Handicapper Tips & Picks

#5 FASTBYTE returns from a BTL effort under similar conditions on 1/12. The class and primarily key distance change upgrades #8 HAIG POINT stretching back out to the preferred ROUTER distance. #10 GREG'S HONOR peaked with the win on 12/15 and cycling back to a top effort here also has him back at the right level to compete. 

Nothing too creative as #3 SUMMER IN THE SPA appears well placed as she returns from the two month break for M. Reavis. #11 ON A TOUR holds the recency edge with current form coming into this event with the class change looking for the win. 

This event has potential as morning line favorite, #5 COMEDIC TIMING steps up in class (higher par) off the 1/3 win and favorable race shape. That creates opportunities and value: #7 MINE OWN STAR was fractious in the GATE and played a role in their race last month, the prior two starts this season fit as a contender; #6 JINGLE could find the right race shape and timing in their second start off the layoff. 

This maiden event lacks a standout as many in the field have left something to be desired, showed minimal progression and not running much faster than one another, including #1 FANTASTICAL route figures. #11 BERNA DITTY could step up here as she makes her seconds start for the barn, off the layoff and looked to need some conditioning leading into the 1/10 event. 

Interesting that #6 D'ORO STREET lands here as she was entered with consideration on 1/27 at Oaklawn Park in a $50k N2L claiming event. The connections worked at Turfway the same day and keep her on this circuit and protected in this spot. Her juvenile figures sit in line with morning line favorite #1 VICTORIOUS one that will be required to take another step forward. 

Her Walden trained stablemate #3 SWEET DUTCHESS has recorded some of the higher figures and competitive races in similar N1 conditions though finds a change in distance, a similar reservation on the logical #12 BUYBACK. 

#11 MS TEMPTATION overall is softer number wise though should be sitting on her top effort for today's race. She comes into this race with improving form and figures in the third start off the layoff and going back to prior seasons, picked up the win under similar surface/distance conditions last year (1/25/23) and a strong place finish in Jan 2022. 

Morning line favorite #7 DRAMA CRITIC is worth taking on as they make some changes coming off the win (distance/class rise) in this spot and race shape. The race shape should be noted as they could show early speed with #11 SHOSHA also projected to be forward and must hustle with the outside post and #9 CITY OF GOD on their inside. 

Longshot #4 THISPOINTINTIME was on a progressive pattern leading up to the 1/11 sprint and given a look as they can IMPROVE off that effort last month. 

#8 FUTURE VICTORY comes into this race on an improving pattern with form and figures from last season that make them a prime contender. #2 THALBERG wheels back from a BTL effort and stretches back out to the mile where they won on 11/29. 

While the Rivelli pair of #3 CHIRINGO and #5 SENDERO seem logical they are tough to trust. Leading up to last week, Rivelli has yet to send out a winner at Turfway in 2024 and just a trio of winners in a solid sample since the winter meet started. 

#7 FRACING LUCKY recorded her best figure to date over this course going back to her debut last February. She has been protected since using the MVR circuit to keep her competitive at the same time. The change in class to run on this circuit appears reasonable today to again keep her competitive. 

#10 PRIX looked well placed with the drop in class on 1/10 and responded with a BTL effort. She has a pattern of gate issues and no exception on the day as she raced off the pace as a result before making a WIDE CLOSE. #9 YAREE D TAT has been overmatched in each start and finds the right change here. While she must improve to compete here, she does come into this race with progressive figures closing out 2023 and numbers not far off her main rivals including #8 SEAU N'TAP.