Handicapper Tips & Picks

#3 CHAD'S FLASH has disappointed on the DROP in the two most recent starts with the shift to claiming company where he projected to move up on the DROP. With that said, he still presents some upside and intent with the rider change following the TACTIC- back on 11/30. 

#1 PATIO'S PORCH could hold the controlling speed. Class wise this is a subtle drop from the 11/30 race and could be given a slight flow upgrade from that race. #7 HARPES HILL will find considerable class relief from the allowance last month and should move up naturally and with fitness from that WIDE trip. 

#1 LYRICAL POET shifts back to the turf, his preferred surface. He has won under similar conditions and comes into this race with form this season. He can be upgraded from the 11/24 race with the outside post and forced into the lead and setting a solid pace, noting the top eight finished in a blanket. 

Unfortunate #13 SIGN OF WAR is on the AE as one that is a fit in this race, upgraded from a "trip" on 11/24 and this race shape + rider change would suit his style.

#6 ALICIA'S KID was also entered and scratched from the 12/17 event with the surface switch. In his most recent starts he has shown early speed though is not a one dimensional type he has been able rate and finish going back in this 9yo's career. 

Could see #2 STILL TEMPER come down from the 9-2 ML, more than fair odds on this one taking the class drop. Going back to the 12/14 common race she race in TRAFFIC along the inside and made a solid CLOSE despite the running line and finishing position.

#7 COACHES MEETING will make another belated return and taken as a positive back at the MSW level with Gutierrez aboard. Given his layoff history, this is the type that must show up race ready. He debuted on the TURF and makes sense based on his physicality keying off the visuals (MOVE, GALLOP+)  last March.  

Value and timing in play for #4 DANCING NOAH. He showed run on debut though also class weakness against MSW. He projected to move up on the DROP though unable to work a trip on 11/26 in TRAFFIC. Trip adversity followed on 12/14 and not asked late following a WIDE trip and early TROUBLE-. 

#6 OFFICIAL BUSINESS fits today's race shape, condition and on current form returning for a second start off the layoff following  B- OptixGRADE three weeks ago. 

#4 COCO'S DREAM seems logical in this race though does have some challenges returning off the layoff and first start on the Tapeta, a surface she did not race over despite having access to at WO. #9 STAGE BELL is a long time maiden though will make just her second start in a MCL level, a condition that has been waiting for her since that event last June. She projects to move up on the drop and off the WIDE trip last out that should have her overlooked.