Handicapper Tips & Picks

#7 PARKWAY comes in with form from CD with the COLD barn and holds fits off the recent two turn event just 9-days ago while returning to run for a higher claiming tag here to suggest further intent.

#8 THUNDER KIN should be flying under the radar off the debut win back in August at CBY. The connections showed intent to run in KY when entered under similar allowance conditions last month at CD though unable (Vet injured) to make that 9/12 start and appears no worse for the wear entered here with a pair of works since. The assigned rider with J. Ortiz picking up the mount could be a further live sign - since 2020 this jockey/trainer combination has paired up 8 times with three at KEE resulting in a win and two place finishes - one of those place with a horse called Aloha West that in their next start went on to win the 2021 BC Sprint (G1)

This is a sneaky allowance condition for runners that have not won a graded sweepstakes on the turf to lean the handicapping towards class; #11 AMIDST WAVES has stakes races that fit on par as well as competitive races in graded stakes company. Value should hold given the recent running lines and finishing position with upside in today's race. She returns with experience over this KEE turf in the second start of the form cycle and from a strong field in the Music City (G2) last month while retaining F. Prat for this event. 

Tough to separate "on paper" the "logical" runners in this spot starting with the two C. Gaines runners upgraded in their own way: #1 AFTERNOON NAP should benefit from the debut making a CLOSE after the SLOG and finds the STRETCH in distance for this second start; #3 GLORIOUS LIFT finds a cutback following a flow-upgrade from the two DMR mile events and raced competitive in the sprint going back to last October over this course making a WIDE MOVE. 

#2 DESERT ROCKET also turned in a strong race over this course and distance coming off the layoff in June with a BTL effort and paired up that BTL with the place finish in July and took a tough beat recorded a B OptixGRADE on 8/25 with the place finish behind the lone winner, Capital Outlay. 

Morning line favorite #1 KEEN TO GO finds a different racing surface in this spot from those events at DMR and could be weak in that role on this different racing surface to present an opportunity against at a shorter number.

#3 JOIN VENTURE has early speed to transfer to this SA main track and fitness in this second start off the layoff and still holds ship and win eligibility (intent) here. #6 DUEL THREAT should move up naturally with the change in class and no "red flags" with this move on this individual. He fits on par and with conditioning in this third race of the form cycle and holds a win over this course and distance under returning rider, E. Maldonado. 

#4 CANE CREEK ROAD returns with some subtle changes for this race with the added/STRETCH ground from the 5f distance as a positive and given the 43-day freshening since acting up in the GATE back on 8/22. Number wise he is right there with expected favorite #7 MAS RAPIDO valid in that role and in live hands with the G. Papaprodromou barn trending HOT right now. 

#2 THIRSTY MAMA should hold value in this field coming off a distance 4th place result in her most recent start, the Generous Portion stakes effort one she can IMPROVE off of. She holds some class with the B OptixGRADE in the stakes event back in August with the WIDE trip place finish.

In terms of #6 LEGAL FICTION she is tough to knock off her races to date though will be taking a step up in class on this circuit and on a quick 13-day turnaround a subtle change from the timing of her two other starts - things to consider on value. 

#10 WHISKYGINANDBRANDY will require some racing luck from the outside though should hold price compensation here along with positive changes for this race. Going back to their debut, presented as a runner that could move up on TURF and with the races has held their form and figures since to compete on par. They will find another positive change in EQUIP adding the blinkers for this race something that should assist following their recent visuals to maintain focus. 

A good spot to take on #1 JUST NAILS with the change in distance from her recent starts and class weakness the knock on #6 TOM'S REGRET despite finding her way back to the TURF today.

#4 SPEED LANE could be flying under the radar with some intent here in the seconds start off the layoff and returning to this course/distance/condition of a competitive place finish back in March while picking up A. Fresu, a rider that does not often ride for this barn. Previous rider V. Espinoza shifts to #5 GRANNY BUDGIE as she returns from the layoff and another with intent skipping DMR for this longer turf sprint course and should have pace to target with her late run. Former stablemate #8 KITTY KITANA holds form over this course and distance with many minor awards coming up consistently short on the win end though has recorded B OptixGRADE "winning" type efforts. 

#2 ALERAMO will look for redemption after coming up short as the favorite last month and to her recent turned in a BTL effort with the IMPROVE visuals off the race result and should be competitive once again in here. That could even give her the edge over #4 SEA RUNNER (no value/weak) returning to MSW company though still must improve overall and ran a similar race without excuse on debut.

New face for Baltas #3 WILD ROVER LADY looks fit and race ready for this spot to see where she stacks up stateside. A. Ayuso has the call and a live rider for this barn in limited starts while getting runners to show speed out of the gate and would look for her to be forward right from the jump. 

#6 ISNTSHELOVERLY looked to need the debut (PREP) as well as added ground (STRETCH) and while she must step forward we likely have yet to see her best. Similar could be said for #10 MAC AND CHEESE with the positive STRETCH out from the two maiden races though sits below the others in this field on figures including stablemate ALERAMO.