Handicapper Tips & Picks

Bob F. Wright Memorial: 

#1 MANAMA GOLD showed talent starting out in Meydan and similar stateside against open company at SAR and CD over the summer.  She was given a legit EX - EXCUSE in the Dogwood (G3) with TROUBLES+ hopping at the start and continued with TROUBLE in running making a WIDE MOVE showing more than the running line and 8th place outcome credits with the ability to IMPROVE. 

DeVaux took over the training and makes their second start for the barn and at the FG upgraded from the TROUBLE in the Caldwell Memorial Stakes to step up here. 

Gary P. Palmisano Memorial:

#6 JACK HAMMER has a back class and speed figure edge with fitness in this second start off the layoff (and even show more early speed) to turn the tables on #3 GEAUX SUGAR the LONE winner of the LA Sprint Stakes last month. 

The TROUBLE trip from #5 EL DINERO in that LA Sprint common race upgrades them here as well as the form cycle "every other" pattern keying off the B/BTL effort in the A. Ney Memorial Stakes back in November. 

Sunshine F&M Turf Sprint:

#1 STAY AND SCAM fits as the horse to beat with #3 ANDIAMO RAGAZZA providing value. ANDIAMO RAGAZZA returns to stakes company as well as the turf with buried form. Their first stakes try was during the summer at DMR on the main track in the Fleet Treat Stakes given an EX - EXCUSE on the day. They rebounded in CA Distaff with a B-/WIDE trip and strong 89 speed figure, a number that stacks up with many in this field 

Turf Classic:

"Longshot" 7yo #9 NONE ABOVE THE LAW might not present as much upside as some of the others in this field, though fits as well as any and a double digit runner to include and not without a chance to pull off the upset. Connections alone should be overlooked in this field; and on that note perhaps a sign of positive intent with M. Smith back aboard - the two paired up with the B/show finish in the Cal Flag stakes and used a similar pattern in that race. 

California Cup Oaks:

#12 TAKE ANOTHER CARD wheels right back from a dominant/B+ debut just two weeks ago and should handle the STRETCH out in distance.

#10 GRATEFUL MY LOVE still a maiden though has held their own in stakes company recording a B in the Golden State Juvenile Fillies in November validating the BTL X_BIAS effort on debut. 

#3 ACCOMMODATE EVA could return to a top effort in this third start of the cycle and subtle changes. They return from the layoff in stakes company in November not quite to the level and requires a STRETCH out from the sprint stakes race last month. Jockey J. Barbosa takes over and for the S. Ducoing barn this season has shown a positive $1.04 ROI boosted by the 17-1 winner, Dre Me Less earlier this month. 

#3 PRINCESS BETTINA is one of a few in the field with stakes experience over the turf and two-turn distance with form to run back to that fits as a contender. Starting out her career, the form out in California from 2023 fits with speed figures and class and even with subtle trips over the summer (2023) for T. Pletcher. She returned to California returning from the layoff racing X_BIAS in the Lady Shamrock stakes with "trips" that followed leading to an abbreviated 2024 campaign. Freshened and relocated for this year with potential intent in the second start off the layoff and with trainer B. Lynch. They wheel right back for this stakes race after the 12/20 return chasing WIDE (and WARM) in hand/TACTIC- tracking outside horses and NO_PUSH late returning with a rider change here. 

ML favorite #5 CULLEN J put forward a B effort on 11/15 (5f) though also showed NO_FINISH and stretches out an extra furlong. Based on the others with experience they could take pace pressure; #9 LORD DUNMORE showed early speed (PRESSED) on debut against opening company and after stumbling/TROUBLES+ and RUSH in the October event.#7 HOTHEAD physically appears surface versatile moving to the turf today for a HOT barn/rider. They had TROUBLE on debut and projected to IMPROVE however has not shown progression. 

FTS #10 DAWKINS presents as a turf runner and longer bodied type should benefit from the outside draw. They appeared well-prepared for this debut and the barn is capable with the right runner to pop first out. 

T 9 Oh Bother 1 R Peaky Blinders 6 Perfect Angel

P 1 Wildcat Star 4 Violets Rainbow 5 Shoot The Whiskey

P 1 Hollywood Deo 5 Beach Cruiser 7 Admiral Deo

P 10 Lets Go Jude 4 Armor Seelster 8 Momas Son Byrne

P 8 Tyga Hanover 7 Kolby Two Step 1 Rockabilly Rebel

P 3 Wheels On Fire 5 Control The Power 6 Hp Lis Shadow

P 10 Fasnacht Hanover 5 Betterbeach Yankee 6 Bet The Bb

P 3 Gravitational 1 Betterdealmein 8 Darrell

P 3 No Control 4 Whatchulookin At 5 Codename Cigar Box

P 7 Howmac Victor 5 Howmac Maximus 2 Foxhunt

P 3 Dupree Hanover 2 Code Cracker 1 Ivy Park

3-GOT THE GRINS-Sharp both Haw races; can win right back

7-LOTTIES WEB-Won off layoff; tougher today?

4-BLUEBIRD EARLY BIRD-Long time good form

4-SG CLOVER SUCCESS-Usually close but 0-for 20

2-REIGN ISLAND-3rd career start; should be ready

6-RIVER GIRL-Needed last after long layoff

4-HOLDEN STEADY-Maybe upset speed

3-DEPUTY DAWG-Won 6 times last year

2-ERNIE THE MOOSS-Watch for fast finish

2-FLICKADAWRIST-Tough since adding Lasix; won last two

7-DRAGON PERFECT-Won’t lead early but prominent throughout

1-ENRICO PALLAZZO-Can outfinish the rest

7-BROOKLYN BRIDGE-Two for two since arriving

6-PLAY ME ROCK-Has dead aim late

2-ANOTHER STATEMENT-Beware the late rusher

2-AUTUMN WINDS-Seems likely to take third in a row

3-LOUS NIGHT VISION-Can do it with right trip

5-GRITTY GATOR-Chases top pick again

2-PRINCE OF STYLE-Second Lasix and Casey

3-HELLO TREVOR-Been close last two

5-DOC’S STAR-Qualifiers suggest ready at first asking

3-FOX VALLEY BRUIN-Could get perfect stalking trip

7-SHIPWRECKED-Won last easily but meets more speed tonight

5-TOO INFINITY-Been right there almost every time

4-LOUS AMAZON-Won 1st three legs of this Series

2-OMAHA STORM CHASER-Bad case of seconditis

5-SCORECARD LIL RED-Usually in the money

7-GOTTA GO GRAM-Dropper just looks faster

8-GALLANT ATTRIBUTE-Seldom misses the board

9-PONDA BEACH-From far back

2-LION VIRGIN-Should be tough with class drop

4-JIMMY LAI-Fast finish can take this

7-CUPID’S REVENGE-Often in the hunt late