Handicapper Tips & Picks

#5 CHAMPAGNE CALLING is a talented filly and one that could be overlooked in this stakes event. She showed her ability on debut last year as one to follow; following up that race with a layoff only to come back breaking her maiden in an impressive manner (B+ OptixGRADE) overcoming adversity showing her class in just a second start. The connections came right back in the Suncoast Stakes, a listed stakes with graded stakes quality where she turned in an honest effort with a TROUBLE_S running against the profile that day. She was upgraded and again overcame adversity with a WIDE trip showing class to get the allowance win on the Oaks undercard. She looks to have come out of that race well based on the published works and fits today's race shape. She could get overlooked off the "lasix factor" - a non-issue and can rate closer to the pace (Quad I/III) than it may appear "on paper" especially with a clean break.  

This is a much more competitive race than the morning line suggest for #2 THERAPIST and #6 FOREIGN RELATIONS. 

#5 PUNCH HARD returns from the May 19th common race and while his trip was not "obvious" trouble, he did race on hold between horses giving up ground at a crucial point in running and finished up well in a blanket for the minors. The rider change to Bejarano and foundation coming into this race should have him coming into this race fit and with intent. 

In addition to Therapist, Maker will also send out #7 BAY STREET MONEY preferred of the trio also noting #8 MEDIA BLITZ in this race, though is one that has shown some distance limitations in the past. 

#4 VIVAR has some back class to suggest he can compete at today's stakes level. He is also upgraded from the May 11th trip/dynamic at Churchill Downs.

#6 PAPA'S LUCKY SEVEN looks to rebound in this spot with some changes from his Hawthorne races this season. The big change is the distance cutting back to a sprint, though he showed he is capable of sprinting with a win (B+ OptixGRADE) over the course and distance last year. The pace scenario (Fire Contention) should work in his favor and his form upgraded from the May 31st race when compromised at the break (TROUBLE_S) and (X_FLOW) race dynamic. 

Couple of double-digit runners to keep on the radar: #4 LADYONTHEHILL was compromised (EX) on debut showing run in a BTL effort. She had another rough start on 6/7 and struggling over the dirt that day makes sense the connections would try a surface switch; #5 FLURR turned in a competitive race at this MCL level back on May 8th giving off TURF visuals against MSW on 5/22. She improved her number on the turf and at this level last out giving her another look today.

#7 BLUE BLUE BAYOU is a much longer shot runner in this race though has shown run at times and could get in for a share today improving the outcome from previous starts and from what appears on paper. 

#9 ADMIRAL RETURNS moves up with the shift back to TURF and remaining at the claiming level. 

Race of the Day with Emily Gullikson and Jim Miller:  https://youtu.be/216nwabEK9M

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P 3 Day Trader 2 Notorious Hanover 5 Verdun

P 1 Stormalong 2 Ron 6 Whatchulookin At

T 5 Bella Bellini 3 Raised By Lindy 1 Refined

P 10 Kopi Luwak 1 Stockade Seelster 6 Hungry Angel Boy

T 2 Gaines Hanover 8 Ghostly Casper 6 Tuscan Prince

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P 2 Treacherous Dragon 5 So Much More 6 Silver Label

P 3 Twin B Joe Fresh 5 Sylvia Hanover 8 Beach Cowgirl

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P 9 Intothemysticmoon 5 Style For A Mile 2 Voelz Delight

P 10 Highlandbeachlover 7 Arties Ideal 12 The Greek Freak