Handicapper Tips & Picks

Race 6:  1 – 3 – 8  

Pick 4 Ticket:  1,3,8 / 1,9,10 / 3,5,8 / 2,5,10   ($40.50….assumes last race OFF turf)

#1 Lost Sunset (4-5) should wire this field…on paper lone speed. But he’s hardly a cinch here. He tends to give it up late, so needs to break on top. In this field, that should happen. Hard to trust, but likely winner anyway. You’ll know him early.

Race 7:  9 – 10 – 1  

Really nice turf stake….the ground could be soft, so pay attention to how the turf course plays. There are many horses coming in from out of town in this $150k stake, and one of them is my top choice, #9 Nineeleventurbo (3-1) for veteran West Coast trainer Neil Drysdale. He’s in great form and is versatile, just losing to talented Irish Aces at Kentucky Downs last time. Watch out for a “local”, #10 Out of Deductions, at a price. Block has him primed for this, and is capable of a wicked close. Has to step up a touch, but have a feeling that will happen.

Race 8:  5 – 3 – 8  

Don’t feel real confident here….#5 Stronger Together (7-2) is consistent and probably better sitting a bit off the pace. Slightly concerned about the switch to Colon, but he’s improved lately and this is a field he can beat. Main opinion…I’m against the ML-fave, #8 Cool Quartet. On paper, he’s clearly the horse to beat, but I don’t like the drop down to the bottom level. Maybe trainer/owners feels like it’s the end of the meet and time to jump ship. I might be overthinking it here.

Race 9:  2 – 5 - 10 (assume OFF the turf)

Sendero (3-1) has only 1 race on dirt, and it was slop. But his breeding says he’d be okay on wet dirt and if he stays in the race (and it’s taken off the turf), I think he’s a big player. #5 Peggy’s Way comes back quick and should have the lead, could be tough too if on dirt.