Handicapper Tips & Picks

#1 SECRET POCKET finds class relief here which is key to finding the right level to compete. They recorded a win under similar starter allowance conditions as well as the maiden win over this course and one-turn distance. That one turn distance is noted for #5 TIGER MOON one that is otherwise extremely logical though has been racing at the longer distance and this is the first one turn race for them since coming back from the layoff last November. Those same distance concerns as far as trip carry to #6 INDIAN GULCH, a deep closer though one that has won and been competitive at the starter allowance condition at Oaklawn, a meet that is right around the corner. 

Of this group returning from time off, #6 FASHION RAGE has been looking for a spot and the connections entering twice as MTO and a vet scratch in a  starter $50k last month. She has kept up training and in this race has been competitive under similar race par conditions along with a favorable RunStyle for this sprint distance and outside draw.

#3 GAME KEEPER has been a bit frustrating at times following this one since 2022 off works out at Saratoga. With that stated, he has been competitive and more than the running lines and finishing positions suggest. Some of his more competitive races and figures have been recorded at CD and at the 9f or longer distances. 

This race should offer some value opportunity as morning line favorite #5 NEOM BEACH comes into this race with the higher figures though visuals that have class weakness to hold vulnerability. Those similar overall concerns to #11 LUZ DIVINA coming up short without excuse of a win, or winning effort listed as the second choice on the morning line. 

#7 ITS SATISFACTUAL has been pointed to a turf route for their debut and could present intent with DeVaux picking this spot. Intent could also be in play for #6 KISS BLUE first out with Leparoux on the call for a barn he does not often ride for and has been leading the meet with live calls. 

#12 MAGIC GATHERING is sitting on the AE and while needed to see more from her first out, she was scheduled for the turf and should move up on that surface and seems she has more to show. 

#1 ST. ELMO has moved forward since given the added ground and two turn distance. The connections have been trying to sneak into N1X allowance races as MTO, intent that suggests they want to keep the horse, though might not be to that top level to compete. The starter allowance is one they return to and going back to 9/27 (three horse field) showed a strong CLOSE and GALLOP+ behind pacesetting 1-5 chalk winner (and next out N1X allowance winner), Money Supply.

This race comes up weaker as far as MSW events #1 VICKI ROSE has upside with maturity keying off her juvenile form, figures and making a belated second start as a three-year-old. 

#10 POBLANO makes sense as the favorite and horse to beat as she has on multiple occasions recorded the higher figures in this field and coming back from a solid effort (B) under a higher N1X OFR event last month at Keeneland. #3 LEXA was not to her level (C+) though given her form should find herself competitive here with others. Those two returning from the 10/20 event had a much higher OFR than the N1X race, #4 NEW BEAT exits when coming up short as the chalk. 

The shorter distance today upgrades #3 AMERICAN STARLET returning to the 5.5f distance and remaining on the turf, similar conditions to the 10/20 race she was scratched out of when those races came off-the-turf. #7 CURRENT CLIMATE is already proven for today's conditions keying off the smart ride and win back on 9/24. 

#5 LUKA MISS projected to move up with the DROP last month at Keeneland though was compromised by the TROUBLE_S and TRAFFIC trip that followed. She will have another look here and should have plenty of fitness with the cutback to this extended one-turn distance. #2 SPIRTUAL LADY requires class relief and while she finds that today there are some concerns that might not be enough given the complexion of this field. #10 MARCO SUNSET will find class relief for this second start and while she must improve on her side is the distance as it appears intent by McPeek for this extended sprint. #11 SING A LITTLE SONG could also come into this race live first out though must be much the best given the draw and often the pattern of SLOG runners first out for Wilkes.