Handicapper Tips & Picks

RACE 6: #9 TROPICANA GIRL is a major player in this race and tough to see the morning line holding on her. He a has win at this $10k level back in March at Santa Anita and has held her form against a slightly higher (and protected starter allowance group) last out. She has tactical speed and reunites with the win rider from earlier this season. Her stablemate #10 WRONG TURN CUPID fits with similar form and the two from a common race back on May 27^th. Both are useable for coverage, prefer 9.

#3 COWBOY’S DAUGHTER is coming off a layoff though as an individual has won at this level and also has recorded competitive races and figures here at Del Mar. The barn is capable with these type of claiming runners and appears intent with Vazquez aboard. #7 JASMINE CHIEFTAIN looks to have intent for a Del Mar return as she makes her second start back off the layoff in what looked to be a prep on June 9^th. She has struggled to win here over the years though has shown run in spots and has been pointed to this meet where similar again looks in play today. Assael Espinoza taking over also presents intent as these two have had success in the past.

RACE 7: #4 RIFEY has shown TURF visuals going back to last season and the connections see fit to take this spot wheeling back in 9-days from a BTL effort against open company.

The rails at 12’ yesterday upgraded saw many winners from a similar Plot position and noted with #2 SHORTMAN, #5 CALIFORNIA BAY, #7 WORSE READ SANCHEZ and #11 MAMBA COOL in that position today.

RACE 8: #3 GATE TO PARADISE looks to be a talent. She has shown gate speed, overall speed, and the ability to pass horses. She comes into this race with valid hype and live on debut. Similar looks in play for #7 THERMAL for Sadler another that looks ready first out with legit speed – even her June 5^th work under a hold for the half mile.

#9 CHATALAS has a long work tab, some solid published times, though does not have video to match those times to visuals. #10 JUST BE YOU for Hollendorfer worked in blinkers, broke slow out of the gate on July 22^nd before moving up on her workmate. She ultimately might need a start, more ground and has some turf visuals as well.

Miller will send out a pair with #2 ACOUSTIC MELODY bringing the higher auction price, though #5 INTO YELLOWSTONE could be the most “ready” for today’s debut and shorter distance.

RACE 9: #9 COUNT AGAIN is the horse to beat though has the layoff today and coming back as an 8yo. The challenge comes in trying to beat him in this race as any of the others in this race could win if he falters.

RACE 10: #1 PERFECT FLIGHT has two one-turn races on his form that are “dirtying” up his form. One of those is his most recent start at Churchill Downs back in late May. He had a subtle trip that day acting up in the gate, shuffled back from the rail and made a wide move against the flow, not asked late as the top two were already clear and together at the wire – one of those being Three Technique that came back to win the G2 Nerud in his next start.

Amador Sanchez came into the 2022 Del Mar season as a force with 10 starts, four winners and all with Berrios in the saddle. They comes into this race with south American stakes winner #8 MBAGNICK one that has been working solidly at GP and posting a recent bullet here at Del Mar.

The value projected on #6 DIVINE ARMOR keeps him in the mix as one that looks solid on the Plot.

RACE 11: Using the same turf Plot profile, #2 RUSSELLS HUSTLE, #4 MEGA MOON, #5 FAST CHAD, #7 ST IGNACIO and #12 MUCINO (AE) stack up in this race. 

It is tough to trust the “logicals” in this field that have come up short at today’s $6250k maiden claiming condition. Assessing that group: #6 UNCAPTURED DREAM looks to hold an edge of the group in terms of pace looking at the Plot with tactical speed (Quad I) and finishing ability (Square) drawn outside of #1 STAN THE CAMERAMAN. #7 BLACK RUSSIAN has a pattern of SLOG going back to his debut though should look to stalk with first run along with #4 CHERRY ORCHARD.

#3 CRUSING ALTITUDE is the “new face” at this level. Number wise he is softer coming into this race though finds a couple positive changes such as the drop and the key distance change for a horse that appears as a SPRINTER and finds himself with the SHORTER today exiting the route races. #2 FROSTED TEMPTATION has similar upside with the class relief, though given the connections projects to be shorter of the two. 

