Handicapper Tips & Picks

#4 DUNE DAME was part of the “horses to watch” group on 10/6 from Race 12 where the outside post compromised her trip and still turned in a solid BTL effort, a competitive run despite the line and 6^th place outcome. That race shape changed with the scratch of #1 KIZZMELIKEUMISSME, one that took out some of the early pace; she is upgraded setting a solid pace for the level back on 9/30 and certainly should find herself forward from the start with the rail draw.

#7 VELOCITY MCSWEETS came up short as the favorite on 10/1 though still turned in a “winning” type effort behind a much the best, Martha Max that day. Also returning #6 AMANDA BOMBAE from that 10/1 common race and given a mention off some subtle form though in terms of placement has a challenge once again in this spot as a three-year-old against older, open company. 

#8 XENA’S FOXIE makes a lot of sense in this spot as a lightly raced type (a shift from others still looking for that first win) that has been competitive this season. Trip could be the biggest challenge on the win end, forced to work the right trip from the outside. The driver change as #6 STAR OF NOB HILL makes her second start on the circuit this season suggests intent. #2 MATTIE SHARK has shown some run in spots this season and on her best day is not far off prior and today’s rivals #1 YANKEES PARTY and #3 IRIDESCENT REMI as well as seasoned maiden #5 AUGUSTA SATIN coming back from a non-excuse. 

#3 ROCKIN SIS earned a follow on 10/6 showing sneaky run in a race where there did not appear to be much intent on the day. A driver change is made to T. Warren and should note that K. Wilfong was initially assigned on 10/6.

As far as the group returning from the R1 common race on 10/6: There was not much between many finishing in the “superfecta” to try and separate here; and even #4 ROCKIN SAGE could step forward off the uncovered trip and #8 MS. MILEY as part of the solid early pace.  

#1 ALWAYS GOT POWER returns from a strangely run higher level event last week and subtle trip in her own right though a little lighter number wise compared to the group returning from the 10/6 opening Race 1. 

#7 EAGLE ON A HILL would have been given another look back at the slightly higher level he paced at with a game effort on 10/1 covered up most of the running with a strong late closing move. #2 BROOKLETS BANNER appeared to be given a “prep” on 10/1 as he was taken back and in hand for most of the race. If he returns to his 2022 form, he will win this race for fun. A lot of horses shipping in from HoP have had a slight class edge, #4 SEE YA WRITE IN will make that circuit switch though overall does not hold much of an edge over many of the others in this field.

#3 STYLISH GRACE has the edge coming back from the common race on 10/6, though #1 ON GLIDE can step up with that start under her belt and some intent with the driver change as well.

#4 STRESSFUL will get another chance on this circuit to show who she is as she did not have that opportunity on 10/1 with the excuse at the start.

On the topic of losing their race at the start, both #5 BAMA LOU and #6 TUCKED AWAY found themselves out of contention right away on 9/30, though overall come in a little light with TUCKED AWAY showing slightly stronger form earner this season.  

#6 RED CLOVER had a legit excuse in the 10/6 common race and looked a contender before the compromising trouble. As far as the others from that event there was not much between them overall including #7 ROCKIN FAYE one that might sneak away longer than #4 JOANIE B and #8 LION VIRGIN - #3 ERIS is a bit lighter than that group though one that can get in for a minor share with a top effort, something she has not had the chance to do this season. 

#2 DAY OF LEGENDS is upgraded from the trips this season and coming back from the 9/30 race with a driver change today. As far as the lightly raced types, #8 DOCTOR CRUISE coming back from a solid effort on 10/7 given preference over #3 FOX VALEY BRUIN from the 10/6 race, splitting the pair that should both come back and hold form in this group. #9 CHROME MODEL also returning from the 10/7 race and has shown improvement race-to-race that could get into the mix at a price. 

#8 BRANDON HANOVER has the edge over #5 ALWAYS A WARRIOR returning from the 10/8 common race; and both move up from that event here with the slight change in class that should have them competitive.

#8 LUCKONURSIDE can be upgraded with the drop and from his most recent 10/1 race with the form holding up from those coming back last week. The form has also held up from Race 4 on 10/1 for #7 FOX VALLEY CRETE with Clearchoice De Vie winning back last weekend. #9 FARMERS ONLY has shown progress this season, he requires another move forward and trip from the outside post, though his form from earlier this season stacks up competitively.  

This is a tough race with a case to be made for many: #3 ALLEGHENY HANOVER held a class edge and used it picking up the 9/29 win and could hold similar here as he did not set a top and can improve with the race over the track. #10 HOLDEN STEADY looks to benefit from the class drop returning from 10/1 where he was outclassed against that group – an edge he will require today with the outside post. The change also should assist #4 CAPTAIN TERMINATOR though value could be lacking with the morning line. From one extreme to another, #1 EX WHY ZEE with the rail finds a more lateral change on this circuit and first start for the new connections.

As far as value, #5 RG’S TRACER does not hold the class edge as he has been racing at today’s condition this meet, though has shown more than the running lines and finishing positions suggest. He lacked room inside and impacted his outcome on 10/6. The trip for #9 MILLENIAL at the level on 10/1 was also sneaky competitive and stronger than the running line and 6^th place finish might appear on paper. As far as the 10/6 race should also note the outside draw for #6 DASH AROUND was impactful with the extra-wide trip that followed – they should hold a higher number over #8 ERNIE MOOSS, the 4^th place runner returning here.

