Handicapper Tips & Picks

P 1 Windsun Diego 7 Bar Down Jim 2 Blue Elvis

T 8 Bucktober 7 Epic Dreamer 6 On The Ropes

P 2 Wildcat Hera 4 Jillian Jiggs 6 Rose Run Yvette

T 4 Tailgate Buzz 8 Ima Standup Guy 9 Prince Of Sussex

P 3 Sunshine Sally 7 Elises Delight 1 Jm Betonsix

P 8 Sergeant Slaughter 2 Kyles Art 1 Bet On Sunshine

P 9 Twist Little Girl 2 Butterfly Kisses 1 Chelsis Choice

T 9 Southwind Caeser 6 Tesla Seelster 8 Bettina Hanover

P 7 Huntress 9 So Much More 8 Dabarndawgswatchin

T 2 Victor Invictus 6 Kevin Anthony 8 Mister Magic

P 2 Ms Quick Sand 3 Parisian Blue Chip 7 Raptors Win

#6 SKRATCH KAT started off her career at the Fair Grounds breaking her maiden in the second start after taking a tough beat on debut, both races on this fast main track at the 8.5f distance. She showed progress throughout the sophomore season and has shown improvement and class since returning this year as a four-year-old. She is looking for her first stakes win and this looks to be the right spot for her to do just that. She has tactical speed and the rider change is made after the Fall City (G3) that left her with too much to do still recording a B- OptixGRADE and sneaky late CLOSE making a "bid" something that is tough to see in the running line and finishing position though clear visually. 

#5 HIDDEN CONNECTION looks pointed to this race with the return to the Fair Grounds in this second start of the cycle. When she returned last month in the Chilukki (G3) the placement and timing suggested "PREP" and after chasing inside for the opening half mile she was in hand without being asked late. Throughout her career she has improved second off and in terms of class should appreciate the class drop from the recent series of graded stakes races. #7 LEXA made her stakes debut two weeks ago though did not have much of a chance to compete with the TROUBLE+ trip and overall a BTL effort showing a lot of run through adversity and in contrast to the running line and finishing position - a big contrast to the "never menaced" short comment in the chart. 

#3 COZEE MAGIC  holds the debut figure to build off of over this course and distance with recency making a second start off the layoff. The timing is also combined with the rider change, proper class drop - the right move as she has not shown she is on the MSW though has enough form to transfer here. #5 ALLINTHECALL also has similar form and timing as makes her second start back of the meet. She has run at the MCL level, though this is a new low. J. Elliot can be a bit of a liability and requires price compensation. 

Danner could have a capable pair and offer value at the same time. #6 TWIRLING RUTH has a pattern of improvement in the second of the cycle. Her effort at this level two weeks ago (SAVE, MOVE) earned a B- OptixGRADE. #8 RENAISSANCE has back numbers over this course from last season that fits on par noting she return this meet at a lower level. There was some intent as she was entered for the $12.5k tag though lands in this spot with the 6f distance rather than mile on 12/2.

#2 DIGITAL SOFTWARE could find himself closer to the pace today given the conditions, class change and addition of blinkers. He has some form over the Gulfstream synthetic from earlier this year that fits at this conditional N3 level. #12 CRONUS will step up off the N2 win 16-days ago though handled that group handily and can translate here.

#4 GORILLA TREK could present a class edge and that enough for this group. #5 TAKEITANDRUN returns with a rider change following a TACTIC- three weeks ago.

#11 MISSION READY put together his first three start just three weeks apart and despite the "rush" to race showed run in time. They returned in a tougher Keeneland allowance and chased WIDE in TRAFFIC in October followed up by a sneaky CLOSE and GALLOP+ after the SLOG on 11/25. Longshot #8 MI OSCURO SECRETO is worth keeping on the radar as one that could be light on class and speed though showed more run than it could appear in the common race on 11/25 and can IMPROVE off that effort. 

#3 WOODCOURT could get back on track today and overlooked off the recent two starts with some subtle excuses. The WIDE trip did him no favors on 11/9 and to compensate for that trip they used for the lead here on 12/1 and into a Very Fast (X_FLOW) pace before losing ground. It is a little concerning they are willing to race here for a tag. #6 ALDER also has some questions as he returns as first time gelding. He is also first time two turns and still must show where he fits. 

V. Oliver does not have the strongest numbers with first time starters though can pop with the right horse. #1 TELESCOPIC comes into this race with a steady work tab and series to suggest they are ready.

Nothing overly exiting or major knocks on #6 PURE FORCE as he debuts here and projects to be favorite. He is on the smaller side, upright side physically. #2 OH REALLY has taken awhile to get race ready with DeVaux having to start and stop on training throughout the year. He is a longer bodied type to handle this extended sprint distance, as well as the synthetic - the main question is if he is race ready. 

#1 PRINCESS NINA returns to Turfway where she does not have the strongest record, though has solid form and figures that fit on par for this race. In prior seasons, she raced at a higher level and the connections running for the $5k tag in her most recent start create eligibility. The placement and distance did not appear ideal for #2 HASHTAG WINNER returning from the two month break. As she returns here in two weeks she took a slight stumble (TROUBLE_S) and should have fitness from that 10f event. As far as condition she just sneaks in as she raced for $5k once, that race back in October 2022. 

#10 FAST N HAPPY is logical as she takes the much needed DROP to find the right level for her abilities. #1 CRUSHED ICE might look less "obvious" on paper though should move up on the similar class drop.

#1 BABA VOSS holds a contender look. He had legit TROUBLES+ at the break on 11/5 and looks to get back on track here. He has shown stamina in the races to date as well as intention to run at longer noted twice he was unable to draw in off the AE at 9.5f and 10.5f turf events. #9 CLYDE'S GOT A GUN also got a run but he did not show it on the dirt last month distanced after the SLOG, with his prior turf form solid for this level and field if he can transfer to this surface.

#10 COUNTRY COURT ran a "winning" race at this level on 11/29 and did not have much chance on 12/13 chasing behind a Very Slow early pace and the barn sending out the winner, Greg's Honor. #12 BLUEBERRY is also a flow upgrade from 11/29 in a different event and different manner as he chased up close to a Fast early pace.

#8 TAKE CHARGE GENT makes sense as he looks to pair up $5k conditioned wins on this circuit first off the claim. #5 DON'T POKE THE CAT has will make a Turfway debut though could be intent keying off his solid synthetic form at PID.  #3 JOB SECURITY comes into this race with current form he also comes back on short rest once and requiring a top effort to win he requires holding form.