#4 DANCE SOME MO is the class of the field and positioned here as the horse to beat, however finds a distance change cutting back to a sprint – that being the one unknown and hurdle on a runner that projects to be a shorter price in this race.

#1 CYCLONE ATTACK is given the preference over stablemate #3 MAN ON ATTACK in this spot. He has been pointed to this type of race, looking to stay on the turf and could have intent waiting for this race (scratch 7/9 races taken off the turf) and coming back with Esquivel today.

#6 FREDDY J was given a longshot look earlier this season as a runner with upside and progressive form. He showed that move forward and a solid effort over the turf, his first start on the surface making a tight inside (SAVED ROOM) MOVE and continued with a solid GALLOP+ once getting into the clear. He is another that has been looking to get back to the turf noting a scratch with the surface switch back on July 16^th, that race scheduled at a route distance.

#7 FOLLOW THE SIGNS was given a look this season getting to the TURF, a surface he physically looks suited to and had not races over since late last season. His class prevailed picking up the win on June 14^th, though came back first off the claim two weeks ago and unable to overcome the legit TROUBLE+ from start to finish and given an EX – EXCUSE on the day. He will be significantly class tested back at the allowance level, a level he has come up short at in the past, though given a mention as he does project to improve from the most recent start and on the turf. 

#1 IZEONDEC might have been looking for the race to shift to the dirt back on May 18^th and projected IMPROVE-ment in his second start of the season. He had a legit EX - EXCUSE on April 13^th with legit TROUBLE and still showing run making a WIDE MOVE – those trips impacting his Plot position and shape. He was entered on June 15th in an N2L claiming race at Ellis Park and a likely wise “trainer scratch” given this one’s RunStyle coming from off-the-pace, a trip that is not suited to the Ellis Park main track profile.

As far as pace, the pace should at the least be contentious with #2 SHARP AZ NAILS and #3 MINNESOTA MOON in the field. #6 T LAW came from off the pace to break his maiden back in May at Churchill Downs, though had trouble at the start (TROUBLE_S) and the race prior showed early speed and could get back to that trip here. #4 SLAVA UKRANI has early speed as well, his lone win, the maiden score here back in April was LONE on the lead with the track profile (BIAS) in his favor. #5 GOLD SMOKE will be tested here as well stepping up to take on winners, though has foundation and another with a favorable running style for today’s race to keep him in the mix today. 

#3 HIGH BROW is still looking for his first win this season, though has run strong races and recorded a B OptixGRADE at today’s allowance condition back on March 19^th. That race he had TROUBLE_S and TROUBLE in running carried WIDE when making a MOVE and was likely cost the race that day.

#4 PATH TO SUCCESS turned in a BTL race at this level with the place finish back in April, though recorded a B- OptixGRADE, a GRADE he has continued to run in the races following and would need to find more to win.

Distance wise, not sold on #5 CONI’S COUP as a router from his visuals, though has the route experience and could be a favorable pace scenario for this one holding early speed and looking to be the “speed of the speed” in this race. Trip looks to again be the hurdle for #2 GLOBAL EMPIRE, one that makes his run from off the pace (Quad IV Square) and needs pace to run at to have his best chance to win. 

#8 SUMMER DAY requires a strong ride and could be the reason for the change here as Mojica jumps aboard for the first time. Her form this season has been progressive and fits back under today’s allowance conditions returning to the turf and even the slight change in distance here, a shift in her favor. Trip wise she should be able to stalk right off the pacesetters (Quad I) and look for first run with a solid closing kick (Square) as shown on OptixPLOT. #7 COWGIRL FRANKIE has the tendency to SLOG though also has a solid Square/late kick and looks to benefit with the move back to allowance company and turf as well.

