Handicapper Tips & Picks

#1 G. ERIK turned in a BTL effort on debut at ELP and followed up with a subtle trip against the profile last month at CD. The connections land here with the class drop to move up naturally even as many in here are making a similar move.

That includes #3 GREATDAYFORHOCKEY one that requires the DROP and while they also have had subtle "trips" and upside with the change in class and improving numbers, the pattern of SLOG can be a liability. 

Longshot #8 SMART WITH HEART is worth a look in this race with some positive to work out a trip. She holds sneaky form at the N2 claiming level including a couple of those efforts on this KY circuit. 

#4 THE BIG CALHOUNA has enough tactical speed to rate off #2 KRICKLE (no value) and drawn favorable to her outside to work that trip.

The two outside runners also worth a look as #7 SCRUPULOUS makes her second start off the layoff and a less than ideal trip/TACTIC- from start to finish with a TROUBLE_S and TROUBLE in running playing a role in the outcome. The SHORTER distance is a positive for #8 ANIMAL FRIES and her lone win the lone start around ONE_TURN last November. 

#9 LIPS SAY BLISS could hold a pace advantage in this field and the separation in a group that is fairly evenly matched and one of the few older horses in this field.

One of those sophomores, #5 GENEROUS TIPPER holds plenty of upside as he returns to make his second start of the season. Going back to last year, his juvenile figures stack up on par and holds a competitive race earning a B OptixGRADE in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) despite the show outcome impacted by a TROUBLE trip over the KEE main track and two turn distance.  

#6 CYBER NINJA should hold some value in this race and marathon form/intent. One of those races from back in April (common race with #12 BETTER BET) over this course and distance making a WIDE CLOSE following an early SHUFFLE and off the visuals projected to IMPROVE and did just that in their next start, picking up the win in May. #8 KING CURLIN also should hold value and similar angles. He recorded competitive figures earlier this sprint, though not quite to the graded stakes level, something they will change here and a smart placement (intent) at this N2X condition. 

#7 GOTTA HAVE DREAMS moved up on the drop and given a follow this season with the class change. He earned a further follow after the EX back in August at ELP and projected to IMPROVE did in a "trip" earning an improved figure and B- OptixGRADE with adversity in a blanket finish for the minors. Number wise he is right there with many of today's main rivals including AE #13 VINCITA one that is well-placed and will need some racing luck today.