Handicapper Tips & Picks

A really competitive bunch kicks off a really good Saturday card. Pace makes the race as 6-RIVZONAROLL should be very tough in this spot. He takes a class drop but also runs for the higher Illinois-bred claiming tag. He should be able to clear and never look back. 4-TIME HEIST doesn't have the best way of going but he always tries hard. He needs some pace to chase as he figures to settle and close with a rush. 1-MAQAMAT is much like Time Heist for running style as he runs for the new barn today. Let's see if he can save ground the entire way and close late. 

This appears to be a two horse race, regardless of if it is on turf or dirt. Going to 6-TAHOE RUN as his best races have come over this track. He has never gone this distance but has a style that will put him into contention early as he should be able to clear late. 4-JOE THE TAILOR just missed at this level on the main track in his last. He also has speed and could easily run around 1-2 with Tahoe Run in here. On grass, 9-CYCLONE ATTACK is worth a look as Childers runners always seem to step up in turf sprints. He has tactical speed and looks ready for his first start of the meet.

Much like the opener, Rivelli looks to have the pace of the race as he sends out 8-MADELYN BELLE in here. She has won both starts on the meet and may go unchallenged early. If she can clear, it may be all over. 6-STAND BY YOU is another live Catalano runner in consecutive races. She will need a contested pace to chase but figures to rally in the lane. 1-ADIVA has tactical speed as she comes off a successful Oaklawn meet. She was probably in too tough last out but the drop puts her in the mix in here.

Rarely do I lay multiple horses at the same odds but I felt similar about both 3 I O FEDRO and 8 CUPIDS WAR. I will give the nod to the Block firster as his horses always look solid on the turf and this one has worked very well toward the debut. Lasix first out helps and let's get a good look at her in the paddock. 9-RIGHTEOUS FREEDOM has had turf success against better company and looks to be knocking on the door. I think he probably rates mid pack early but should come running in the lane. 8-CUPIDS WAR also debuts with Lasix as he has some strong works coming into here. He has stretched out in recent works as well as stamina should be no issue.

Stepping up off a good win last out, 3-BLESSED ANNA looks to get a very similar trip to her last out. There's not much pace in this race as she has the potential to get a perfect stalking trip once again. 7-IZZY'S MONSTER has been right there in her last couple and also runs protected before the start series kicks off. She also shouldn't be too far back early as he late kick will put her right there at the wire. 4-JULYNNE has been in solid form her entire career as she steps up today. Let's see how she handles two turns and she could show a bit of early speed in here.

Not getting overly creative here as the top two look to be standouts. 6-BATTLE SCAR has been good on the turf throughout his career as he comes in off a string of solid races in New Orleans this winter. He has since worked well toward his return and appears to get enough pace to chase. 10-WOODCOCK FLIGHT (IRE) comes in from Kentucky for this spot as he has some big turf races. He did also run a respectable race in the slop at Keeneland two back so don't dismiss him if the rain hits. 5-C'EST MAGNIFIQUE has raced solely on turf as he could get the jump on the late closers. The mile distance should suit him nicely for a barn that is off to a good start.

With the turn back in distance, I expect 7-MY TENNIS SHOES to settle and rally in the lane. There is some pace along the inside, which he will need, but the price should be right. 4-SENDEMDOWNTHEROAD is one of those with speed as he was claimed from a race at the same level last out. He did give way in the lane though but may show more stamina with the start under his belt. 2-GRAND FESTIVAL is another that could rate closer as he chased before giving way last out. That was one of the better speed figures on his career though as he could repeat that performance and contend late in here.