Handicapper Tips & Picks

#4 HAPPY SAILS could hold a pace advantage over main rival, #5 CAVIAR RESOLUTION, while presenting value of the pair. 

The early contention "Fire" makes it tougher to split the more "obvious" types in terms of pace with #1 LONE STAR MAX presenting the upside of the group as the "new face" making his first start at the maiden claiming level. With that change comes with required improvement taking on many of the older rivals.  Fellow sophomore, #6 CAME OUT KICKIN could present a move forward freshened for this return and remaining at the maiden claiming level. He has some off the pace run that could be enough to get into the minor share mix. 

#8 HARD KINGS could cycle back to a top effort and repeat the race from 11/26 (B- OptixGRADE) that makes him a player at this level and in this field. #1 BROTHER JEFF can also be upgraded in today's dynamic and off his current progressive form with improving OptixGRADES from the races this season. Value is the main concern with #3 INFINITESIMAL as they will be doing something new today, unproven stretching out in distance. In addition to that hurdle, they have shown gate issues (SLOG) in both starts and similar should be expected here. 

Some value concerns with #6 SENSE YOU LEFT coming off a PERFECT trip win as well as #4 TOTAL MALICE off similar and stepping up to return from a two month layoff. #1 WHY BEHAVE also falls into that "value required" category with the distance change today, however fits on speed and class holding a win, B OptixGRADE, on 12/8 under similar conditions.

#5 JUST PASSING THRU was left with too much to do following a SLOG and making a WIDE MOVE for place behind SENSE YOU LEFT. The race shape today should set up her run and overall timing with improving form in this third start off the layoff. #2 ANGEL OF VERDUN could present a move forward from the 1/15 common race where she was making her first start back in 113-days and should bring some fitness given the WIDE trip and the race under her belt.

#6 KIKI KRAZY was looking to run as MTO on 2/5 and with those races staying on the turf, she lands here for Bauer just under a week later to suggest she is race ready and intent for today's surface and distance with Cohen named in both spots. 

#1 BLAME THE TOLL projected to improve on 1/22 shifting to Oaklawn Park, a circuit change with the purse structure that suggested some positive intent. She debuted here and given a look despite slow start (also SLOG on 1/22) showed a solid late kick, with a big CLOSE, something that is tougher to see in the December running line and 5th place result. 

With weather projected in the forecast and this race carded for the turf and many AE runners it is tough to project who will run in this race. #1 BOLTORO and #5 CHAMELEON are logical off their races to date. #2 CALM COOL was scheduled to debut in a similar MSW (8.5f turf) on 2/5 unable to draw in off the AE that day, though noting Hernandez was named on that day and Lanerie picks up the mount here. #9 TIANA'S STAR was also scheduled to debut over the turf back on 1/12, however was a scratch when those races were taken off the turf. 

#10 SALSALITA VERDE (AE) has the benefit of main track route experience and can be upgraded (IMPROVE) from the trip showing a MOVE in TRAFFIC against the dynamic (X_FLOW) on 1/20. 

#6 SCAMPERING GRAYCE can be upgraded from the 1/29 event where she was making her first start back off the layoff and in against a higher class. She did not show much stick (FTQ) though that race could be seen as a "prep" and the winner, First I've Seen, won from just off the pace.

#4 SHADES OF TRUTH cuts back in distance and is a slight flow upgrade from the 1/19 race as well as holding some early speed for today's race shape. 

Returning from the 1/19 common race, #8 THEBOYZGALAXY seems logical following the place finish and speed figure that was paired from the 12/4 win in the FOG. That "every other" pattern is noted and could see some regression here following that trend. #9 PEACEFUL VISION has form this season as she makes her third start off the layoff and that foundation could see her show up with a peak effort today. 

Value is the prime knock with #2 NEW YEAR'S PARTY at a shorter expected price (morning line favorite) given the off the pace run style and shorter distance.