Handicapper Tips & Picks

BING CROSBY (G1): 

There are many runners in this field that can be downgraded off recent efforts and/or with today's race shape. That includes ML favorite, #8 THE CHOSEN VRON, a game as can be racehorse that could win, though has some hurdles that does come with price compensation. #6 CLOSETHEGAME SUGAR could come down to the second choice off the 5-1 ML coming in off back-to-back wins at CD and strong figures in those recent efforts - efforts with some potential regression and I. Ortiz does not come into ride. #3 STRAIGHT NO CHASER could try to find themselves as the controlling speed and appears intent second off, though another in today's race shape that requires price compensation. 

The ML is no value on #7 HAPPY JACK making the subtle change to 6f for this race, though could drift from the ML with some of those others mentioned likely to find public attention. His stablemate #1 ANARCHIST should hold value and intent second-off returning to his preferred distance of 6f. He is not overly flashy though has races that fit and recorded a B OptixGRADE in this race last year. 

#4 GIANT GAME could be a bit of a stab, though not without reason. In terms of class, he finished third in the BC Juvenile (G1) over this DMR main track with Talamo aboard, earning one of his better career figures, the 99 as a 2yo. He missed the majority of the sophomore season though did pick up the Cornhusker G3 win at PRM last summer. While this will be his first time racing shorter than 7f, with most of his career around two-turns, last spring (2023) he turned in two strong races (B+) at the one turn, 8f distance at GP those efforts/figures fit on par here. 

VANDERBILT (G1):

#6 SKELLY projects to be a heavy favorite in this race and with his early speed he should have no excuses with trip in this group. With that said, the barn has had just the lone winner (Cogburn) this meet and SKELLY while capable is making the class change to G1 and giving up recency with a different spacing of drills on return in his NYRA debut. 

Looking through this field there is a lot of "Red" in the Past Performances with the lone exception, #1 NAKATOMI. He is upgraded naturally on that alone and holds a class edge in this field and confidence returning off the bench from Meydan back to G1 company at SAR. Trip could be a question as he has shown to run from off the pace, however today's race shape, returning with regular rider, T. Gaffalione, NAKATOMI has been able to rate closer to the pace if necessary.

#5 TOTAL HEART earned a follow (IMPROVE) off the EX - EXCUSE in her BTL debut last month over the HS Indy Turf. While she does find the step up in circuit (and requires some price compensation) the move could also signal some confidence with that change. 

#9 BORROWED TIME can IMPROVE off their debut three weeks ago. He raced GREEN and broke SLOG making a MOVE and showing run through adversity and should be a useful learning experience. The outside post here could also be a positive change from the inside draw first out. 

#8 MT LOGAN will give up recency returning from the 253 day layoff though returns right where they left off last season and with competitive races/figures at this level and sprint distance to fit here as a contender. 

As far as value, ML favorite #2 COLONEL MUSTARD fits though does not hold an edge over #4 PRINCE OF THIEVES (fits on par, upgraded form cycle) with the two returning here. Second choice on the ML #7 GEM QUALITY dos not hold any edge in this field and could struggle to hit the board, where as #5 HIGHLAND LIFE a consistent player, fits this race and connection with the smart move remaining at the claiming level. 

#3 SCORED brings back buried WO form and could be overlooked in this event off the layoff. #14 MOMUNNYFOR RO moves up naturally with the return to MCL company and the ONE_TURN distance.