Handicapper Tips & Picks

#5 GEMSTONE WARRIOR has has some gate issues since his debut at the same time has shown some early speed. While a clean break could be miracle, on the drop for this race he could find an easier recovery and given a front end trip scenario. 

The change in class can be taken as more of a lateral move for #4 TELEPHONE TALKER showing up in this spot. He has some buried form (IMPROVE, TRAFFIC, TACTIC-, WIDE) from the races this season and upside all around. On his best day, his efforts are not far off stablemate #6 SHADY MCGEE (and #11 OPTIMUS KAT, #12 MONARCHS GLEN)  one that figures to be more "obvious" and capable, though lack of early speed should be considered at shorter odds. 

There is a scenario for a contentious pace and something that could impact morning line favorite, #3 HAROLD'S CLOUD late. The off-the-pace threat should come from #4 RICKY BOBBY taking the drop in class and similar for #5 FLAWLESS RULES in this second start off the layoff and back in claiming company. 

The NO_FINISH OptixNOTES for both #9 DUVEE and #11 COFFEE COUNTY in their Past 3 Runlines could create some reservations at the expected shorter numbers. #12 PESO PESADO must continue to hold his form and even take a step forward though one to consider with price compensation. He comes into this race with current form and figures pairing up B- OptixGRADES at this level. Trip must be considered from the outside draw though in terms of pace should get the right scenario (Q2 Square) for his runstyle. 

This is a competitive event and one where value should be found. There are couple of second time starters with upside to keep on the radar: #1 RADICAL MISCHIEF was BTL on 2/8 while his CLOSE could be flow aided after the poor start the overall visuals were positive; the visuals were also positive for #5 GLACIAL POWER going back to last July at MTH for his debut. Off that initial start the connections had intent to race at SAR with an off-the-turf scratch on 8/4 and a vet scratch on 8/12. He has been pointed to this meet and similar conditions with another vet scratch in January and unable to draw in off the AE on 2/13. 

#2 HE'S JUST LUCKY projects to be a heavy favorite in the final and taking the class DROP. That change was projected for him going back to the 1/20 debut and while he paired figures on 2/17 not enough to remain at the MSW level. #5 JAYDE'S BANDIT also returns from the 1/20 common race where he also is projected to improve on the class DROP. That race has held form and mildly productive and competitive on the day. 

#7 MUNCLE has held his form and buried form at this level this season and could get overlooked once again. He turned in a BTL effort in his December debut and compromised with the trip on 1/4 and similar with a WIDE trip showing run making a MOVE on 1/25 and overall visuals is at the right level for his abilities. Some further intent and top effort could be in play here with the 41-day freshening for this race and regular rider, Pedroza sticks around. 

#8 FRACING LUCKY comes back from a legit EX - EXCUSE taking the worst of it at the break (TROUBLES+) and with excessive ground loss (X_WIDE) that followed. She had a look on that day off buried form and could be overlooked with upside here. 

Couple double digit ML horses with upside in the finale: #2 CUORE D'ORO made a positive PRERACE+ appearance and with some adversity from start to finish in his debut back in December. That race was a much tougher group and while he must show more, this would be the time. #6 CHAPS KNIGHT sure to be more obvious here; he turned in a BTL effort back on 1/4 and has held his form with the subtle two trips since and should fit today's race shape. 

Couple double digit ML horses with upside in the finale: #2 CUORE D'ORO made a positive PRERACE+ appearance and with some adversity from start to finish in his debut back in December. That race was a much tougher group and while he must show more, this would be the time. #6 CHAPS KNIGHT sure to be more obvious here; he turned in a BTL effort back on 1/4 and has held his form with the subtle two trips since and should fit today's race shape.