Handicapper Tips & Picks

#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.