Handicapper Tips & Picks

Late Pick 4 Ticket:  3,4,6 / 6 /  1,2,4,7,8 / 9  ($15 for $1)

Race 5:  6 - 4 - 3

Trainer Michele Boyce has a nice one on her hands with #6 R Katiebug (3-1) in this state-bred affair. She had little to no chance last time in her 4yo debut after stumbling out of the gate. You could argue she’s a better turf horse than dirt, but her numbers on the dirt are simply better than her counterparts in this field, plus she probably needed her last. A clean break / trip should send her directly to the winner’s circle at a short price. 

Race 6:  6 - 1 - 2

If the name of #6 Rietta (9-2) looks / sounds familiar, it’s because she’s a stablemate of Michele Boyce’s R Katiebug and beat her last time. One could argue her figs are too low to be my top selection, as this field is competitive on paper. But two back, Rietta received a 68 Beyer in a tough open-company race at Turfway, where the racing this past winter/spring was very good. She faces older, more experienced runners and will have to earn her victory, but she has a decidedly early pace advantage on paper and should be tough if clearing to the lead early. I’m expecting another big effort today.

Race 7:  4 - 1 - 8

Nice field going two turns in Race 7, and while I’m a bit worried the early speed won’t come back to the field with the two “bookend” runners (rail and outside horses), #4 Danville (5-2) should be tactical early with talented jock Loveberry in the irons. Consistent but not spectacular, the 7yo has finished in the money 30 out of 53 times he’s raced, so he’ll give you an honest effort…stalk and pounce.

Race 8:  9 - 7 - 6

The finale is designated for horses who have not won in a year, $5k claimers….and there’s a horse who TOWERS over the field based on class. If #9 Unified Weekend (5-2), trained by Reavis, loses today, something went drastically wrong in my opinion. Look whom he’s faced…and last time was his first-ever dirt effort after racing on synthetics, and ran well as the heavy favorite. He should get the job done today and will be singled on many Pick 4 tickets. If you can beat him, you’re going to get a price for sure.