Handicapper Tips & Picks

In terms of ML favorite #4 RUMBRANDT they fit that role and should hold for the new connections wheeling back under similar claiming conditions. The class relief as projected moved her up this season while still looking for the win, finds the lowest par of the year and of her career.

The early pace should also assist RUMBRANDT as the outside two #5 MISTY SUNDAY and #6 GOLDEN NOTE project to send from the outside and joined by #3 ISABELLA’S BEAUTY. The 5.5f distance will require RUMBRANDT to track as shown on Plot (Q2 Square) and for those other three to run to form and be assertive on the lead. That “first run” trip is key with #2 THE LAST THRILL looking to run on late as well – they are capable of doing so though again the 5.5f distance in addition to the layoff are some hurdles. #1 GREEN GRACE does not hold and overall edge in this field though was not asked for their best late (TACTIC-) in the 6/17 event at FP. 

The route-to-sprint cut back in distance has been effective for #1 DEVILS RED in the past and appears intent as they return to the turf and X_FLOW upgrade (VF early/late) staying on as the BOS at this level and route distance in the off-the-turf 6/19 event.  While DEVILS RED showed early speed around two turns they are not a “need the lead” type and should look for an inside tracking trip under rider change L. Colon.

The early pace is not without contention here with both #2 XPRESSIR and #3 DINOS DIXIE show up and line up side-be-side with #7 JOE THE TAILOR also capable of showing early speed (Q1 Circle) with the outside draw could be sent into the early pace.

DEVILS RED will be joined by stablemate #5 GRAND HIDEAWAY one that gives up some recency in this second start of the meet back under similar par from the 5/11 race. Visually they appeared to need the race (PRERACE-) and from the TROUBLE_S made a WIDE MOVE, a B- effort in the 5^th place result. They could present the edge over “Circle” #6 CHANNEL ONE based on current form and similar Plot position with the “shape” separating the two. #4 ALIBI IKE also a Square, a solid late kick in this group, though could be left with too much to do running on late – factors to consider on value especially on the win end. 

This is a tricky race from a pace standpoint and shown visually looking at OptixPLOT. That does not discount #2 GHAALEB’S RANGER to find her trip from off the pace, though her edge in this field is class with the change from the two starts this season at Hawthorne and since the claim.

There is a scenario where #4 JOCELYN could get out in front and take this field gate-to-wire. It is one scenario that could require both #1 SIGNATURE STREET to sit back and similar for main rivals #5 SILKY WARRIOR and #6 DESSERT FIRST. That could allow for JOCELYN to slip away out front and from there would require a top effort though not out of her abilities.  

#2 RUMBLING returns with a slight freshening since the barn change and back to the level where they started the year on 4/13. The B-/show finish was competitive and trip not ideal with TROUBLE checking a few times along the inside/SAVED with the rail draw. The change in class created further hurdles on 5/4, a race they did not appear to hold intent compared to their stablemate, show finisher Frontier Marshall as the shorter 2-1 odds of the pair.

RUMBLING has shown the ability to pass horses (and the edge over established #6 GRAY MIKE) something others have struggled to do in their front running ways. #7 BOURBON STREET BOY being one of those, though finds class relief to upgrade and flow upgrade wheeling right back from the 6/26 turf start and shorter distance with an outside draw compared to the two CD main track races – and even an EX from their KEE debut in April.

Going back to last season #4 MY SECRET showed an “every other” form cycle pattern and perhaps intent with as they land here in the second start of the season. This will be just a second start in at the MCL level though the change from last year in MSW and had just a slightly higher par in this those FP races. 

The 5.5f distance adds another wrinkle to an already contentious group of claiming runners. The change in post position is noted for #6 QUALITY STORM coming back from the 6/15 event when given a live look that day. They have shown some gate issues (SLOG) a bit of a concern with the rail, and similar going shorter though overall form and figures fits and placed back at the right level for their abilities.

The shorter distance could be the key for #3 IDIOSYNCRACIES looking to take this field gate to wire. They also have had some gate issues going back to the TROUBLES+ taking a legit stumble though had enough horse to prevail as the winner and clear the maiden conditions in April. They likely needed recovery following that effort playing a role in the 5/8 outcome and noted RUSH into honest early paces in the two June starts. In addition, they follow and “every other” pattern where a peak effort can be projected.

The pair from H. Robertson are logical in here where #5 DOUBLE BURN could project to challenge IDIOSYNCRACIES (and #4 SMOOTH ATTACK) on the lead with #2 SHAMAN SEZ looking to track that first flight, save ground under O. Mojica for the tracking trip as shown on Plot with the Q1/3 Square position.

