Handicapper Tips & Picks

#11 GLACIER RIM has the edge over many of the experienced runners given a BTL on debut and turning in a B OptixGRADE albeit with a PERFECT/FLOW trip three weeks ago. With that in mind there are other lightly raced types that could jump up off their recent starts: #7 SHE'S JUST GRAND caught the eye making a CLOSE X_FLOW in her debut last month and projects to IMPROVE off those visuals; a similar upgrade MOVE X_FLOW given to #9 G'ORO in their July showing during the first part of the meet. 

#5 MANIAE and #6 THANK YOU KERA sit a tad below the others however can move up with the changes in surface/distance here. 

#1 KING AND COUNTRY is worth taking a shot with in this spot. While he has some hurdles in against older the STRETCH out in distance is a positive and his form cycle pattern follows an upswing in speed figures for this race and a showing off improvement sits on par and not far off (if at all) from many of today's more "obvious" rivals. 

#5 ENGLISH DANGER was pointed to the 8/9 event returning to N2 company after racing above conditions (N3) "dirtying" up her form while keeping fitness in July. While the 4th place outcome could have been less than ideal, it was not without adversity given the TRAFFIC TROUBLE MOVE following the SLOG and still earned a credible figures and B- OptixGRADE that fits right back in with today's group. 

#2 LEMON TWIST brings some upside into this race that is tough to see off the running lines alone. He turned in a solid figures on debut, a tough spot going two turns first out; followed by a second start just 12-days later a subtle flow upgrade setting the pace on 6/28. He brings a bigger flow upgrade PRESSED on a Very Fast early pace coming off a slight freshening on 8/11 and physically should appreciate the move back to the TURF. 

Positive intent appears in play for #1 GOOD SOLDIER wheeling back from the sprint (IMPROVE - minimal change in running order 8/8) with the blinker addition and return to a route of ground. He turned in a competitive effort and figures this season including the 6/14 route race along with back class and figures around two turns on the turf from previous seasons for things to come together here at a price

#2 THREAD was intended for TURF in her debut last month and physically looks the part as they wheel right back in this spot for the grass. Her stablemate #9 TIZ HER MONEY coming in and right back in two weeks from Saratoga might not have as much intent here with the switch and timing, though would not be any shock to step up second out. 

On the "second out" angle #1 SCAT GIRL stepped on 7/20 with a BTL effort and wheels back for the grass from the WEATHER impacted racing on 7/18. 

This could turn into a productive race to follow: all three returning from the Graduation Stakes merit respect with the winner #2 R HEISMAN coming off the win earned with adversity; #4 THE GYPSY COWBOY making a WIDE MOVE CLOSE and GALLOP+ (along with the follow off the X_BIAS, IMPROVE 7/21 debut) and even #3 TIMTY projecting to IMPROVE off their 7th place result compromised on outcome with the trip.

#1 SHEA BRENNAN will make their first start against winners though showed class and dominance breaking their maiden on debut with the B+ OptixGRADE - that Grade higher than the B earned from both #6 BODACIOUS when he won first out and #5 STYLE CAT here last month.