Handicapper Tips & Picks

The pace should be much different from the last time many in this group met up. Thinking we see things contested upfront as 6-NOT VERY GENTLE should run on late. He closed to finish second off the slow pace in his last and should have much more to close into today. 1-PISTOL BOX also needs that pace to chase. He loafs along early but can uncork a strong late rally. 2-WILDWOOD'S WARRIOR should be part of the early pace. He will keep things honest for Behavin Myself upfront and may actually be fast enough to clear.

Don't really see anyone going with 3-KATIE M'LADY upfront in here. If she shakes loose and is allowed to settle, she may be long gone. 7-TIMELESS ROSE ran well at this level last fall. She has tactical speed and could rate the closest to Katie M'Lady early. 5-TRAIL RIDGE ROAD is very classy. She won the Illini Princess here last fall and has been sharp over this course.

Seems to be a decent amount of pace in this race. 7-DOCS SEVEN could possibly get a perfect trip as she may rate and rally in the lane. The price will be right for sure. 6-LONG TALL WOMAN has tactical speed and has been great here at Hawthorne. Curious to see if Loveberry comes in to ride as he fits her well. 5-FIRST KITTEN figures to show speed as she has also been great here. It was a solid performance in her last as she is game, even when challenged early.

He may take some action but 7-VERRAZANOINTHESKY could get a good trip if the inside two runners go. He takes a big class plunge but may just be looking for a confidence boost. 1-SWISS GUARD has tactical speed. He may have faced too tough of company in his last couple and could find things easier in here. 5-CHIEF MYSTIQUE is another that will benefit if the pace upfront is solid. He has a good maiden score three back and should be a solid price.

Only a few with early speed in here. Curious to see how 2-SANGFROID bounces back as she has been away for a year. She raced with mixed results in her three most recent starts and has been working consistently toward her return. 9-LUNARCHY rated close last out and ran on to the wire. It was an improved effort on the drop as she figures nicely in here. 5-SHORT STRAW has speed but needs stamina. I expect she clears early, but how far will she be able to carry her speed?

8-HIGH BROW loves this track. He has never missed the board in nine starts here and should be able to tuck in right behind the pace in this race. 5-THRILL RIDE faced two tough runners last out. Uncashed went on to win a stake while Omaha Red stepped up to win a tough allowance here. Thrill Ride figures to sit mid pace early and should be closing well in the stretch. 1-GUN RUSH has won his last two as he steps up once again. He showed good speed last time out and went unchallenged the entire way.

6-SUMMER DAY is the most proven runner on the grass. She makes her first start of the meet and should be able to rate mid-pack early and charge in the lane. 1-CAT ROYALE stretches out as she tries turf today. Look for speed from her along the inside and she may try to steal this one. 7-QUILTING PARTY was a good winner against open-company last out. She should be able to rate close early and could figure late if she takes to the turf.