#1 VINO COURAGIO put in a solid CLOSE and GALLOP+ in the 6/15 common race. There were some question marks with the change to a shorter distance for the first time sprinting since their debut. That is still noted and could be left with too much to do looking at the Plot though did have a TROUBLE_S and with a better break might not have to be as far back. #7 MINIMO brings in current form and while they are “longshot” to win they can revert to an effort that has them back in the mix, unable to show their best given the trip and timing on 6/15. 

#7 RAMESSES brings in upside first off the claim, the 38-day freshening along with the return to the turf. They raced under similar conditions on 5/18, their first start in against winners with a competitive B- OptixGRADE making a WIDE MOVE. Their speed figures fit on par and while the “Red” PlotFit is noted the first flight (Q1/3) of Circles could set up for tracking Squares.

#3 SHTARKER finds a similar Plot position and shape and form from this season (lack of Red) patient waiting to return to the turf and route distance for the second start on the year. They hold that edge in recency over layoff returnee #1 KINGSBURY ATTACK, the two overlapping on the Surface/Distance Plot. That Plot position is in line with #8 PROFESSOR HIGGINS wheeling back in a week and perhaps that timing the one unknown where their form and figures fit from the series this year and ABOVE+ when it comes to Class.  

In a series of competitive races on the card this $12.5kN3X could be the final boss. Tough to find as much of a horse to “toss” as the clear “horse to beat” in this race. The pace brings runners into contention ABOVE Plot on #3 SOMNUS, #4 SECESSION and #5 CRAZY HEART) that might otherwise lack the edge on Class.

The lack of an edge on Plot/pace (AVERAGE-) shifts to the edge on Class for #8 VERRAZANOINTHESKY (ABOVE+) as well as #1 CANYON SHADOWS (ABOVE) while giving up some recency from the 286-day layoff, while perhaps some intent picking this spot (both) running for the higher $20k claiming tag. 

#1 GLOBAL EMPIRE brings in current and buried form that could see them competitive while overlooked by the public off the recent running lines and finishing positions. The race to key off of this year going back to the 5/18 using a similar “third start of the cycle” as today and catching a similar par and race shape with the show finish and strong CLOSE. Cass had them overmatched (DROP) on 6/5 with the high par and taken out of their runstyle to contest the pace on 6/21 should add key fitness for today’s start. The return to A. Santos a further positive on intent, going back to last season picking up the pair of wins and aboard for that May show outcome showing intent with the change that day as well.

H. Rodriguez has been sending out live runners tough to ignore and in this spot has a pair. The two runners taking different paths with #2 C F V BULLET checking the ABOVE+ boxes on Speed and Class while ABOVE on Plot as well making them a contender on that front. Stablemate #3 LUCKY BOSS makes their first start of the barn and change in circuit looking to wake them up. They have struggled to find their best in 2025 even with the most competitive effort back on 3/28 at OP came up short with the PERFECT POCKET trip, aside from being fractious in the GATE. 

A value case can be made for #6 A P BLAZING GREEN when looking at the Plot and Class both with a hidden ABOVE rating. Intent could follow along with overall form and placement noting the rider/barn change and timing for this third start back off the layoff.

#7 REMEMBER THE FEAR presented with TURF visuals going back to their maiden days and similar this year at OP when lacking the chance to run on grass on that circuit. The change in surface on 5/18 showed not only could they handle the turf putting in a strong CLOSE, but they also transferred their speed figures (ABOVE) without being asked for a top effort on the day. That could be in part due to the less than ideal timing showing up on the two week turnaround for their first start on this circuit and have been given the 49-days to reset here.

#5 LAST MINUTE might lack value for the connections at the same time could make the case they present as the controlling speed in here. While lightly raced due to the pattern of extended layoff lines, their debut too KICKBACK and looking for the grass in their belated second start compensated with the front running B+ MSW off-the-turf score in 2024. The had some adversity in the allowance return last month with the WEATHER conditions impacting the course as a heavy storm and rain hit prior to that R4 and in running had a TROUBLE_S making a WIDE RUSH before losing ground/NO_KEEP.  It can be seen as encouraging given the layoffs, they wheel back in less than 30-days, the first time they will pair up starts while holding a live rider in O. Mojica. 

