Handicapper Tips & Picks

Tough to see the 10-1 ML holding on #9 ANDREADYTORUMBLE though given a mention as they appear live second off with the return to the turf. The turf efforts from last year both competitive with the B- OptixGRADES -- TROUBLE TRAFFIC CLOSE on debut before showing up as a maiden in graded stakes company at the mile distance. 

This race is wide open with the opportunity to get creative with prices as #3 CITY EXILE comes into this event as a WEAK favorite. His stablemate #4 ONE OF THESE DAYS might present the higher on the board of the two, both have come up short on the win end opening the door in here for the top spot:

#2 ZALAMO turned in a BTL effort over this course in his local debut last summer in the Oceanside, though overmatched  on the quick turnaround and quick finale for 2023 in grades stakes company. His return race off the bench in March earned a figure on par racing above condition in N2 company and should be fit third off for this race. 

#10 SEVEN WONDERS is still N1 eligible though has many races that fit on par from a class, speed and form perspective. Trip will be key with the longer distance and outside post, though does appear intent with A. Fresu taking back over. 

This is an ideal spot for #6 TRINITY PARK to returns from the layoff. He fits at WO rom the races last year, races where he was running consistent figures, though not quite on the level of his competition for the win. The class drop is reasonable for this individual and fits today's race shape despite lacking recency. 

#4 LION KINGDOM wheels back from a BTL effort returning from the layoff last month making a MOVE X_FLOW and upside/IMPROVE off the 5th place result. The early pace should be honest, though not totally compromising for #7 ALLEY OOP JOHNNY (slight edge over stablemate #5 MEDIA SENSATION) with their early speed coming off a flow aided win in the 6/16 common race. 

#2 CLASSY WHISPER follows a similar form cycle pattern with a peak effort projected here third off the layoff. He is upgraded with the subtle change in class and flow upgraded from the trip on 7/12. 

While capable on turf, a surface switch to the Tapeta upgrades #8 SPRING MOUNTAIN. 

#4 LEFT IN MY DUST earned a follow with the BTL effort on debut and coming back for the second start presented as a TURF runner though not quite to the $25k MCL level. He improved (B-) all around on 7/12, a race contested for the slightly lower $7.5k tag, however was a much higher race par than today's event and perhaps holds a hidden class edge here.