Handicapper Tips & Picks

Race 6:  4 - 5 - 6

Pick 4 Ticket: 4,5,6 / 6,7 / 1,2,3,6 / 5,6,8   ($36)

Big-dropper #6 McQueen (7-2) was last seen in a G3, and now drops down. He actually ran okay for at least ½ of the race, running hard into quick fractions vs. MUCH tougher before giving it up. I’m slightly concerned about the lack of works since then, but this field is beatable. He’ll be sitting off the speed just to his inside and show his class in the lane.

Race 7:  7 - 6 - 5

With a minimum of two early speed horses to his inside, #7 Battle Scars (5-2) should get the pace he needs to close into as the best come-from-behind horse on paper by far. He’s been carefully handled to Trainer Block who goes to jockey Mojica today….he won on Battle Scars in his last start. Repeat effort?

Race 8:  6 - 3 - 2

#6 Russian to Win (6-1) has been off for over 2 months since a rare turf start. If you look at the gray’s dirt numbers, he’s plenty good to win today if he fires even a little bit. I like the outer post as Mojica can break and make some decisions…should not be too far off the speed. 

Race 9:  6 - 8 - 5

Assuming this race stays on turf, it’s a toughie. I’m not impressed with the horses that have been running lately on the turf over the oval, so I’ll go with a “fresh face”, #6 Anger Rising (10-1). Trainer Block has given this VERY well-bred 4yo a break since his Feb. run in New Orleans. Clearly, he’s got some issues/maturing to do. But he’s been working well, Felix is in the irons (shows confidence), and has been working forwardly. He’s a real wildcard in the race, but if takes money on the toteboard, look out.