Handicapper Tips & Picks

#2 WISE ANCHOR fits at this level and in current form coming into this race. He has back form at FG from prior seasons that stacks up on par. This will be the first starter for Degeyter at FG this season and the barn after having a limited sample in prior years had a decent 2023 with three runners making five starts with one win, two place and a show. 

#6 TELEPHONE TALKER was competitive in both turf starts in August at CNL, those races a similar par to today's race. HIs current form in this cycle presents upside - going back to 12/14 he was favored and off SLOG and rider TACTIC- had this horse in the wrong position throughout. He came back with a rider change showing run/MOVE though a subtle TRAFFIC trip lacking ROOM and overall visuals suggest he can IMPROVE. 

#3 REGIMENTAL was claimed last April for $20k and looked to be a clever claim for the connections showing up at Hawthorne. The race par in the MSW events had him on par though struggled with trip and timing. The connections gave him a break and reset to return to the MCL level last month. That effort could have had an EX - EXCUSE with the surface switch alone, though the trip put the nail in the coffin on that lacking any chance with the ride (TACTIC- with a rider change today) and had TROUBLE_S and in running TROUBLE. 

#8 INVOLVEDNTERACTION will get another look at this level coming back from a BTL (SLOG, WIDE, CLOSE, GALLOP+) effort three weeks ago. He will be tested with the distance change though has shown some prior intent to stretch out and holds juvenile numbers that stack up on par and some of the higher in this field. Their numbers sit right in line with #4 SKINNY BOBBY one that is logical at this level, upgraded from the 1/18 event with TROUBLE_S in an event with minimal change in running order; however is unproven at the route distance and makes that change here in the eighth start. 

#1 A G'S GEM fits with improving form and OptixGRADE coming into this race and back at the right MCL level for their abilities. #3 CANAL ST. CUPID has shown a SLOG pattern and that should be expected here though can benefit with the STRETCH out in distance and is a fit with MCL company.