Handicapper Tips & Picks

The public will likely lean into #1 SIERRA HOTEL based on the local record, though looking at OptixPLOT, he does not hold any strong edge in this race to justify a short price and could be vulnerable in that role. 

#7 DYNABLUE has been waiting and waiting to get back to the TURF? and patience could pay off for Poulos and those following this runner getting back to his preferred surface. 

Longshot #2 BOURBON DELIGHT will make his TURF debut in this event, though as an individual he has presented as a runner that should take to, and potentially move up on the grass, something he will require though is in form and with some confidence coming off a win and with Giles back aboard. 

#6 MALIGATOR can be upgraded on the Plot and while he will given up recency from the 240-day layoff, the price compensation should be there. Keying off his Plot position, he has a similar location and shape to #5 IOYA AGAIN, one that is local and also seems to suggest intent giving the local return last month, though one that should be more "obvious" of the two. 

Pace takes center stage in the handicapping with #3 BEHAVING MYSELF as the potential controlling and "lone speed" in this group. He has shown a lack of finish (Large Circle) where some separation is required for him to hold late. Looking at the Plot, #4 NOT VERY GENTLE is not a true front runner though has enough tactical speed to stalk Behavin Myself and with finishing ability (Square) could be in the right time and place turning for home. 

That first run will be key with #5 PISTOL BOX in the race, a deeper closer (Large Quad IV Square) that will be running on late.

Pompell will send out a pair in this race including morning line favorite, #6 POSITIONDUMONI. Throughout the season this runner has held form and figures, numbers that stack up on par. Her big effort on April 6th came in the second off the layoff and this barn has been effective with that angle. That is noted for #5 BUGSY'S WAVE RIDER as they shift up and make that "second off" move coming in from the layoff return at Fan Duel just 12-days ago. 

The massive class drop makes #7 ALEBRIJE a major player against this field, though the big trip coming off a decent place finish in for $25k last month brings some reservations along.

Looking for alternatives among the others that are more evenly matched outside Alebrije: #5 BORN AGAIN GEORGE was given a look just over a week ago (5/11) off some buried form and figures that stack up at the level. Trainer Pat Clay, wheels right back after jockey Bendezu lost their balance and prematurely ejected with this horse continuing to run the race and "win" riderless. Giles taking over today and with the timing some intent could be suggested and worth consideration at the likely longer odds.

#6 MUD ISLAND finds more subtle, reasonable class relief returning to Hawthorne and with a progressive form cycle pattern into this event for Martinez. #8 DEVIL'S RULE has shown some subtle form this season and could land in the right trip. His stablemate #1 CHRISTMAS PRESENT finds class relief to run here though trip is noted with his RunStyle and requires the right ride from off the pace. 

#4 KING TITO could also find himself showing more early speed (contention with Alebrije) returning from a slight 29-day freshening. He won under similar conditions here on March 19th, though worked HARD on the lead for that win and saw regression set in the next two starts. 

This is a competitive race and making a case for #8 GREY STREAK one that could be overlooked in this field. He has back class and that class includes today's course going back to 2021 and the place finish in the Hawthorne Derby. He was claimed last November and without the opportunity to run on the grass for Rodriguez, he was kept protected (racing as a longshot) this year at Turfway Park. He has worked steadily for this spot and appears race ready and with intent as Centeno has the call.  

As noted on the May 4th prerace show, #5 STAN THE CAMERAMAN has shown speed though started to decline numbers and form where some concern as far as form cycle comes into play should he come up short on the day. On his best day he has the ability and early speed to have a pace advantage and the new connections will look to utilize that tactic and hop it is enough to hold. 

#8 DEVLISH HOUR finds class relief to run here and on this circuit. He looked short (PREP) and slightly overmatched on April 7th at Oaklawn Park with the rider looking to position closer to the lead, though was unable to get to that spot with the faster horses in the race. The same upgrade applies to #11 PROCHARGER one that despite the recent run lines and finishing positions has shown progress and speed figure improvement in those races with another move forward projected - a move forward on a horse that already fits right in with today's group.

Longshot, #6 NAGY AND DA BEARS, should be sitting on his peak effort today. Whether that effort is good enough to win remains to be seen though should him competitive here and one that at the projected odds is deserving of a mention. 

#5 OEUVRE stands out on class even with the surface switch here. The connections are looking to regain some confidence exiting the higher level stakes races out in Kentucky. Oeuvre ran her race and held her form/OptixFIG in both of those stakes races, though was exposed against those rivals. Her main rival, #3 PURR SEA is quality in her own right and has legit early speed and statebred stakes wins as a juvenile. She has been able to figure fresh, the debut win and finishing in a photo off the layoff last may at HS Indy, is noted as she gives up recency off the 211-day layoff here. 

The shift to TURF? upgrades #7 THREE ROUGH SHODS as Robertson had him entered looking for turf earlier this year at the Fair Grounds and unable to get into or the surface for those races and looks the part visually of a grass runner. The debut experience here just 17-days ago suggests intent and to present upside after a rough start (TROUBLES+) and the race shape with open length pacesetting winner, Winnemac Avenue. 

DiVito trained Winnemac Avenue and returns with #6 ALL CHOCKED UP off the extended 548-day layoff with a first start on this circuit. The change in locale and surface/distance could suit this runner, though does give up considerable recency. The shift to TURF could also see improvement for #5 MINING CAMP, though in terms of class (DROP?) will again be tested against Special Weight. 

#9 OUT OF DEDUCTIONS as a second time start coming out of a mildly productive debut at Tampa last month is preferred over #10 MO TIME AT ALL, one that looks to move up shifting back to the turf, though as a six-year-old gelding does not appear to hold much upside.