Handicapper Tips & Picks

MRS REVERE STAKES (G2):

#7 MINOUSHKA was impressive (A-) showing class to overcome some self-inflicted and trip adversity in allowance company last month at Keeneland. The connections are showing confidence with the step up in class and the timing noted as they did a lot of running (tough to pull up in addition to trip) and has 50-days between starts. Trip wise they came from off the pace, against the Slow early/late pace and profile though noted a SLOG and perhaps could sit closer though the early pace should be honest given the complexion of this field. 

The subtle change in class is noted for #2 BUCHU exiting G1 events where they have held their own though not quite on the "winning" level despite a BTL back in August at Del Mar the Grades sit on the C+/B- range a touch short while in G1 company. The change suggests intent finding this G2 event while on a positive swing of an every other pattern to present a top effort. 

#1 DANCING N DIXIE also worked a mention racing X_BIAS in the Valley View (G2) last month and has form B/B- efforts at the G2/G3 level from the races earlier this year. 

HOLLYWOOD TURF CUP (G2):

#8 NINEELEVENTURBO has been given a freshening since an EX - EXCUSE in the Carey Memorial last out at Hawthorne. The trip was compromised with TROUBLE making a WIDE MOVE against an inside favoring course and in hand (NO_PUSH) late. There was some concern heading into that race following a big effort in the $500k Tapit Stakes where they appeared pointed and turned in a game GRIT place recorded a B OptixGRADE and intent questioned (as well as trip) in the Carey Memorial and they lack those concerns here. 

Trainer P. D'Amato has three entered in this spot: The distance suits #4 DIVIN PROPOS wheeling back from a less than ideal TRAFFIC TROUBLE trip in part to rider TACTIC- and makes sense to return with a rider change as U. Rispoli takes over today to suggest intent. The 12f distance is a concern for #9 BALNIKHOV though will note a respectable BTL effort in the Del Mar Handicap (G2) back in August. #5 ROCKEMPEROR has the edge looking at back class, though on current form needs to step up and perhaps the reason for the rider change.  

Current form and the HOT J. Thomas barn sides with #11 TRULY QUALITY one that has shown ability since their debut and brings in confidence after pairing wins and new top speed figures, though today's event holds a higher par and should get a lot of attention of those recent noted factors sitting on top off the pp's and could land in underlay territory.