Handicapper Tips & Picks

On current form and figures #2 MO SMOKING and #3 PRINCESS TENKO appear strong as contenders with the edge on recency and perhaps tactical speed (Quad I) to MO SMOKING. There is a scenario for the two to run 1-2, though might force the hand of Mojica to put PRINCESS TENKO in the race and keep NO SMOKING honest as there might not be any others to take on that role.

It is still a long shot scenario for #1 POINT OF INFINITY though respect her return effort making a sneaky CLOSE and on her best day can stick around for a share. 

The case with #1 HEAVENLY HASH last week stepping up to winners was an identical race par from the maiden win on 4/7. That par changes here; and while she is not out of it, she must step up deal with the other Quad I pace pressure. #4 SWEET CRYSTAL being one of those runners and one that has run well here over this course and looks well intended off the layoff with the class drop.

#6 ZENCHUA SKY will need all the assistance in the pace department though as an individual she has moved forward with each return start, finds a lower par from the most recent race, and turned in a BTL effort closing out the 2023 season at FAN. 

#2 BEEHIVE has enough foundation to step up back up against winners and in this second start of the season. She paired up her top fig from 8/31 in the recent maiden win and that number standing out some of the higher in this field. #1 MISS RIVER RAT is right there with one of her better numbers to date the EX – EXCUSE on 12/10 at the FG a race moved to the main track. She has returned to this circuit with the BTL effort opening weekend (3/24) and stepped up with the B OptixGRADE with a big CLOSE after doing herself no favors – fractious in the GATE and TROUBLE_S. 

#7 WRITTEN CONSENT has recorded some of the higher figures and competitive numbers that fit at the MCL level she returns to here. She has the benefit of a local start on 4/7 a day impacted by the WEATHER conditions racing in the steady rain and win and chasing lone winner, Problematica, and with Tribest in a place photo.

#2 COLLIER had a right to step forward especially with the class drop. She had a near excuse two weeks ago taking a legit stumble (TROUBLE_S) out of the gate and even before that was given a very aggressive WARM_UP that day by out of town rider, R. Gutierrez. She will pick up solid local rider holds the fitness from that race and moves up naturally on the drop.

The change in class is closer to a lateral move for #1 CHERYL’S APPEALS one that really must turn things around and while she has not had the cleanest trips, some of that has been self-inflicted. If she is to be more effective today that is likely to happen showing early speed from the rail and if so can make things tougher on #4 MAGGIE E one with quick early speed though runs out of gas. 

#3 I’M BOX OFFICE was one to follow from the 2022 season two strong efforts that did not yield the best outcome but visually the talent was there and showed it coming back in 2023 with a dominant (B+) MSW win. She held her own against allowance company on 8/2 though had a full EX - EXCUSE with the TROUBLES+ and despite the running line and finishing position showed a strong turn of foot and made a serious late CLOSE.

#7 SECRET OPERATION might lack the same class as I’M BOX OFFICE though should present value in the mix and as an alternative to the likely co-second options in #1 GRACELEADSUSHOME and #6 VISIONISTA.

*If this race comes off the turf and on an off-track #5 PINK LADY LU SHA is a serious off-track specialist, a true type in that category. 

#5 RONIC could present a weaker favorite in this group considering the complexion (Plot) of this field and a solid alternative in #7 JOYFUL GHOST. He comes in with competitive efforts in the N3 conditions at TAM, a move off the rail that has been a long time coming and into this race with the 39-day freshening.

#6 SLAVA UKRAINI has progressive form and numbers that fit here, and early speed will make things tougher on RONIC from a pace standpoint. #4 JIM AND JIM could be assisted by the “Fire” Contention and upgrade position on Surface/Distance. Getting out of the gate (VSLOG) has been a hurdle this season at OP though the effort making a MOVE after missing the break was a positive sign things could be turning around for them.

If there is a scenario (as suggested on OptixPLOT) for #1 DRIVEN ONE and #5 PARKER to take part in a Fast early (above ParLine) pace, that can assist and set up a trip for others in this field and value with DRIVEN ONE as the projected favorite.

#3 MISTER CHARMING could secure first run. He has enough tactical speed Quad I Square to rate off those two and track with an inside trip, likely #4 NOT VERY GENTLE looking for a similar run to his outside. Those two can “get the jump” on #8 MILLARD’S SMILE (Quad IV Square) as he wheels right back from a big effort just last week making his run against the dynamic and wind, a potentially HARD effort that has not been given much recovery time from.

#2 FUTURE VISION does not have a strong a Plot position, however some of that could be die to  the recent trips especially the TROUBLE on 4/14, the type of trip (including TACTIC-, TRAFFIC) that gives them an upgrade coming right back under similar circumstances with price compensation. 

There is a safer and “stabby” way to approach the finale: #1 EUCLID AVENUE created his own hurdles that might have given the race to the winner, Electric Charge last month. There are little concerns with the surface switch as they are proven a this MCL level and distance along with tactical speed from the inside.

#2 GIANNO has been entered a couple of times for the turf prior to today as well as placement at the MCL level. Those two combine here and off the MSW form that was a touch below does appear the right moves today for this individual.

In terms of class #9 MONEY AGENT made the drop to the MCL level this season, though this will be his first start back on the grass while in for the tag. Going back to last season, he started locally on the turf and his figure from the local debut in June earned the highest number in the field. Number wise #7 RIGHTEOUS FREEDOM figures to be right there and has the turf foundation and out of the higher FG races,  though on stamina still must prove himself, the class drop should assist though there does not project to be much in terms of price compensation.

That couple shift back to #3 PERFORMANCE PLUS with the foundation this season and a return to the turf.  The same pattern of MCL races carry to stablemate #6 MY TENNIS SHOES one that could run a big race again today and get overlooked. The added ground was to his benefit and while he will make a turf debut here, the connections tried a couple of times to run on the FG turf to no avail and picking up Gallardo give them a look.

The surface switch to the grass should also move up #5 TEMPLE FOOL one that has just the once start making a CLOSE in a sprint on closing day against the profile and looks every it a TURF horse.