The change in post upgrades and already upgraded #2 FOX VALLEY FALCON returning from a sneaky strong 9/29 effort. #4 DUNCANS RANGER could be further under the radar as he returns in this spot from an excuse at 7-2 on 9/29 and should return to a top effort (and higher number today than rival #5 REVEREND SCOTT) that has him in the mix here.

#3 PRINCE OF STYLE is tough to back with the overall race record, though should also find himself in a place to take another step forward as he has fitness coming back for this start. The record is also noted for #8 DUM LUK MOOSS, one that to his credit has held his form this season sharing common pacing lines with some of today’s rivals, including a more logical #8 MAJOR HARLEY. 

#2 STREET BOY does not need to improve to compete here as his form shipping in stands out in this field and just has to transfer that form as the horse to beat. #4 TOWN GOSSIP has the local experience edge and coming back today should be determined after landing on the wrong end of the 10/7 photo and arguably “best” in the race.

Longshot #3 LIKELY BLUE BAYOU is lighter than the main contenders though needs the class relief and that can be enough to move up for share here and at this level. On his best day, he is not far off #5 LUCKYCHRIS and #6 CAVIART RICHMOND returning from the 10/8 common race and subtle class change here. 

#8 APOLLO RISING has the tactical speed and route distance foundation as an edge over many in this field including morning line favorite, #5 SOUND DOCTRINE (should he hold that role) making his two turn debut here and at the 9f distance. 

#9 SILVESTRE could get into the mix at a price. He is a legit longshot; he does not hold any edge in this race other than he has some try and catching the eye with a BTL effort, albeit at a softer condition/circuit two weeks ago.

#5 BLUE LIGHT could see a rebound today exiting the CD meet where Asmussen runners ran COLD and the barn already turning things around here at KEE. As an individual he fits with his top effort and class for this allowance level and remaining at the preferred one-turn distance. 

At the massive 50-1 morning line, #4 WESTERN MOON will find a class test on this circuit. As an individual he showed a lot of run (BTL) in his debut racing GREEN making a MOVE through TRAFFIC and doing so on his own to finish in a BLANKET. He should benefit from the experience as well as a significant rider change to Beschizza. 

#1 GET AHEAD NOW is a first time starter with some ability as he makes his debut here. He has shown in the morning to break a step slow and noted with the rail though can recover on his own and has progressed with each work. Physically he looks suited to today's surface, route distance and should give an honest account of himself here. 

7-VELOCITY MCSWEETS-Hard to beat with additional drop

3-LYONS MIKI-Surprised last two; might do it again

8-TWONCREDBLYFASTFORU-Wired them two back at this level

8-XENA’S FOXIE-Might circle them late

3-IRIDESCENT REMI-In the hunt last five; maybe today

6-STAR OF NOB HILL-Well traveled; improves in 2^nd local trip

1-ALWAYS GOT POWER-Lightly raced; drops

4-ROCKIN SAGE-Check out middle move in last

7-MS MILEY-Good speed and second Lasix

2-BROOKLET’S BANNER-Needed last; drops

7-EAGLE ON A HILL-Good local prep in last; prepared for this mile

6-SADIE’S ART-Drops after poor Hawthorne debut

3-STYLISH GRACE-Last was perfect prep off layoff

10-OUR THERAPIST-Post the main obstacle

4-STRESSFUL-Broke early in Law debut; deserves another chance

4-JOANIE B-Won this level two races back

6-RED CLOVER-Great form before getting nailed in last

8-LION VIRGIN-It’s a go for place or show

3-FOX VALLEY BRUIN-Caught behind stopping foe in last

8-DOCTOR CRUISE-Debut was sharp; could easily be the one

2-DAY OF LEGENDS-Might steal this on the lead

8-LUCKONURSIDE-Overmatched lately; drop should help

2-BRANDON HANOVER-Good third in similar

9-FARMERS ONLY-In money last 3 times he raced this level

5-RG’S TRACER-Gets leading driver today

1-EX WHY ZEE-Seemingly meets easier in local debut

8-ERNIE THE MOOSS-Always a sharp possibility

9-PLAYTOROCK-Last two suggests he’s got it together

8-MAJOR HARLEY-Finishes with a flourish

4-DUNCANS RANGER-Early break cost him in last

4-TOWN GOSSIP-Just missed with 2^nd Lasix; makes amends

2-STREET BOY-Hoosier invader is main competition

3-LIKELY BLUE BAYOU-Beware the speedy dropper

SYCAMORE STAKES G3:

#6 CELLIST could be a live longshot (assigned 15-1 ML) in this race. He has proven class, stamina and speed recording OptixFIG that stack up on OFR (par) and for this graded stakes level. He is proven at today's 12f distance, along with class, winner of the Louisville (G3) at CD last season. He brings current form in this race as the third start of the year and second start of the cycle given fitness in the allowance just 20-days ago. His form carries to Keeneland where he has run well in each start over this course. One of those efforts came in this event last year - a common race with some of today's rivals recorded the same B- OptixGRADE as #1 HIGHEST HONORS, #2 RED KNIGHT and #7 CHANNEL MAKER and should be the higher on the board come post time. He also has age on his side compared to those other rivals as a five-year-old coming into this race in top form.