Handicapper Tips & Picks

2-MELTON BEACH-Will have to be caught

8-TRUE BLUE LINDY-3 month layoff is main concern

1-FOX VALLEY OZZY-Maybe up for show dough

5-RESERVED PARKING-Just missed against this type

4-DRAGON MY BOOTS-Been competitive for months

7-LIFE IS A BET-Got caught behind a breaker in last

4-SPEEDY ROCKETTE-Looks tough with second Lasix

3-RIVER GIRL-She’s often in the hunt

1-FOX VALLEY HOTTIE-Lone winner in the race has 2

7-FILLISTER PHOTO-Seems a bit better than these

5-TIME TO RYDE-2^nd, barely beaten, last three

2-FOX VALLEY TASHA-Could be the best of the speed

4-ROCKNROLL DAKOTA-Swooped late to win last

5-IMAREALROCKNREBEL-Wired last two but meets tougher

8-RK’S TONI-She will be flying late

8-BROOKLYN BRIDGE-Beaten at odds-on; can make amends

7-ANOTHERSTATEMENT-Just missed after grueling duel

9-AWAYWEGO-Just surprised most of these

9-FOX VALLEY MONACO-Great form but claimed; keeps Seekman

8-JULERICA-Steps off two straight scores

1-SHARK SOLICITOR-Bounces back from dull effort

6-REAL COOL COLE-Tough off the claim

4-SAILOR SAM-Goes for 3^rd straight win

7-FLICKADAWRIST-Been red hot for months

8-SEASIDE STREAKER-Rolls by them late

9-PRECIOUS MACEY-Been sharp at this level

3-LOTTIE’S WEB-Maybe in control from start to finish

#2 FIREMAN DAN turned in a BTL effort at this level and distance back at DMR in August and could return to competitive ways here. This marks the second start of the cycle, dropping back to claiming company, a softer par from the 1/1 race and less than ideal TACTIC- picking up a rider change as well. 

#7 RHYTHEM ON STAGE is unknown at the route distance though off the current form presents all around upside. They return under similar class conditions/par from 1/17 recording a B- OptixGRADE and less than ideal trip/TACTIC- with a rider change. The trip showing run making a WIDE MOVE and NO_PUSH continued to GALLOP+ after the wire. 

#5 FIRE BAN brings in the benefit of recency and competitive races to fit on par. This will be the third start at the $50k MCL level though today's par lower than the two recent turf races. Each one competitive with TROUBLE back in November and a WIDE MOVE last month. As far as the surface/distance switch they should hold their form keying off the first two starts - a solid place finish and figure on debut and TRAFFIC TROUBLE in August, a more competitive effort than the running line and finishing position might suggest. 

Many runners in this field are racing above condition including #5 SUNGLASSES however they are finding some class relief off the recent races and could move up naturally given this group. The also bring sin current form second off a subtle flow upgrade chasing NO_COVER off a Fast early (and Very Fast late) pace. 

The ML odds appear fair on #6 OTTOMAN PRINCE looking for their first stateside win in this spot. Their form while also looking for a first ITM finish has not recorded a "bad" effort since last March. Some subtle trips along the way while running in a higher race par. The change in class, timing and rider change should present the best opportunity to contend here. 

SWEET LIFE STAKES: 

#9 ACQUITTED should move up with the change in class and upside from the trip (and arguably excuse) making a WIDE RUSH (followed with a NO_PUSH) into a Very Fast early pace in the Jimmy Durante (G3) back on 11/30 at DMR. The prior three starts showed sneaky run on debut projecting to IMPROVE and upgraded from the 8/10 GALLOP+ leading into the September MSW win. 

#3 SCHILFIED showed a talent leading up to the debut and showed run compromised with the trip from start to finish back in August at DMR and freshened off that race came back with a strong win in October over this course and distance. Part of the visuals both working and on debut projected ONE_TURN, moved up with that distance change and since should again move up with the SHORTER distance off the recent mile races.