Handicapper Tips & Picks

WINNING COLORS (G3):

#3 CLEARLY UNHINGED showed quality as a sprinter in her sophomore season and closing out 2023 in G1 company including the F&M BC Sprint (G1) against older. She held her own that day just not the level (IMPROVE) and coming back this year earned a follow and with the confident rise in class following a dominant B+ effort in allowance company. 

GOLD CUP (G2):

#7 MIXTO showed from the early days a horse with plenty of stamina that would and has improved with racing. He has stepped up as an older horse and in graded stakes company. While that quest has yet to result in the "1" today can be his day. He comes into this race with current form (fig on par, no "red") and his runstyle (Square) fits today's race shape with the 10f distance. 

#4 LOVE ALIVE can IMPROVE off the debut last month and from a trip that was compromised by a SLOG and TROUBLE showing more run with a WIDE MOVE than the line and finishing position gives credit. 

#1 MS MCWHINNEY wheels back from a BTL EX _EXCUSE show finish last out. She is capable of showing more early speed something that should be key with the complexion of this field and rail draw. 

#8 FORGIVING SPIRIT could be the "speed of the speed" in this race though will still be tested to win the war. The higher SpeedRate could assist #1 FATHER DELAY with their late run and coming off a strong B+ win last out to validate the step up in class. 

While #7 ULTIMATE GAMBLE would be no surprise he has been average and flattered at times including the PERFECT win and FLOW-aided place finish last April and the PLODDY return last month opens the door to others. 

#8 I DONT GET IT consistently recorded some of the higher consistent figures prior to the layoff they returned from this year. He projected to step forward with the STRETCH out in distance and following the SLOG last out was unable to impact from off the pace. #1 SMART MO returns from that 4/27 common race and had buried form giving them a look on the day despite giving up recency. Returning from the play finish they are unlikely to be dismissed here by the public. 

#9 NASHOBA'S JOY fits as well as many in this field and could be dismissed by the public given the ML. He has run competitive races under a higher par and N1 allowance condition and brings in fitness and buried form off the recent running lines and finishing position. That includes the event three weeks ago featuring a less than ideal ride (TACTIC-) ground loss (WIDE) and sneaky good (CLOSE) finish. 

#2 EAGLES FLIGHT will get a lot of attention and has shown run in the morning and off the visuals appears well intended though not his brother, the tired comparison that will thrown around ad nauseam today. 

#1 ATITLAN also has shown run in the morning and could give a strong showing. He has a strong late kick and that could be the key in this race with some of the experienced runners including their stablemate #10 SULLY returning to the maiden class as well as the potential for EAGLES FLIGHT and the other FTS #3 VISCERAL as well to be in that forward role as well.