Handicapper Tips & Picks

Race 6:  5 - 2 - 1

Late Pick 4 Ticket:  2,5 / 3,4,7 / 2,4,5,6,8 / 1,3,4,7  ($60)

#5 Realignment (3-1) has only had one turf start, but it was a solid one at Ellis and should improve 2nd time on the green for talented trainer Block. Hoping he’s not too far back and makes a big run in the stretch…he has a nice future.

Race 7:  7 - 4 - 3

You have to squint a bit to see why #7 Top Look (6-1) is my first choice in this $5k claimer. The weather this week in Chicago is excellent, and Top Look has only one lifetime start on fast dirt. It was her best effort by far, and I see no reason why she can’t replicate that today. Not only that, she’ll show early speed, which is very important in a cheaper claiming race.

Race 8:  5 - 6 - 8

Aforementioned Trainer Chris Block has done wonders with #5 Faccia Bella (2-1), who is much improved by every measure. Now, she has to prove she can do it going long instead of just sprinting. There’s enough early speed to set up her closing kick.

Race 9:  1 - 3 - 7

#1 Policy Option (5-2) is a bit of an unusual claim for Trainer Rivelli, who is not known for his 2-turn turf horses. But this horse has back-class and numbers that would win this race with the right trip and slight improvement. I would not take too short a price in this competitive field, but is the horse to beat.