Handicapper Tips & Picks

#1 AMERICAL THEOREM could get overlooked in here as he returns from a two month freshening and from the BTL effort in the Bing Crosby (G1) a trip compromised by TROUBLE, ground loss (X_WIDE) and recovered to run on (MOVE) late.  He will be joined by his stablemate #9 SPIRIT OF MAKENA one that has form, recency, and early sprint speed. Going back to the Bing Crosby (G1) SPIRIT OF MAKENA was given an EX – EXCUSE from the SLOG that took him out of his RunStyle and from there suffered a “trip” unable to get into the race. He came back with an improved effort in the Pat O’ Brien (G2) though was again not given the right trip for his style course and distance. If Bravo is assertive today and this one gets to the lead he can be tough there are not many (including the Baffert group) that are true E RunStyle horses at the 6f distance.  

#9 STILLETO BOY looks intended for this race returning to Santa Anita and in this second start of the cycle. There was not much intent from the training, timing, and handling in the Pacific Classic (G1) and since has returned to his GGF base to train and this should be the spot they are looking for the win (and you’re in) and to be more aggressive in trip at a preferred 9f distance. 

Espinoza was unable to work a trip with #2 WAR AT SEA from the draw and caught wide against the DMR turf profile compromising his DMR Mile (G2) race. Going into that race, he had a big look coming off a strong “prep” that he nearly won despite giving up recency and the shorter 5f distance. He should be overlooked in here with the recent running line and 9^th place finish sitting on top off his pp’s.  #7 TWIST also wheels back from the DMR Mile (G2) earning a B OptixGRADE despite his 5^th place finish noting it was a blanket for place behind Du Jour, ground saving and expertly handled by Prat.

#3 HIT THE ROAD probably should have won this race back in 2021, as he was probably the “best” on the day and Geroux costing him a better position with the trip. Since that race, HIT THE ROAD has struggled both to get the win and himself with the excessive layoff lines. This will be the first time in a long time he has been able to string races together; and also in this cycle has a better draw today without the post extreme to overcome.

The two D’Amato trained runners #4 HONG KONG HARRY and #8 CATHKIN PEAK are fine, capable, but likely to be short in this race without much edge over the others.