-8-3-7 and my play is $20 to win on the 1. Good luck everyone!
QPW Update Desk
- A field of 10 will contest the final leg of the 2024 Triple Crown as the Belmont will be run at Saratoga on Saturday. Sierra Leone is the 9/5 favorite, and Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and Preakness winner Seize the Grey are also entered for the race that is shortened to a mile and a quarter.
- The unofficial horse of Bleacher Brothers Uncle Ernie is entered for the 7th race at Parx on Saturday. He drew the outside post in a field of nine going seven furlongs on the main track.
Check out my show “Also Eligible” on Saturday mornings at 10 am Eastern/7 am Pacific as AJ Johnson and I discuss the big races, the latest news in horse racing and much more! This Saturday, we will discuss the final leg of this year’s Triple Crown as we have our first look at the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga.