Handicapper Tips & Picks

STORMY LIBERAL STAKES:

#5 SLIDER fits on class keying off a Speakeasy win last October and holding their own with a WIDE trip in the BC Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1) and show finish in the San Vicente (G2) on the dirt to start the year. They required time (and scratched from the Gotham (G3) in March) before returning last month at Keeneland upgraded X_FLOW. Intent looks to follow with the ship back into California, return to stakes company along with Prat aboard. Some value should hold in this event with many consistent race horses and a trio of runners from the P. D'Amato barn. 

#2 SUPREME COAST has shown to be the type that races themselves into shape and presents upside on a progressive pattern into the third start of the cycle. Number wise they fit on par and also fit for the level going back to 8/15 recording a B in the BLANKET finish at the wire. #5 MINING DISTRICT also recorded a B OptixGRADE at the level on 11/10 though likely to be more "obvious" with the public, that race sitting on top of the pp's.

#7 CROWN COUNCIL is the lone 4yo in the field and making the class change in this second start off the layoff. The TACTIC- was less than ideal three weeks ago on the turf though should benefit them from a fitness standpoint. 

#4 CAUGHT IN THE DARK must step up though requires this DROP to compete. #1 DADDY JUSTIFY has the most consistent figures and finishing positions, something that should see them favored here. Not to say they are not capable, there are still reservations on this runner that tends to lose ground and a desperation move with the blinkers, class and rider change here. 

#5 SCIPIO should have the right pace to close into given the Sun/56 SpeedRate dynamic of this field. While still a maiden, they have held their own in stakes company keying off a B OptixGRADE with TRAFFIC TROUBLE making a strong CLOSE and GALLOP+ in the DMR Juvenile Turf (G3) back in September. 

#11 GINA ROMANTICA holds the "best" G1 resume for the C. Brown invading group in this race and a favorable runstyle for this race shape. #12 NADETTE is at her best at this Mile distance and in terms of form and class fits today's race and does hold a B OptixGRADE despite the show outcome over this DMR course returning from the layoff last November. 

#2 FOR ALL MANKIND returns to the sprint distance, a favorable SHORTER returning from the route under similar conditions on 10/26. They recorded a strong figure in the 8/10 win though had other favorable factors making an EASY_LEAD for a HOT barn at the time. That trend changed to COLD in the SA Sprint (G2) presenting a subtle excuse resetting the form cycle on 9/29 and brings in a progressive forward pattern in this third start of the cycle. While a top effort will be required they project to show it here and in this event where a case can be made for the bulk of this contentious compact group, the winner will require a trip and top effort to win. 

5-JEWELS FOR CHAMP-Won three of last four but broke as favorite in Dygert final

7-REIGN AND SHINE-Comes off best effort in a long time

1-MARG’S BUDDY-Right there when he doesn’t break

4-FOX VALLEY SADIE-Back from Indy; always tough here

1-CHICKABELL-Rides two-race win streak; maybe best speed

5-NO WORDS NEEDED-Guessing she’ll be flying late

6-NICK’S MONSTER-Been meeting tougher in Indiana

5-JULERICA-Seems faster than all but top pick

1-ANOCHE-Been in basically good form in Ohio

6-DANDY’S MS SWIFTY-Good form vs. better; should be hard to beat

4-LIFEISBUTADREAM-2^nd in three of last five this level

3-FOX VALLEY REEVA-Flew late to grab second

4-CAPTAIN CAREMAL-Just missed in local debut

5-THATSWHATSUP-In the hunt almost every race

3-CAPTAIN TEE DEE-just a head behind top choice in last

6-PACIFIC ROLL-Rolls by all of them late

1-AMERICAN FASHION-Can wire them again

7-RUMBLEINTHEVALLEY-Has had some success at this level

6-PLAY ME ROCK-Classy type drops

2-ROCKIN PULSE-Beware the late rusher

7-FOX VALLEY JULIAN-Exits tough stakes but not meeting easier

3-CHEERS TO THAT-Indy shipper seems sitting on a win

9-ALWAYS B A LADY-Just nipped late as odds-on favorite

2-SPEEDY ROCKETTE-Lightly raced; improves with experience

7-APPLE VALLEY-Guessing she takes them late

5-FOX VALLEY LEAH-As consistent as they come

3-DEJA VU BABY BOO-Threat to lead from start to finish

8-SHE’S MAGICAL-Might be the only speed this time

2-GRACEFUL GALA-Improves after getting race over the track

9-FILLISTER PHOTO-Drops once more; it could be enough