Handicapper Tips & Picks

#6 READTHETRANSCRIPT has buried form returning to this circuit to move up under today’s conditions. The March 2^nd N3 claiming race at Gulfstream Park has been a productive event with two next out winners (both with improving OptixFIG) -- and even the race winner, Rave On, returning to finish third on 3/24 stepping up against open claiming company holding their form and speed figure. READTHETRANSCRIPT is shown as a Quad IV Square in this race, though has been able to show more tactical speed sprinting and under regular rider, Arrieta, could show that tactical speed here. 

Morning line favorite #3 OCEAN HONEY is capable in this spot, however as the projected favorite does not hold any edge (slower on speed figures for example) in this field to support at the shorter price. #7 ROARINGLIKETHUNDER has buried form with OptixFIG in OFR has highlighted on Past 3 Runlines shown on OptixPLOT. In addition, she could present a move forward as she makes her second start of the form cycle and wheeling back from the layoff return two weeks ago where she did not handle the inside (NO_HANDLE) trip and capable of improvement and timing where today could be flying under the radar. 

The Castro barn will also return with #4 FROST WARRIOR in a third start of the meet and into a race shape (Quad II Square) that could flatter her RunStyle and trip under today’s dynamic.

#3 RESTORING HOPE did not appear race ready (OUCHY) returning from the layoff here closing out 2022 on December 30^th. Haran returning under similar conditions with a steady series of works and already some productive runners this season could have this horse back to form and at the level where he is more than capable of winning turning in a top effort. #7 HATCHET CREEK could also step up in this spot (also ran in the 12/30 common race with Restoring Hope) where he appeared to require (PREP) coming off the layoff on March 16^th, just two weeks ago. His trip was less than ideal (TROUBLE-) though did not appear to impact as far as trip in overall result noting the horse looked short on the day with that playing a greater role in the outcome.  

#6 GITA’S LAD makes sense as the morning line favorite and could present (OptixPLOT) as the controlling speed with a potential pace advantage. With that said, they will give up some recency coming back today from the 102-day layoff. #2 FIRST MASAMUNE (also Quad I runner – upgraded Surface/Distance Square) could look to take advantage (and offer value with under the radar form) with the edge in recency and intent making their second start back off the layoff and project to move forward with the added (STRETCH?) ground. 

Looking at OptixPLOT, #2 ARDIS holds a pace advantage (Quad I Square) over the morning line favorite, #6 ICY RIVER and could offer value if that morning line holds. The placement for ARDIS could also suggest positive intent for the connections as she shows up on this circuit and in this spot racing protected under today’s conditions. Number wise, #1 JULIAISON is lighter, however turned in an honest effort (C+ OptixGRADE/GALLOP+) here under similar conditions back on December 10^th and again referencing OptixPLOT has the strongest late kick (Large Square) in this field. 

#5 SILVER MOON ROAD is logical and looking at OptixPLOT figures the one to run down (Quad I Square) on the front end. A top effort and even returning to one of his stronger/faster races could be required with the “Sun” Contention and returning from the March 9^th common race and BLANKET finish with #5 PERFECT WAGER and #6 DARK HEDGES. That pace scenario (and returning to a top effort) could benefit #1 TRY TRY AGAIN in this spot and wheeling back from the March 9^th event in this second start off the layoff and with a positive rider and Plot position change for this race. 

Watkins has sent out live runner to start the meet and that gives a longer look to #3 WILD FOX returning here for the barn and in the first start of the season. In terms of class, he is tested at this starter allowance level, though going back to his layoff return last April sprinting 5.5f at this condition, he finished a solid second. He also ran at the level here on October 14^th with a subtle trip (carried WIDE) and made up ground (CLOSE) turning in a more competitive effort than the run line and 7^th place result may indicate. 

Tough to get too creative in this race with #3 WILDWOOD DREAMER logical returning with their early speed (Quad I) along with the fitness/form in this second start off the bench as well as speed and class on par for this level. #6 RAINY MOUNTAIN also fits on speed and class for this level. She is giving up some recency and trip (Quad IV Square) required from off the pace.

