Handicapper Tips & Picks

Race 6:  4 - 7 - 6

Late Pick 4 Ticket:  4,6,7 / 2,3,7 / 1,4,7 / 2,3,6,9   ($54)

The name might remind you of your youth, but #4 Two Cookie Rule (5-2) is a very honest sort, if not spectacular. Last time, he got pushed out and lost ground at 70c to the dollar. Jockey Reyes stays on and I’m hoping he bounces back to his run two back when he received a 66 Beyer, which would trounce this field. 

Race 7:  7 - 2 - 3

Maidens sprinting on the turf, a tough call for sure. The way #7 Deal’em and Weep (9-2) ran the first time, you’d think she’d be tough in here. I’m not sure about the big cutback in distance as that angle does not always work on the turf, but after a few good works including a bullet, I trust trainer Block in this situation. Just hoping she’s not too far back early.

Race 8:  1 - 4 - 7

#1 Unified Weekend (5-2) is a horse I’ve mentioned on these picks before this meet. The 4yo colt is very solid usually at the $5k level and now drops to the $4k conditioned level. The voided claim two back and non-effort last time is a concern, but there’s not much to beat today and a ground-saving trip is coming.

Race 9:  2 - 3 - 9

In a wide-open maiden $20k claimer where I don’t trust horses that have already run on turf, I’m going with fresh faces. #2 Ricky’s Best (10-1) has done little running against much tougher, but those races were on dirt. He’s bred for turf top and bottom…the dam won $66k on turf and the sire was a Grade 1 turf router who won over $1.5mil on the sod. Perhaps the grass under his hooves will wake him up at price…plus the drop down in class.