Handicapper Tips & Picks

Race 6:  3 - 5 - 8

Late Pick 4 ticket:  3,5 / 1,3,5,6,10,11,12 / 3,5,8 / 3,5  ($42)

To kick off a VERY difficult Pick 4, I have some #3 Breaking News (9-5) in the nickel claimer sprinting 6f. Although I’m not a fan of 8yo’s who don’t win too often, this gelding is in such fine form it’s hard to ignore him. Plus he continues to get Centeno in the irons and shows tactical speed from the inside. If he can work out a good trip, he’s a big win candidate. 

Race 7:  6 - 1 - 10 

In one of the toughest races to handicap on the card, I’m taking a price in #6 Lea Ro (8-1). This very big field of fillies going two turns on the turf will be a very trip-dependent affair…whomever works out the right one has a big chance. Although the Block filly on the inside might be tough, she hasn’t races since last September, and “Ro” has been facing good company down in Tampa Bay all winter/spring. I’m hoping Felix can work out a trip and he class / recency shows in a tough spot with many contenders. I’m going 7-deep here in my Late P4, so many things can happen. 

Race 8:  3 - 5 - 8 

Nice N1X allowance race for the penultimate race on the card. I always prefer more lightly-raced horses than experienced ones in these types of contests, so I’ll go with #3 Moonlight Road (7-2), who just broke his maiden. Although it took 6 tries to win, I like the pedigree on this one (Malibu Moon), and Block seems to have him going in the right direction. Not only that, his last work was excellent, so perhaps the “lightbulb” has gone on. Should be able to stalk and pounce off the main speed of Valiant Road, who might be the horse to beat with a 78 Beyer in his last effort. 

Race 9:  3 - 5 - 1

The nightcap and closeout leg of the Late P4 is interesting….a grass race for maiden special weights. I like the effort of #3 Anqa (5-2), the ML-favorite, last time at Turfway. It was a relatively fast pace, and the Godolphin homebred stuck around to finish an even 5th. With Distorted Humor on the dam side, turf should work out just fine, and her inside post will allow her to save ground and make her move when asked. Another I would not take a low price on if betting to win, but a must-use in the horizontals for sure.