Handicapper Tips & Picks

#5 W W CRAZY wheels right back from an EX - EXCUSE two weeks ago and with a rider change noting the TACTIC- on the day. Form and figures fit on their best day and should be able to work out a trip under R. Santana with their runstyle as class is the biggest hurdle that requires price compensation. 

#3 L J'S EMMA is due for some racing luck though appears well-intended and placed in this spot. She had a TRAFFIC TROUBLE trip closing out 2023 (October KEE) and returning on 4/18 posted a BTL/B effort given the trip and visuals upgrading the show outcome. 

#2 OVERSTATEMENT wheels right back for a second start out of a higher MCL event both in par and tag and made up some ground in a dynamic with minimal change in running order. 

#3 TRACK LIGHT looked to require the DROP off the debut visuals and with that change in their second start had a legit EX - EXCUSE at CD on 11/23 closing out 2023. They returned from the layoff and upgraded from the WIDE trip in March at TP and should move up with the change in class here and conditioning for the second start of the cycle. 

#10 HALLUJAH HARRIS finds a quick return for this second start off the layoff and subtle change in class here. He showed run back on debut and based on the TURF visuals could appreciate the move to the outer draw today. 

#1 HURRICANE WAY turned in a BTL effort recorded a B OptixGRADE on debut and lacked the trip on 5/4 showing a sneaking CLOSE and projects to IMPROVE off that race last month. 

#3 MONGOLIAN MAX projected to improve with the added ground off their debut and had a couple of EX prior to the TRAFFIC trip last month and has shown some progression race to race though must pick it up with the quickness with other "faster" horses in the field though should be a massive number in this group. 

#10 TIFAREEH has shown progression and class to compete at this level with buried form coming into this event. He earned a follow back in November at CD and returning in February put in a strong CLOSE and GALLOP on the GP turned. He found the public support off that trip last month at CD where the trip was more subtle, less obvious though compromising all the same and can move forward from that start in this time and place. 

#5 SMALL TALK is a worth a price play. He has some adversity returning from the layoff and at the shorter 5f distance, though his turf sprints to date have remained competitive (stronger than what may appear "on paper") including a B OptixGRADE under similar conditions last season. 

ACORN (G1):

#4 JUST F Y I has held her form and looking just as strong in the morning since the Oaks (G1) to turn the tables on #9 THORPEDO ANNA in upstate NY. Going back to the Oaks (G1) it was THORPEDO ANNA's day though taking nothing away from the effort from JUST F Y I earning a B OptixGRADE. On number THORPEDO ANNA popped with a new top and JUST FYI has stronger figures to run back to and in terms of trip could work out the right run given the complexion of the field and race design.