Rivelli returns with a pair and a strong hand in this race. Loveberry is also returning to Hawthorne and reuniting with #7 GOLDEN HORNET, one of those Rivelli runners. That rider change and timing could suggest intent and a move forward as they make their second start of the meet. Going back to the March 12^th race the timing was less than ideal for GOLDEN HORNET running back on short rest (15-days) and from a strong effort (B- OptixGRADE/96 OptixFIG) at Oaklawn Park setting a contested (DUEL) pace. The inside trip, tactics and shorter distance did not GOLDEN HORNET no favors playing a role in the show finish they will look to improve on today. As far as #2 TAPE TO TAPE there is not much to knock off their current form and form since picked up by Rivelli with a repeat of their current form and efforts stacking right up in this group.  

The “Fire” Contention and 43 SpeedRate should also be respected here and in terms of trip #1 PALACE KITTEN could look to take advantage and offer a bit more value than #5 WALKER’S WIN, one that might require a race coming off the layoff for Becker. #4 W W CANDY also gives up some recency and in terms of class is one that requires a top effort (and some racing luck) to win though an honest enough (lack of Red and BTL efforts shown in the Past 3 Runlines) racehorse to give that account of himself here. 

The analysis starts with the group returning from the common race here on March 19^th with the edge on recency over the others returning from layoffs. Going back to that event 11-days ago, #7 MAYSTART was favored and had her race compromised at the break (SLOG, TROUBLE_S) before running on late. #1 MY LADY SLEW showed early speed and the fitness (and inside draw) could be on her side though could find pace pressure (Sun Contention) with the others in this field. #9 WITCHING recorded a new top 73 OptixFIG making that layoff return last month and will be required to hold her form and possibly even need a move forward for a top spot today. 

Looking at the layoff return runners, #2 RATTRAPANTE has recorded some of the higher speed figures in this field and class drop out of town that could present the returning from the layoff to form here. #6 BETHY is another that has some buried form and upgraded on OptixPLOT with a stalking trip as a Square positioned in the center of the Plot.

The conditions/dynamic of this race suit #3 RYE HUMOR in this spot with buried form, buried sprint form as they cut back in distance for this event. #4 NEWS BOX shares a similar run style, though one that will take on a more "obvious" role of the two here based on recent form and finishing positions this season. 

As far as the early pace, #7 WESLEYAN could hold an edge though they project to take pace pressure in that role and still require a top effort to win. 

#1 TRAPPE VALLEY is the wide card factor returning from the layoff. They will find class relief returning from the break with top connections behind them where a top effort has them right back into the mix. 

The 4th place run from #4 REAUX BINA on 3/16 can be upgraded given the WIDE trip and B- OptixGRADE. She has buried form this season including the route races against open company leading up the race earlier this month. 

#5 TIZ A STRATEGY comes into this race with progressive (improving OptixGRADE) form with each start this season. This will be here route debut, though there was intent to stretch her out earlier this meet when scratched from a route race in preference for the 3/17 race. 

Progressive form has also been shown from both #7 SHE BE SHEEHAN and #8 DRIVING, two runners suited to this statebred maiden claiming level and making their route debut here.

The class change will be in play for #6 PAT'S GIRL exiting the Special Weight events, though those race pars/OFR were light this season. #3 BRADLEY PINK actually exits a higher rated race OFR of the two and should move up back in at the maiden claiming level though does require a big step up with the edge being held by others in this field. 

#2 SHESTHEBIGGAME returns from the layoff into a reasonable spot to compete and look to clear the maiden level. She showed a competitive run (B- OptixGRADE) under similar conditions last September, a race run during her juvenile campaign and reasonable to project improvement coming back here as a three-year-old. 

#3 THORN CROWN has not been much to this point making the class drop a logical move for her just looking for that right spot and group to run against. 

#6 DIAMONDS R FOREVER could also present a move forward as she wheels right back for this second start. She can be upgraded from the 3/16 effort racing WIDE up close to a Fast early pace before losing ground. 

As far as #7 STREET PAINTER she will run against open company today though more of a lateral class move exiting the Special Weight event back in February, a race she ran just evenly in and would require more to win here. The improvement is also required for #8 LUNCH LADY, one that appeared most logical on March 2nd, though just ran evenly (C+ OptixGRADE) throughout. 

#1 ELI'S GIRL was compromised by the rider TACTIC- on February 26th and improvement back to a top effort is projected off that trip and from the 32-day freshening. 

