Handicapper Tips & Picks

#4 SPEIGHTFUL ONE returns from a MSW race that could be productive earlier this meet. He finds further changes with the drop in class to MCL and rider change to suggest intent for this second start. 

#2 OF THE MOMENT was upgraded shifting to the TURF last out at KEE, though caught a tougher N2 allowance ground and had a tough trip without any favors. The connections have been pointing to this meet and condition noting a scratch under similar conditions when the races came off the turf on 12/1. 

#4 EL PERFECTO has a look wheeling right back from the 11/17 race. The trip was not ideal from the SLOG to TROUBLE and overall visuals project and IMPROVE. The change in rider and class could also assist and seems some intent with those changes wheeling back on short rest. 

#3 RANCH BADGE has a look coming back from the stakes race opening week. His trip was less than ideal and showed run/MOVE despite adversity/TROUBLE and overall visuals to IMPROVE. 

#2 ROCK WITH YOU seems logical as the favorite for the connections on the class drop. #3 VALUABLE CARGO has shown some run despite the running lines and finishing positions including a BTL effort back in September and could catch the right group, time and place. 

#1 MOBSTER GUN looks well spotted as he takes the drop in class second off the layoff. He has been competitive under similar claiming conditions in the past and holds local Turfway Park form that is not far off morning line favorites, #5 CHANTRY FLATS and #2 FOUNDER.

The return to synthetic and the claiming level could be the right combination to wake up #4 SILVER QUARTERS returning from the two month break and after a pair of scratches (off-the-turf/AE) at HS Indy since the IL starts. He could be sneaky and preferred over stablemate #6 LAND MARK DEAL one that was entered and unable to draw on to a $16k claiming event here on 12/1. 

As far as the shorter priced ML runners, the significant class drop for #3 STUDY COMMITTEE has them preferred over #11 EL CERRITO one that took the class drop coming up short on the win end in both November starts. 

Looking outside that pair: #4 SHOCKWAVE earned a rare SYNTHETIC designation on 10/21 and based on prior form could move up in this MCL spot and circuit for the new connections. #5 EGYPTIAN KING also moves up on the class drop and shows up here with prior intent by the connections noting a entry/scr on this circuit from last December and right before the layoff. He has upside with the drop, trip and rider change wheeling right back for this event. 

#3 HONEY HAULER fits in this event as well as many in this race with the edge on recency and based on the ML should offer considerable value. The others in this field that have run "faster" races, #9 SEVEN CHARMS and #10 VERBAL, though come off and show a layoff pattern as they race for a tag (a condition that would make them starter allowance eligible going forward) today. 

#8 CUSHEE earned a follow going back to her debut last year at the FG and since has been working through layoffs. She will return here from another break and second start this season though could be in the right spot, draw and surface while presenting upside. That upside is noted as both #4 COLETTE'S JOY and #7 FLYING BESSIE are capable of catching the right group though there are who they are and require for that to be enough here. 

Tough to get too creative in this race as #4 QUALITY STAR and #5 LILAC GIRL are logical with the "alternatives" #2 SHE'S GONE and #3 STIR CRAZY fitting in that role. 

#3 SKATE TO HEAVEN is certainly capable and appears well spotted as they return to the claiming level, a move that found success earlier this season. While capable, overall he does not hold any strong edge in this group and could be the default "safe" public pick. #9 FASTBYTE is a sophomore coming into this race with some upside in his current form cycle and one that has been a popular claim and reclaim by Esquivel. His efforts on 10/19 was under similar conditions and ran competitively. The most recent start at CD can be taken with a grain of salt given the sprint distance, higher OFR and primarily race shape that offered minimal change in running order with the top two finishing together at the wire. 

#5 STATIC FIRE comes back fresh after a legit EX - EXCUSE in the TCA (G2) at KEE. Going into that race she was given a class test, though deserving of that opportunity with progressive form and class. The placement here is smart for the connection allowing her to regain some confidence and plan for 2024.

#4 LAST LEAF has been racing at a higher stakes level and six-figure purse since the Audubon Stakes last August and should benefit from the class change to find the relief to compete. The connections of #2 CURRENT CLIMATE deserve a lot of credit for expertly reading the condition book and finding this allowance spot where she can race for a higher purse and protected at the same time. She is an honest race mare and does finds some subtle class relief from the recent starts.

#3 SKYCRAFT finds class relief and also a triple flow upgrade racing close to a F/VF early pace in the three most recent starts. #7 STUBBORNKINDAFELLA is a solid SYNTHETIC horse and in a reasonable spot as they return to this circuit. Some value is required for #1 DOUBLE ADVANTAGE as they return from the near layoff. His win last season was at near the level they return today and can race protected here. The public could latch on to the local 2-for-2 record, a big factor that could see them bet down. #9 SENOR JOBIN races as the number of his age and one that has a solid synthetic record and continues to be placed at the right level for his current abilities coming back from a WEATHER impacted day on 11/17 at CD.