Handicapper Tips & Picks

The class drop off another layoff (51 days) is the prime concern for #4 DROP DEAD SEXY otherwise logical type. She is a flow upgrade from a Fast early/late pace back on 11/25 and that should present the edge over #2 COUNTRY LADY. Should those to engage early, #1 MISS KENNEDY has a similar runstyle (upgraded DROP and rider change after TACTIC-) to #3 ISOLATION stepping up in class coming back from a solid B effort last month. 

#8 CUSTOM BOBBY'S could have a pace advantage and trip from the outside. They should offer value over #5 UNIFIED REPORT, a logical type that fits on their turf form though the connections are at the point where they move to the claiming level. #3 MISTER CHAIRMAN is not as "fast" as some of their rivals, though has form/figs that fit at this level and can be upgraded returning from a WIDE less than ideal trip under similar conditions last month. 

#2 INTHEALY should be in the the right time and place as he returns for this second start off the layoff, a flow upgrade from 12/14 and their runstyle could present as the controlling speed in this race. 

#1 CLASSICAL MAGNOLIA was intended for the TURF last month and upgraded with that surface switch as well as the class drop to compete keying off the form from last season. #6 VISIONISTA also can be upgraded given another look on the TURF (subtle excuse last summer here at Hawthorne) and further intent with the rider change in this second start off the layoff, a lateral class change from the 12/15 event where she put in a strong GALLOP+. 

Morning line favorite, #2 THETRUTHISTHETRUTH could be vulnerable wheeling back in 16-days from a top effort with the potential to REGRESS. The race shape with other EP types (including #5 FOURLIVIA) should present contentious (Sun/50) early. 

#7 ROYAL O'HAIGAN has started to rate and finish with progressive form returning in this third start off the layoff. Her 4th place finish last month under similar conditions earned a B- OptixGRADE noting the blanket finish for minors behind the lone winner, Sumitup. She also had the public support on 12/22 bet down to the 5-2 favorite role from a 12-1 ML.

10yo mare #4 GALAXY THIRTY SIX has back numbers and class from last season that fits on par for today's race. Her current form cycle should have her sitting on a top effort with progressive numbers in this third start off the layoff. 

#4 MASASAI WARRIOR will give up some recency as they return off the 109-day layoff in the first start of the season. A return to the FG is taken as a positive for Leonard as well as a return to the TURF. They have buried form over this course keying back to last March a B OptixGRADE at this level with the show finish, a blanket at the wire. 

#6 MONJID has the benefit of recency and returning for this second start off the layoff with a positive distance change with the STRETCH out to a route of ground. They had a subtle TRAFFIC trip and appears well intent with B. Curtis back aboard and back at the allowance level. The timing and return to a route distance with price compensation is more intriguing than #7 STRAIGHT AND LEVEL, exiting the same 12/7 event; a solid type overall though will be making a route debut. 

#2 EIRIK RIDGE and #4 BETTERA worked together back on 12/28 earning the same time though to my eye EIRIK RIDGE looking better of the two and was in hand. EIRIK came out of that  work to breeze from the gate on 1/5 and again in hand for the move, he was also WARM for that work. As far as the two they have racing experience and while BETTERA number wise fits, EIRIK is exiting stronger races of the two with figures right in line.

As far as the others, #3 GREAT RUNNER looks to have some class weakness for this level and #5 GOLDENTOWN is the lone sophomore against older.

The two first time starters look okay in this spot: #1 PRACTICALLY DARK noting some "slog" in the gate works as something possible and to consider from the rail. #6 CHAMPLIN also with some hesitancy has the outside to send forward if that comes into play. 

Trainer Beckman has a pair in this race: #4 GRANATO is unproven at the route distance, though has quality and should not be dismissed. She was dominant/B+ breaking her maiden on debut and paired up that B+ GRADE in the second start and first against winners. She presents upside from the Pan Zareta stakes given the trip and flow upgrade with a softer race par here. #10 PRESENT MOMENT proven on form and the route distance as she makes her second start of the meet and has been patient (12/15 scr) waiting for a return to the turf. 

#12 PRINCESS FAWZIA must be considered though unlikely to be ignored if she draws in. 

Tough to get too creative in the finale as #3 CAROLINA JACY and #6 BRIELLE EVANGELINE seem logical and lightly race with progression in contrast to #4 NICELY UNIFIED. 

#1 BETONYA is the "wild card" in this race with changes all around with class, barn and first start as a 3yo in which she will be taking on older. The K. Avant barn has sent out two horses at the FG, both winners, though were also second off winners.

#2 KIMMER is a live longshot. He wheels right back for this event and remains protected upgraded from the 1/5 WIDE trip as well as the BTL effort on 11/18 at DMR both at shorter and STRETCH is projected. 

Trip will be key for #6 SAI CON one that otherwise looks live returning from the two month break and back to the TURF. Baltas with a return to training is still looking for that first "1" with 3 of the 4 picking up checks finishing in the money.