#1 MOM’S TOWN projects to get a lot of attention returning from the layoff for Rivelli. She could step up making her first start as a three-year-old, though gives up a lot of recency and form to others in the field and must come back today with a much improved jump in speed figures to compete with others to win.

#2 JULYNNE showed a lot of ability to break her maiden on debut given the trip and adversity after a poor start and making a MOVE against (X_FLOW) the dynamic to win and by open lengths at the wire. She projected to take a step back off that HARD effort especially with the connections bringing her back on three weeks. She improved on July 18^th and still lightly raced could see another move forward from her. #4 R KATIEBUG showed legit early speed making a RUSH into a Very Fast (VF RS1) pace and staying on as the BOS. She was given a stiff test coming back to take on open company and gave an honest account of herself on July 12^th. She will stretch out and making a turf debut and would expect Felix to be aggressive right from the start and look to steal the race on the lead. 

#6 BLACK RAVEN caught the eye in his debut as one to follow and came back with an improved BTL place finish in that second start and quick one-week turnaround on June 18^th. He has been given the time since those two starts and looks well-intended for today’s event.

#9 POWER ALLEY has recorded some of the higher OptixFIG in the field and looks to move up on this circuit on that alone. Still he requires a top effort and from his visuals does present as a TURF horse (similar visuals on #3 STROLLNTOTHEMARKET), the surface they were looking for on July 1^st at Belterra Park.

#8 MAX A MILLI has had some setbacks reading between the lines of the published works, though looks to have some run. He will require being race ready and one to follow on prerace visuals including the board. #5 WIN THE CUP has some similar setbacks and could require a race today and is one of a few IL-bred runners in this field.

Santiago often has the call for Becker and lands on #2 SECRET HONOR making his second start today and shipping in for Bahena. On debut he showed early speed making a RUSH for position and ground loss (WIDE) getting a bit tired late. A similar trip overall was in play for #1 LIL RIVER here on July 13^th (common race with the other Perez runner, #4 AMBER EDGE) and must improve here as well. Those two projecting to show early speed and potential upside should keep the pressure on #7 LARRY THE POET as he returns to the sprint distance and MSW level first off the claim for Jose Rodriguez. 

#5 CELESTIAL SPIN one that has not had a legit chance to run on the grass this meet, and the connections have been patient waiting for a grass race, noting a pair of scratches with the surface switch from July 9^th and July 12th. As far as her races this season, she had an EX – EXCUSE with legit TROUBLE+ on May 18^th and poor timing (TACTIC-) with the WIDE trip on June 4^th has not allowed her a fair chance to compete and given a look back in this spot run under similar conditions.

#4 APRIL'S GEM could also be sitting on a peak effort returning to the turf as she makes her second start off the claim for Rosas. 

The pace scenario with the MTO runners unlikely to compete can assist #6 MY LADY SLEW with her RunStyle and early speed. She was class tested in allowance company and not on that level following her N3L claiming win back on May 18^th and will be her first start back in for the tag and turf since that event. The class change should also assist #8 GET N TIPSY as she makes her return to Hawthorne, the turf and in this second start back off the layoff. Haran took this spot rather than the turf sprint on July 26^th, the route distance preferred for this mare.

#1 ZANDREA’S has not quite been to her top form this season, though has had some subtle excuses at times. She does require a “form reversal” though her back numbers over this course and condition put her back in the mix and one to monitor as she projects to be a big number in this race. Her stablemate #2 NO NANETTE NO could be a little more “obvious” with the competitive B- OptixGRADE effort back on June 4^th, the common race, and slightly shorter odds that day. Placement and timing of the two starts that followed could be some excuse and coming back to the grass with Mojica aboard could present intent today to see her cycle back to a top effort. #10 EMBARRASSING could also get overlooked off her recent form and finishing positions. She has back numbers and class that make her a player in this race as well as form this season keying off the BTL effort in her layoff return back in that June 4^th common race.

