Handicapper Tips & Picks

PONSETTIA STAKES: 

The shorter 5.5f distance is a tricky factor to handicap as pace, trips and rider tactics change even from a 6f many in here are familiar with. #3 HIGH CLASS has been able to handle and excel at the short distance and winning this race last season suggests intent for this spot to be her return off the layoff and back to the main track. She has some early speed and with a couple of other EP types in here cross-entered in a Sunday allowance that could assist in terms of pace.

HIGH CLASS has class on her side exiting the recent stakes races something that carries to common rival in this field: #1 FIBBER could benefit from the inside draw at this shorter sprint distance. The inside draw has been effective in the  past and can also draw on recency with form coming off a WIDE trip in a competitive $200k stakes race last month.  The post change comes into play for #7 SPIRIT WIND one that is certainly capable, a graded stakes sprinter though finds a tougher dynamic in this field and must work out a trip, a factor that does not appear to be compensated for on the ML.

An outside draw could work to the off the pace runstyle for #12 ROYAL SPA as well as the return to Oaklawn, a course she has run some of her better races at and also bring sin form off the recent place finishes and WIDE trips, plenty of fitness in here. 

#5 DEALING JUSTICE will once again be given a mention for the deeper underneath spots (similar for #6 PISTOL) as she would need a world of racing luck paired with running back to a career top to win, though intent for this race with similar timing as last season with the 4^th place result putting in a strong late CLOSE.