4-RUMBRANDT was dropped to this level for last and finished second while getting claimed. Wheels right back at the same level. She did hold a clear lead in the stretch after taking in control but couldn’t hang on. Might be able to today. 6-GOLDEN NOTE probably tries for the lead. She displayed pretty good speed when dropped to this level for last but she was in against the boys and couldn’t quite keep up. But she’s back against her own gender today. Could be right there throughout. 5-MISTY SUNDAY seems to be the quickest member of this field. She stopped badly in last but she was making her first start of the year, her first start for this barn, and she might have bled in the race. Gets Lasix for the first time. Would expect her to be far more effective with Lasix and a recent race under her.  

5-GRAND HIDEAWAY seemed a little short in last but he was making his first start of the year. Late runner posted a couple slow drills since that last race but they always work him slow. In any case he should be better prepared for this race and the pace will set up for him good stretch move. 2-XPRESSIR again tries to make his turf debut. Speedy runner doesn’t have much turf pedigree but he is the quickest member of this field and the turf course should be pretty firm without much rainfall lately. Did age finally catch up to 6-CHANNEL WON? Even last year he was incredibly effective with three wins and 2 seconds in five starts. However, he finished up the track in all three races this year. Still, going to give him one more chance.  

6-DESSERT FIRST has been claimed from her last two races. She’s stretching out in her first race for them. Her previous two-turn races have been at higher levels. At this distance, she should be the best, if not the only, speed. Might lead all the way. 2-GHAALEB'S RANGER drops back to the right level. She was outclassed in last two but still managed to finish third in one of them.  She lost ground throughout in her most recent race, so the drop was necessary. Would expect her to improve at this level. 5-SILKY WARRIOR has been pretty inconsistent. She will often toss in a clunker, as she did as the 1-2 favorite in last, before bouncing back with a strong effort. She closes well when she fires. Might be able to pass them all late. 

Not a fan of any in here but 7-BOURBON STREET BOY has always met better. He’s dropping in class, turning back in distance, and racing back on dirt after a one-race turf experiment. Many of these runners possess early speed but all of them wilt late in the stretch. 2-RUMBLING also drops. He’s also making his start for a new barn. He finished third two races back, the only time he ran against rivals similar to these. Might better that today. 1-WARRIOR OF GOLD held on to finish in the money in his last three starts. That streak might continue.  

5-DOUBLE BURN couldn’t have broken his maiden much easier. He showed little in his first few races but exploded when dropped to a low-level maiden claimer. His connections made the right decision bringing him back to face winners at this level. Might be able to repeat 2-SHAMAN SEZ, the stablemate of top choice, might be the biggest obstacle in the way of top choice winning two in a row. He’s had a number of races at this level to try to earn his second victory and ran well in most of them but that second win still eludes him. But that can easily change today. 3-IDIOSYNCRACIES looks like the best of the speed. He tends to tire late but the cutback to five and a half furlongs could work in his favor. 

Sometimes you have to look at intent. Trainer Jose Rodriguez has entered two runners in this race...one he just claimed and another clearly in too deep, probably to ensure that this race was used. 3-SOMNUS, the recent claim, also appears to be in over his head but he was taken from a barn with a 6%-win rate while Rodriguez is winning at a 39% clip (7 of 18) at the meet. Clearly, he knows where to place his runners. Might be poised to surprise with this one. 4-SECESSION was claimed from Jose Rodriguez from last. He’s another moving up in class but he was taken by a barn that wins with 44% of their first-time claims. He’s one of many with good speed but he just might prove to be the best. 6-VIA DEL CORSO finished far back in three of his five races but he won the other two. Drops to the lowest level of his career after losing his last, on turf, by 46 lengths. Don’t count him out. 1-CANYON SHADOWS drops into claimers for the first time. He’s making his first start of the year but he has a long series of drills to get him ready.  

4-LARRY THE POET drops and stretches out. He’ll be racing without blinkers today which could temper his speed but still think he’ll be the quickest runner in here. Might not get caught. 5-LAVENDER EARL usually goes for the lead but he got off a step slow in last and his rider was able to get him to relax. So, instead of rushing up, he was able to track the pace and have something left for the stretch run. It resulted in a second-place finish. That same tactic could work well in this spot. 2-C F V BULLET has some back class. He’s making his first start of the year but his new barn and rider are having a great meet. Could be the best of these. 

5-LAST MINUTE never ran on turf but he’s certainly bred for it. This $475,000 purchase drops into claimers for the first time. He could be the quickest from the gate. If he takes to the lawn, he won’t get caught. 1-RED RIZZLER might be overlooked but he did race competitively in all four of his turf races. He owns enough speed to stay close through the early going and has already shown that he can come on late. 6-A P BLAZING GREEN challenged the lead through blazing fractions in last when dropped to this level and ran out of gas but he’s had some success in the past when tracking the pace. If he reverts to that running style today, he could finish with something left.