Handicapper Tips & Picks

The projected race shape plays against front runner and ML favorite, #5 LUCY GOT GAME opening up the race for alternatives. #9 EAST SHORE fits on par with a stalking runstyle looking for first run and intent second off the layoff. #7 WITS AND WAGERS holds a similar runstyle and rider upgrade following the TACTIC- from the 9/26 common race. The removal of front wraps was noted for the win back in July and something to look for on race day. 

#1 SHE'S SINGLE AGAIN was given an EX - EXCUSE in her debut last month. She made a positive PRERACE+ appearance though missed the break and following the VSLOG made a WIDE RUSH X_FLOW before justly losing ground.

#10 SEVENON should be overlooked for the connections and while improvement is required for this second start to compete the class DROP is the right move and suggests intent overall. 

#6 GET IT TOGETHER debuts for trainer G. Compton has a solid record with FTS including the sample this current season. They were entered in a MSW event (turf) on Sunday scratched for this spot instead. 

#7 APOLLO RISING shows up off the layoff protected in this spot and longer distance for live connections this meet. They have races that fit on par both on class and figures along with a pair of wins over this course, including their maiden score and last October a dominant B+ against N2 $20k claiming company.

#1 ROMAN CENTURIAN had a look with the much needed freshening coming off the layoff last month and showed enough on the day to give a look right back in here. His overall figures and class stack up on par and current form upgraded from the 9/27 trip racing in poor WEATHER conditions and showing run after the SLOG and early TRAFFIC to make a WIDE MOVE. 

Tough to assess this group with the ML that appears off on some of the runners in the main body in the field (including #1 REDO) and with #4 MY BRAZILIAN GIRL one that should be favored as she has recorded some of the higher figures in this field, though must transfer to that "B" effort. AEs to upgrade should they draw in: #15 BOURBON THIEF turned in a BTL effort returning off the layoff in August and improved with TRAFFIC impacted place finish last month at KYD; #16 TIME STONE turned in a winning race back in March and has continued to record consistent figures though class wise not quite to the level and might find a slightly softer par here.

#3 IMPRACTICAL DIVA should benefit from the STRETCH out in distance with the foundation from the first two starts though does require a new top to compete; #8 STREETWHEREYOULIVE physically presents TURF and follows their pattern of races with the highest recorded figure the lone turf start back in June. 

#3 NEON ICON finds some class relief out of the recent series of stakes races. She has held her own though not quite to the level of graded stakes competition though did record a sneaky BTL effort with the effort last month at CD to upgrade here. The change in class is more obvious on #5 INTRICATE and logical as she recorded some of the higher, consistent figures and preferred over #6 LANDED despite similar numbers one that has benefit from favorable front end trips. 

Longshot #8 JUST BE QUIET merits respect here and should be overlooked for the connections. She comes into this race with form for the third start off the layoff and progressive figures. She showed run through adversity in the PRX event in August and through TROUBLE (and CLOSE, GALLOP+ against dynamic) in the Iowa Oaks just about three weeks ago. 

#4 FRONT RUN THE FED holds a win over this turf course/distance under similar conditions and has held his form this year while looking for the first win. He started off the season back in April with a legitimate EX - EXCUSE in the Shakertown (G2) and following has run his race compromised by the race dynamic for their off the pace runstyle. He will require pace and racing luck with a trip, though the early pace should be honest given a full field and even some of the AE's drawing in could add more early pace. 

In terms of ML favorite, #4 TOUCHY he will find the change to run against straight maidens for the first time and should move up naturally here. That said, he has not shown much improvement and with other lightly raced/FTS those runners could jump up to compete. That includes #8 HITCHCOCK making his second start and earned the same figure on debut than the two recorded numbers from TOUCHY. 

#6 MO QUALITY is not one I have seen train into this debut though notable for a live barn this meet and with J. Ortiz named could follow the current trend. The two grey colts #2 AU CONTRAIRE and #3 ROYAL COACH both have shown run in the morning and in the case of AU CONTRAIRE has the benefit of a start and coming out of a solid race last month at BAQ. 

#13 STEPPE is sitting on the AE and worth a follow. He had a long work tab, has plenty of foundation off that series and physically suited to today's extended sprint distance. #14 BAKER HAYFIELD worked a fast 9.4 back in April at the sale and has been given plenty of time to mature since and a steady strong of works that should have them race ready. Physicality for #12 AMOR PATRIAE one with surface versatility, a bigger longer type drawn outside is to their benefit.