Handicapper Tips & Picks

#2 REBIND requires a peak effort and a new top to win though would be the time and place for that effort and will be plenty of price compensation to take a stab. Their maiden fits fits on par and following that win in the second start have run in tough company playing a role in the outcome and likely figure. The barn has had success with horses on "every other" patterns that being another positive here. The race to key off of, the 1/2 FG race with a near EX on the day and showed run in spots as the only 3yo in the field against older. Off that race, they "dirtied" up the form back up at DED at the higher level and making the same move with the change in class back to the FG - and this time an even bigger drop. 

McCanna sends out a pair with #5 MOMO'S KIDDO finding class relief out of the PLN meet - a similar change to move up #4 GOLDEN RIVER. The value sides with #1 PINEAPPLE JUICE should move up second start on the circuit and was NO_PUSH on 1/24 coming out that day in what appeared a PREP. 

#5 CLEVER CLOVER will make a belated TURF debut and physically appears suited for the distance going back to their juvenile days. Current form and intent could follow with the change in class and timing wheeling right back in here and moving off the inside.

#8 HARCYN should be fit coming back for a second start of the cycle and physically a versatile type as they make their turf debut to hold and transfer their current form. 

Longshot case for #6 PUTT FOR DOUGH - a flow upgrade part of the early pace in the higher $25k N2 turf mile last month and going back to the B- effort at this level with the WIDE trip in December finds a race on par. They are looking for this second win for a long time going back to the debut score in the summer of 2023 though following that race and up until the return from the layoff this year had been racing at a level above their abilities and fits right in with this group. 

#3 AUTHENTIC GRACE has a look from the EX on debut and tactically along with the SLOG last month off the two month break might not have been at their best and the STRETCH out in distance suits them physically. 

#4 DELIGHTFUL LAURA also projects to move up with the STRETCH out in distance from their sprint debut last month. The race likely a PREP when also GREEN breaking SLOG and chased WIDE putting in a solid GALLOP+. 

Class is closer to a lateral move if not a step up comparing par for #2 BIG LEAP and still questionable for the distance noting a SHORTER projection for them (and for #5 LEE'S BABY GIRL) from the 12/26 common race. 

#5 IL BELLATOR has been able to fire fresh with a top effort coming off the layoff, something that could be overlooked "on paper" when assessing outcome, not effort. Their figures off the layoff fit on par for this race and overall speed figures, class and runstyle line up for this field, a compact field where they should present some value as a contender over the post time favorites.

The race shape does not appear to set up ideally for front running #4 UNDER THE BED with other confirmed E/EP types in this field (prescratch) to factor as the projected favorite. Part of the early pace could include #6 INDY'S STAR appears vulnerable coming back after a HARD race with the win less than 30-days ago and overall lacks an edge in this race as an individual. 

The race shape could set up longshot #1 EMBRACE ME one that is a flow upgrade from the event at this level two weeks ago making a WIDE MOVE - a similar WIDE MOVE with the identical lack of pace (Very Slow early/late) going back to the 12/14 event and show finish. 

#3 BREEZING ALONG is not a confirmed front runner and upgraded with the DROP from the stakes event in December and second of the cycle making a WIDE MOVE on 1/29 behind the 4-5 chalk winner with the top three together at the wire.  

#7 I GOTTA BOLT fits today's race shape (Square) and off current form at this level where they can IMPROVE wheeling back from the trip two weeks.