Handicapper Tips & Picks

Tough to look outside #3 LADY SHAMAN and #6 LEGENDARY GIFT as they standout in this group and outside of them a case can be made for any of the others. Those two runners project to be forwardly placed and likely to battle for favoritism exiting the common race on 1/7 finishing in a BLANKET at the wire. Form cycle could present the edge to Lady Shaman here as she makes her second start back off the layoff today and has been able to show a move forward in a similar pattern in the past. 

The added ground (ROUTER) could move up #1 CYBERTOWN as they return here off a subtle trip (TROUBLE_S, MOVE) back on 1/1, their first start back off a 246-day layoff. The distance could be the edge over rival #6 DIESEL FUEL also returning here from that 1/1 common race and similar long layoff. 

Fires will send out a pair in this race with #2 FETCHS BRAHM showing race-to-race progression coming back from the layoff. In addition, he recorded his career high OptixFIG in his lone route, 8.5f, race keying off the May maiden event last year.

#8 STORM STRATEGY can be upgraded with the class drop from Special Weight to make his first start today at the maiden claiming level. His debut 68 OptixFIG stacks up with the others in this field. #10 ROSIE'S BOY will also find some subtle class relief from the 1/21 race wheeling back in just 13-days for this event, though again will run here against older as the lone sophomore in the field. 

#7 OCELOT could be worth another look this meet as he will show up today first off the claim for Broberg. As far as his form heading into the 12/30 event, he was coming off a BTL effort despite the 8th place finish on 11/25 at Woodbine holding competitive form and speed figures for this circuit claiming races. As far as the 12/30 race, Ocelot broke slow (SLOG) raced WIDE and unable to get into the race.

#6 PRESS SNOOZE will return from the 156-day layoff and giving up recency to others in this field. That layoff is noted, though so is his local form keying off his races here last season with competitive efforts that on return to those races has him competitive in today's event. 

The cutback in distance could assist #2 KING DOODLE today though overall he does not have much of an edge and has race record that can be concerning to hold a lot of confidence in at a shorter number. 

#11 RUNNIN' BLOCK will return to the maiden claiming level where he was competitive (B- OptixGRADE) recorded here on 12/11, the first part of the meet. He could be overlooked today off the 12/31 running line, finishing position as well as today's post position, those necessary price compensation factors.

#5 FIVE O FOX is still a "new" face coming back today for a second start with some changes from the 12/18 debut. As far as trip he did not break well and was RUSH into the early pace with the rider easing up after losing ground. His ability (intention) to show early speed could be an asset in this race with the others holding race experience lacking that tactical run style. Some gate speed could be expected for #1 INFILTRATOR keying off the published works, draw and even jockey/trainer tendency this season with Michel giving some aggressive rides to Lukas runners. 

#2 WOBBERJOD could hold a pace advantage returning today especially if rival #13 BANK (AE) is unable to draw into the race. #11 SHACKLEFORD STRONG also holds some hidden early speed and form and could get overlooked in this full field. 

In terms of class, the drop creates some reservations on #4 COST BASIS, whereas #1 BELFAST BOY (common race for the two on 1/7) appears a logical move by Hiles to place Belfast Boy where he can compete. 

Tough to assess the pace "on paper" for this event though looking at OptixPLOT, there is a scenario for longer-shot runner #6 SMOOTH SCAT to show early speed and hold a hidden pace advantage. 

#3 SALTA could also present some upside as he makes his second start back off the layoff and with back numbers, especially "second off" that tend to show a peak effort. Salta has slight higher if not numbers in line with #1 ATKINS, one that will return today second off the claim though still must show improvement as so far he has run the same race and figure each time out on the track.

#2 YACHT ROCK is likely to be favored today and while he would be no surprise to win, he has had favorable trips and another in this field that does have to show up with his top effort to win. 

#8 D'ORO STREET returns today to make her first start around two turns. As far as her races to date, she is tough to knock in this group showing a competitive race on debut at Churchill Downs as well as here on 12/11 staying on (X_FLOW) through a fast early pace with the winner (and next out allowance winner), Klassy Bridgette closing from off the pace.

#9 NO GUILT wheels right back (12-days) for her third start of the meet. She has the benefit of route experience and even a subtle change in class from the 1/22 event racing against older and returns to age restricted company here.

#4 TOUGH LEGACY has shown progress race-to-race and returns with route experience. Despite the progress and legit stumble at the start on 12/31, she has shown a pattern of gate issues in each start that is a liability. Cabrera remains with Tough Legacy and was aboard #5 ARMY KITTEN when she debuted at Oaklawn Park during the first week of the meet. She will pick up Bejarano for this second start, a live rider change and could be intent with that move and the time and additional training today by Amoss. 

As far as #6 PEACE CRUISER and #7 DIVINELY BOLT they have shown run at times, though have lacked progress or excuses in their races to date. 

This is a competitive event where a case can be made for many in this field, often a time to seek value. #2 KABOOM BABY might not be that "value" horse while certainly logical off her speed figures. Trip still must be considered as one that tends to run from off the pace. #7 RICHNESS has the benefit of tactical speed, though will be stepping back up in class as she returns from a favorable trip to win off the layoff last month. 

#5 PATTERN BET returned to break her maiden on 12/9, opening day and validated her form (and some tough racing luck) in 2022. Her form and figures from last season make her player and could be to her benefit with the 56-day recovery since the December win. #1 LADY ASTRID has back numbers that stack up with today's condition and while she does require that top effort, she could run her race today looking to move up in the second start off the layoff. #6 HEATED ARGUMENT has yet to run back to her better races this season, though has those races in her form from 2021-22 to show a top effort that is good enough to compete today. 

#5 RUNNINGFORCASH is worth a follow and could present value in this full field overlooked off the running lines and finishing positions. He recorded a competitive race (B- OptixGRADE) in his Keeneland debut and projects to IMPROVE from the 12/10 poor WEATHER race run over the off-track and pouring rain. Runningforcash showed run despite not handling the course early through found his stride making a WIDE MOVE, something that is not easy to see on the run line alone. 

#10 WOODY'S CHOICE showed run while GREEN in his debut back on 12/31 and the visuals suggest he could benefit with the experience and move to an outside post. That 12/31 race has been very productive with three next out winners (another to finish second in a photo for win) all with improving speed figures. 

#6 WINNEMAC AVENUE has shown progress race-to-race and should return fit for this race in his second start off the layoff exiting the mile event with a TRAFFIC trip on 12/31. 

#11 TIVY fits logically in this group off his two races to date and those efforts (figures/class) could be enough to overcome the outside draw and layoff - factors to still consider in terms of value.