Handicapper Tips & Picks

#2 COMBATTANTE was given a look just over a week ago with the positive changes from class to distance returning for this meet. She did not impact on the day though perhaps some excuse with the SLOG and race shape with the front running winner and minimal change in running order. Perhaps the connections feel similar wheeling right back and expecting a better outcome this afternoon.

#3 SPUNDERELLA caught a productive race for her 8/3 debut with two next out winners and two finishing second all in MSW/allowance company. She will find some changes from class to barn, post, and distance and could follow a similar pattern as the others in this second start. #1 MIZMALICE did not catch as productive of a race on debut, though has the two turn experience on her distance and will run for the tag today after racing protected first out. 

#1 PRINCESS IS OLIVIA fits in this race, however the D. Jacobson barn has been on the COLD side this CD to consider as the favorite/value. 

C. Hartman has sent out live and with a capable pair upgrading both #3 MISS TAPPY TONE and #7 WEATHER MAP. 

#7 FOWLER BLUE takes the DROP in class and while that move could come with reservations, in this case this horse has been racing well above his abilities for quite some time and this chance has been waiting for him going back through previous seasons. 

#4 PIKE PLACE paired up B OptixGRADE efforts over this course and distance back in May and fits on those factors in this race as projected favorite and preferred in that role over #8 HUGE BIGLY one that could battle for favoritism. 

#5 TRADEMARK returns with positive changes back from the 81-day layoff. The change in class is most notable as he has been racing exclusively in stakes races made graded stakes races since last summer. He has had success including the Clark (G2) last fall with the 13-1 upset and favorable POCKET trip. He was a exposed on class, drops and trip going forward though has shown upside this year. The COLD barn notable earlier (May/June) this season and given a flow upgrade chasing WIDE on a Very Fast early in their most recent start. M. Garcia takes back over today with success aboard in the past to suggest further intent. 

As noted earlier on the card with the trend for D. Jacobson and COLD was the case for #9 PARKLAND earlier this month. This horse is a different part of that sample as they will make their second start of the season and changes for this race. He was competitive under similar par back in August at SAR and after racing protected sprinting just 11-days ago, they return to a preferred route and protected here in starter allowance company - a cagey move that could suggest intent and improvement today.