Handicapper Tips & Picks

#1 PARADE DOWN BROAD moved up second start at this $20k MCL level off their form and figures. This marks the second start off the layoff, from a CLOSE into an Average early pace on 4/20 under a higher race par. That moves them up naturally here and even with the others from that common race last month, a sneaky class edge returning to the route distance. 

#2 PROUD STARLET finds some changes making their seasonal return and from the figures last year holds up with this group and those numbers as a juvenile to suggest they could still hold a move forward. The debut win and number was slightly flattered with the track BIAS (inside/forward) assisting with the upset win on the day though to their credit paired up the figure with the Anoakia show effort closing out 2024. The barn has had success with layoff returnees as well as runners with K. Kimura even on the turf, today's surface switch. 

PROUD STARLET brings in early speed, a tactical edge over ML Favorite #6 FAVOR TO YOU, one that has had the Fast/Very Fast early race shapes to close into and class edge over #1 PRIME AND READY one that has been consistent though touch shorter with the winning effort, the B- OptixGRADES this season in favorable trips. Both #3 SOMEDAY LADY and #4 PREEM have shown early speed as well though at the route distance and softer number wise overall. 

#2 ESCAPE ARTIST is worth value consideration with the ML sticking in this spot. They have held their form since the barn/owner change though in tougher spots and shorter rest between races - with those things changing here returning fresh and lower par at today's claiming level.

This is a tougher race to have a lot of confidence in any in this field, especially at a shorter number. #3 RAISING SLIVER should hold longer odds as number wise comes in on the lighter side, though a case today is sitting on a peak effort. She follows an every other form cycle pattern, a flow upgrade from the 4/25 start, their first around two turns. 

#7 ROOKIE COURT returns from the layoff though looked to need the time after the races last year and leading up to the later part of the meet. Going back to the first part and their return last May at this level and competitive place finish. They were able to get the win though some trip related along with distance before the change running above condition in the N3 races. They hold reservations at shorter odds though as projected on the ML is certainly worth giving consideration. 

ML favorite #6 VANDOO return with class relief and off their overall races and consistent figures this change appears the right one to have them competitive starting back in 2025. A shorter number off the layoff and class drop is not as appealing though not enough of a knock to make truly vulnerable. #2 I'M TENACIOUS should hold value returning from the layoff and running lines and finishing positions. They can be their own worst enemy with the pattern of SLOG and similar should be expected here. At the same time, they hold buried form including the seasonal finale back on 11/21 projecting to IMPROVE off those visuals. #4 SOUPER COP returns with recency and key STRETCH in distance from the shorter sprint two weeks ago. 

This spot is one to look and catch a price poking holes in the two ML favorites: #3 SUNRISE DRIVE was peaked for the OP finale and turned in a top effort on the day. They wheel back from that race and while capable in this spot and circuit, still require a top effort and trip from off the pace - a deeper Q4 Square. #5 HEMLO GOLD has the opposite runstyle with tactical speed though further hurdles with other projected pace pressure while giving up recency and requiring a peak effort off the 166-day break. 

#2 C C'S KINGDOM also gives up recency though fits at this level recording B OptixGRADE last season and runstyle that could present first run. #6 SWAN LAKE could fall into a similar tracking trip while needing to IMPROVE off their recent races has back numbers and competitive efforts under today's par and might just have needed the break they return from here.