Handicapper Tips & Picks

AZERI STAKES (G2):

The main players in this event exit the Bayakoa (G3) last month. The winner of the race #4 COMPARATIVE was game part of the early pace stayed on as the BOS and showed class to hold off the place finisher, Ice Orchid, and rival #3 MISTY VEIL is downgraded off the show finish in this ground.  

Part of COMPARATIVE’s front end trip was likely assisted when #6 HOT AND SULTRY one that projected to be on the lead stumbled at the start (TROUBLES+) taking her out of her runstyle, though a game effort showing run in a less than ideal trip and upgraded here. She should present value something that is required with this distance, one that is probably a bit further than her ideal.

Also from that race with upside #8 SHOTGUN HOTTIE one that had a hurdle giving up recency off the 195-day layoff and one that has a history of racing herself into shape. She also showed speed perhaps by default without HOT AND SULTRY in that role and while SHOTGUN HOTTIE can press she can also stalk and projects to return to that trip here given the complexion of the field and added speed with #5 SADDLE UP JESSIE showing up here today.

Class is the test for #7 TINY TEMPER making her graded stakes debut. Going back to her career debut, she showed ability, had to deal with layoffs and has shown improvement. She will be tested here and off the most recent start, a strong effort though one where she was entered MTO in an off the turf allowance.

#2 BELLAMORE could get attention here off the win and big figure last out. She was game on the day though potentially taxing and requires a top effort here as this is a step up in class. #1 SOUL OF AN ANGEL is tough to make a strong case for on the win end though on her best day she can pick up a minor share at big odds, like she did last month in the G2 Royal Delta at GP. 

SANTA YSABEL (G3):

#2 SHILOH'S MISTRESS will make her first start and against winners and fourth start at a fourth different track with a level of class to travel and hold form. She has shown improvement with each start and coming into this race off her works in the morning. This spot is a competitive group and has some strength for the fillies leading into the KY Oaks (G1) and SHILOH'S MISTRESS looks to be part of that group. She worked on 3/4 in company with Brunch With Amy one that has a look racing on the Friday card. 

SAN SIMEON (G3): 

This is a competitive event and a case for many contenders even those showing up fresh:

#8 AIR FORCE RED comes back for Powell fresh and to a familiar course. He has been training steadily, appears race ready, and the barn (and F. Dettori) have been sending out live looking to keep up that momentum.

#7 LANE WAY makes a belated return though could hold into for this spot. He has a solid recorded over this course and in graded stakes company. On class he could present the edge over stablemate #5 SUMTER one that has the edge on recency exiting Clockers' Corner Stakes in this second start of his form cycle. 

#6 OTTOMAN PRINCE is a new face as he makes his local debut and should get a lot of attention for the connections and Prat aboard. He has be training locally and fit coming into this race and the longer bodied type should be fine for this extended sprint distance. 

BEHOLDER MILE (G1):

Mandella has a pair of quality fillies in this race and a confident move bringing back #9 WINDOW SHOPPING in this spot off the layoff. As an individual she showed class since her debut and improved with the added ground with a solid local record. She closed out the 2023 season in the Zenyatta (G2) the placement at the time did not appear well intended and the only sophomore in the compact four horse field. While she has some hurdles returning here in a competitive field, she has upside, is the tome that can fire fresh and off her works looks very live - especially the 3/6 blowout where she was under a big hold and just wanted to run.