#8 FLAG TO FLAG could jump up in this spot as a lightly raced type and making her route debut. She showed speed (FTQ) returning off the layoff in January and the TROUBLE on February 20th kept her from establishing position and showing her best on the day. 

#6 ELEGANCE N TONIC also looks to return to top form off the 53-day freshening. The timing wheeling back on February 5th seemed to play against her and was not asked/NO_PUSH on the day, keeping that in mind with the run line and finishing position. 

As far as "value" #2 ABBY THE BULL DAWG could go off at longer odds than #7 LADY ENVOY despite holding higher figures and similar form coming back to the N2 level. 

Milligan will send out a pair in this race that are not without a chance. #7 BLUE COWGIRL will return to a route with that two turn foundation and fitness from March 5th. Going back to February 24th, she recorded a BTL effort in the 5th place finish, recent finishing positions that should have her overlooked. #3 WILD BIZNESS is a legit longshot in this race, though has shown run in spots and form from both this season and last to suggest she has not shown her best and that could appear here repeating a similar form cycle (two sprints to route) as the intention in the past. 

#5 SWEET TRUFFLES is fairly common though will find arguably the softest spot in her career thus far and should have no excuse on the "class" front. 

#8 MAY DISCO is one the statebred runners in this field and that group all around tested against open. With that said, MAY DISCO has presented as a runner that looks to want a route of ground and will have that change here for the first time as a positive change. 

#3 GHOSTLY GIRL ships into make her local debut where just holding her form has her competitive at this level and in with today's group. She has found the right group to break her maiden back on February 4th and came back up in class on short rest just weeks later to take on winners (2/17) for the first time. She has been given the time to recover and some positive intent taking this spot where she can continue to race protected. 

The distance and class change was just what was needed for #6 POUT returning to the races and winning off the bench for Zito, where she can gain make an an impact here with her tactical speed. The pace scenario requires some contention up front for #7 I FEEL THE NEED to get her trip from off the pace. She required the change in class on March 4th and moved up with a competitive (B- OptixGRADE) effort on the day. 

Both #1 ECHO AGAIN and #6 TYLER'S TRIBE return in this allowance race with something to prove and validate their juvenile form, something that has been in question returning this year. Both horses have flashed ability at times, though have the challenges they are looking to put behind them this afternoon. As far as ECHO AGAIN, they have the benefit of route experience and his stamina has been called into question and could be some positive intent and confidence to return to two-turns after getting eased up (and reported to have been pulled up out of caution and come out of the G3 Lecomte well) last out. 

#5 EL TOMATE showed a lot of run (TWO_MOVES) breaking his maiden on debut and was placed in deep water running in the Southwest (G3) in just his second start, while also making his first start against winners one at the route distance. He validated himself coming back in March 9th allowance, a race at a higher race barn and one that should see him hold his form from here. #3 B MINOR also returning from that March 9th race, has his own challenges that day coming off the layoff and encountering a rough trip with TRAFFIC TROUBLE that could project a move forward here. 

McPeek will also return with #4 MAYFIELD STRONG coming back from the layoff and for his sophomore debut. That timing is noted as a runner that is "slower" coming into this race, though could present upside and improvement with age/maturity from his juvenile campaign.

Looking to take advantage of any weaknesses from others in this field, #7 WESTERN GHENT also looking to find his top form could find it here with the foundation this season and receiving the much needed class relief. #2 GIROOVIN returns here and back at the level from December 17th with an effort on the day suggested class weakness (DROP?) and one that could get attention/underlay here. 

#3 ALLO ENRY should move up naturally exiting the allowance races to run in this claiming event off his current form. The drop is less concerning as it it for #7 GOODNIGHT ARCHIE from his races this season though some upside off the X_WIDE trip (3/11) can be projected. Both #8 VYING EDGE and #9 CAMPISI also return from that March 11th common race and back in for the claiming tag where they were effective breaking their maiden earlier this season.

Improvement has been showing on #5 TRAFFIC CONTROL this season and coming into this race for the third start off the layoff. By contrast the buried form from #1A RISKY SITUATION/#1WARNING LABEL and #6 MR. COUGAR could have them in the right spot to run back to a top effort and overlooked in this full field.