On the class drop alone, 2-FROSTED TEMPTATION has to be given consideration. This barn gave him a couple of shots in races taken off the turf against better and he ran decent races. In here I expect he rates close early and takes over in the lane. 6-UNCAPTURED DREAM has speed but is overdue for the maiden score. Three straight runner-up efforts put him in the mix once again as we will see if he can grab a win today. 7-BLACK RUSSIAN could be a bit of a sleeper as he has chased Uncaptured Dream in his last three. He may get enough pace to chase as he figures to run on late.

Turn back to the sprint in here for 4-DANCE SOME MO as this runner has some back class and has run well in a couple of starts this meet. At the sprint distance I expect he sits back a bit early but should come charging in the lane. 7-FOLLOW THE SIGNS is at his best on the grass but has been unlucky with numerous recent races coming off the turf. He has some tactical speed but is taking a bit of a jump in class today. 6-FREDDY J shipped in for his last and rallied for a good second place effort in that spot. He returns off a very fast drill and looked primed for a top performance.

The class relief may be all that is needed for 4-SLAVA UKRANI as he has faced tougher in recent starts. He chased late into the lane in his last and didn't give way until the final 70 yards. I expect he rates closer early in here and should be in the mix the entire way. 3-MINNESOTA MOON was a good winner last out as he sat just off the pace and took over into the final turn before holding on for the win. He should be in a similar position in here with the chance to pounce at the top of the lane. 2-SHARP AZ NAILS is another taking the class drop as he makes his second start around two turns. He has some speed but with others who can show speed in here, he may be relegated to rating off the pace.

The turf tries have been solid out of 7-COWGIRL FRANKIE as she gets back on the grass once again. She looks to get enough pace to chase in this race as she should be able to settle back and wait to move into the lane. 8-SUMMER DAY is going to take her share of action as she was a heavy favorite in her last two turf tries. She has enough speed to rate a bit closer early but needs to show a bit more finishing kick. 4-R KATIEBUG is lightly raced but figures to be a part of the early pace as she stretches out today. It was a game maiden score followed by a respectable race against open company. Let's see if she takes to the grass.

The Illinois-bred faces open company on debut as 5-WIN THE CUP seems to be well intended for Becker. He gets Lasix for the debut and comes in with a bullet drill. Expect to see some speed from him at first asking. 6-BLACK RAVEN rated and rallied late last out as he will hope for some pace to chase. He's well-bred and looks to have a good upside as he should take his share of action. 9-POWER ALLEY comes in off a good effort in the slop at Belterra last out. He had a ton of late kick but ran out of real estate in that race. This distance could suit him nicely today.

Chance to catch a price in here as 8-GET N TIPSY looks to get back on the grass. She ran a better race at Indy in her last and has enough tactical speed to rate close in a race that doesn't have a ton of pace. 10-EMBARRASSING is at her best on the turf as well as she drops back down a notch for this race. The outside draw shouldn't affect her much as she figures to drop in early and wait to move until the final turn. 7-STACY ATTACK is the pace of the race. The question for her will be the distance. Look for her to scamper away early and try to wire the field in here.

It is interesting to note that 2-FROSTED TEMPTATION was scheduled to race on turf in both of his prior starts but both races were moved to the main track. He didn’t fare too well in those races so they drop him to the basement and enter him on dirt. Not sure why the drop and not sure why he wasn’t entered back on the lawn but have to give him the benefit of the doubt at this level and will probably have to wait to see if he is better on the lawn in future races. 6-UNCAPTURED DREAM has been just missing. He finished second in all three of his races at this level. This could be the day he graduates. 4-CHERRY ORCHARD drops, turns back in distance and moves back to the main track. He's generally competitive when meeting this type. 

