Handicapper Tips & Picks

#1 MILA JUNES has been looking for class relief in this current form cycle and finds it here. She has been freshened from the HS Indy event last month finishing for the minors behind open length winner. The race shape should suit her style from off the pace and similar trip could fall on #5 KRICKLE returning to CD where she has dome some of her better (higher figure) running. 

#4 TIZZY INDY follows a similar form cycle pattern back to the second start and suggests intent for the connections. He should benefit from the fitness and race last month as well as improve noting a rough start and result with the top three together at the wire. He has shown improvement race to race and following that pattern another move forward had then on par with many of the others in this field. 

#5 PRANA finished off the board in her lone start over today's course and distance back in May, however the 73 OptixFIG earned is good enough to compete with today's group and N2 claiming level. #4 FLORIS was over her head last out at Keeneland and still must improve (and work a trip) to compete for a top spot though given a mention as she can move into playable territory at the right number, a drift from the assigned morning line. 

#8 SALSALITA VERDE could hold a slight class edge in this spot. She has run her most competitive races at the maiden claiming level and there has been intent to run under similar conditions since the MSW (DROP) back in August. #7 MISS ANALYZED also fits at this level and timing as she makes her second start of the cycle. Longshot #6 LADY FREE WILL has shown some progression and while she is below some of the others in the field, as one of the longer priced runners in this field can be in the mix for a share. 

#11 COVERSING is the right horse as the favorite in this race. His class (B BTL last out), number (86 OptixFIG highest in the field) and consistency (lack of Red) presents an edge even with the outside draw. By contrast, #6 UTAH BEACH does not hold value at the 5-2 ML given their current form, form that is right in line with others in this field. That includes the pair #3 SAGITTARIUS and #5 PILKINGTON returning from the 10/13 common race. 

#2 EFFORTLESSLYELGANT makes a belated return in this spot and has been on the bench since scratching from the Eight Belles (G2) back on Derby weekend. #1 ROYAL SPA also makes a belated return, though might require the start and more ground with preference to her stablemate, #5 PARODY - one with recency on her side and returning from the 9/17 event, a race that has held form going forward. 

The longer odds on #3 ROC'S PRINCESS are enticing enough to make a creative case for her. Overall she has numbers on par for this level and buried form. She is also coming back at a higher level, a similar level to the 10/14 race at KEE when she was unprepared at the start and given an excuse as a result. #6 PROMISES OF HOPE makes sense; she was also entered in that 10/14 event unable to compete as a vet scratch. It is encouraging that scratch is not followed by a suspicious drop and given the connections and lightly raced type, likely to be much short as seen as the "safer" option.

#2 SBAGLIATO could present the most upside as a lightly raced type that has not been seen since earlier this year and can hold a move forward on maturity alone. He has has shown some tactical speed, something that could be key with the inside draw and with some of the other early speed in this race on the AE. #1 MIDNIGHT RISING was unable to draw into a similar allowance here on Sunday and suggests intent by the connections. His overall form has been consistent and yet to run a "bad" race all things considered. #4 SAFE TRIP HOME also has consistency on his side, though must show he can improve number wise as he has run the same figure in each start and if he runs back to that same race, there are other "faster" horses in this field. 

#4 HIGH SPEED could be overlooked off the recent running lines and finishing positions. With what appears on paper comes with buried form and form that fits at this claiming level and extended sprint distance. #8 FOREVER HOME is logical and not one that takes as much creativity to get to and that should be reflective on the board.