Handicapper Tips & Picks

#3 PRINCE VALIANT has shown a level of class in their races to gate while going to be tested making a first start at SAR while also projecting to take pace pressure (though given the edge on that pace front) with #5 TRAINER THE TRAINER and #6 MO PLEX in this field.

Some of the early pace could also include #7 FIRST PITCH from the outside as well as #4 SMILENSAYCHEESE one of two for M. Maker impacting the early pace and playing a role in the Fire Contention.

That scenario should assist #2 CALLING CARD one brings in current and buried form while also fitting on class and speed. Intent should follow, second off with upside as the barn used a similar Turf-to-Dirt move when posting their MSW win (A- OptixGRADE/93 figure) back in November and similar distance change as far as the two turn distance to the extended one-turn mile. The race shape should also benefit #1 SOONTOBEKING another than present intent off a slight freshening and return to SAR for the connections. 

#5 DRAKE'S PASSAGE has used a similar second-off pattern with a 9f stretch out at SAR in the past to success and tough to ignore that perfect 2-for-2 angle and intent. That pattern was used in this race last year, however with a strong return effort than the one shown on 5/4 though perhaps the rail last out in part to effort and outcome. 

#8 BANK FRENZY also follows a positive pattern, the "every other" with the return to statebred company. They also fit on class and speed figures with form at SAR including limited starts at today's 9f distance. 

#2 DR. KRAFT is a legitimate longshot (and perhaps even an underlay on the win end) though value at the longer odds to key underneath. 

A value case can be made for #1 SWIFT MAGIC in this spot. They follow a positive form cycle pattern and key surface switch back to the TURF. The right number is still required while seemingly live as they must step up on figures (while a top effort can be projected here) and handle this level of class. 

In terms of ML favorite, #7 KAY CUP they are tough to knock off the two races to date going back to a B OptixGRADE a strong figure showing GRIT despite the show outcome and validated that effort with the belated second start and MSW win on 4/27 with improved number. With that said, they will be tested with winners and the shorter number in play. 

#8 CHARLOTTE'S HEART brings in recency and class from the WO races and showing up second off from the WIDE trip in a place blanket in the Star Shoot and upgraded as ABOVE+ Plot in today's race. 

More was projected from #5 ACCELERATING in the Oaklawn return races though some confidence off that series to land here and back in statebred stakes company along with J. Ortiz, the rider with the juvenile success on this course. 

#7 BOBBY M'S GIRL has shown ability since their debut over this course and distance, a TRAFFICTROUBLE trip and projecting to IMPROVE did just that throughout their sophomore season. The connections returning on 4/26 getting a race off the bench and confidence with the win despite racing on the main track. The number is one they can step forward on especially with the return to the turf. A rider change comes into play with J. Ortiz taking over for D. Duggan a capable j/t combination.