Was impressed with the last race by 6-FREDDY J. That was his first turf race, his first race with blinkers, and he did have front wraps. The fractions of that race weren’t especially fast but he showed strong acceleration in the stretch to get up for second, less than a length back. He’s likely to be a price again today with a couple runners in here that look like they might hold a class edge but one of them never ran on turf and the other has proven to be vulnerable on this surface. 4-DANCE SOME MO, the morning-line favorite, graduated in a $100k turf maiden at Churchill in 2021 but has been seeking his second win ever since. He finished third in his local debut, on turf, and second on the dirt in last. Both those races were routes. He’s turning back in distance for this but the last time he ran in a turf sprint he finished last. We’ll see. 2-NULLABAR wired the field, on dirt, at Santa Anita, to graduate early this year but he hasn’t shown a thing since. Got claimed by this barn two races back and will make his turf debut today. His main advantage is that he seems to be the quickest member of this field that is relatively devoid of honest sprint speed at this level. Can’t ignore 7-FOLLOW THE SIGNS. He’s jumping in class and coming off a terrible race on dirt but he did have a ton of trouble in that race and he has done very well on turf in the past. 

Giving the edge to 3-MINNESOTA MOON. This recent grad has been running far better lately with two seconds and that win from his last four main track races. He’s not the quickest member of this field but he should never be more than a couple lengths off the lead and he’s a proven finisher. 2-SHARP AZ NAILS drops. He tired when stretched out in last but he did run better in previous route races and he’ll be meeting easier company with the drop into claiming NW2. 4-SLAVA UKRAINI drops to face his easiest field since his maiden victory. He has better early speed than most in here. Could be sent right to the lead. 

Having a hard time separating the runners in this field. Can make a case for, and against, all of them. Probably have to give the nod to 3-HIGH BROW but it’s a barely perceptible nod. This stalker is always in the hunt and he possesses some of the highest speed figures of any in here but he’s been coming up short all year. Might again. 2-GLOBAL EMPIRE could be the main competition. He’s also been running competitively in starters. Might use the talented runner Gun Rush as a gauge. When High Brow met Gun Rush in last, he lost by over five lengths. When Global Empire met that rival, he only lost by a little over three. Plus, he finished ahead of High Brow in last. His price is also likely to be higher. 5-CONI'S COUP needed last. He tired in that race after leading for about three quarters but he was running for the first time since September. He could be softened up a bit with Souper Fortune fighting for the lead but doubt if that rival will hang on for long. This gelding might have enough left to hold off the late runners. 

I like the chances of 4-R KATIEBUG. This lightly-raced filly makes her turf debut but she is a full sister of multiple stakes winner Katie M’Lady who has been equally brilliant on turf and dirt. 8-SUMMER DAY usually runs competitively but she’s been having a tough time getting to the winner’s circle. She broke her maiden in 2019 and won a first level allowance in November of 2020. She, it’s been nearly three years since she won. But, she has finished in the money in eight of her last 11 starts. Maybe this will be the day she gets the job done. 1-MOM'S TOWN makes her first start of the year. Her previous turf races and her form when she was running didn’t impress but this will be the first time that she meets Illinois breds on the lawn. 

5-WIN THE CUP is working like a good one. Runners from this barn often win at first asking and this one might do it at a price. The well-bred 6-BLACK RAVEN looks like the one to beat. He finished third in his career debut and then finished a better second in his last start. Worked easily since that last start. Could be ready to run by them all. 1-LIL RIVER ran well in his career debut. He pressed the pace early, running in second for most of the race, but just ran out of gas late. He should be fitter with that race under his belt. Might lead throughout. Also like the drills of 8-MAX A MILLI. Has to be worth another look. 

8-GET N TIPSY should finally be back on her preferred surface. This is possibly the easiest field she ever met. Expect a big wake up, probably at a big price. Most of the runners in here would be just as comfortable on the main track but think this race will stay on the weeds despite the rain on Friday night/Saturday morning. If they do stay on the lawn it’s possible that 10-EMBARRASSING will awaken. She hasn’t beaten many in her two recent starts but her race two back was her first start since November and she was probably in too tough in last. With two recent starts under her belt, along with a drop back to the right level, she could get back on track. 7-STACY'S ATTACK is a threat on either surface. With her good early speed, she just might be in control throughout.