Handicapper Tips & Picks

Both #5 BEEF WINSLOW and #6 HEART HEADED are logical - they have recorded B OptixGRADE at this level to fit on class. The pair also bring a favorable runstyle into today's race with current form based on their races this season.

With HEART HEADED holding the ABOVE+ on Plot their J. Mullins stablemate #8 ESCAPE ARTIST sits ABOVE+ on Class while returning under the $50k claiming condition, those of their most recent start putting in a CLOSE after the pattern of CLOSE recording a B- OptixGRADE despite the running line and 5th place outcome. #4 CAISSON also brings in buried form with a Plot position/shape similar to both BEEF WINSLOW and ESCPAE ARTIST and likely overlooked for their connections. That could also carry with the recent 5th place outcome with a "trip" to upgrade racing held up (SAVED TRAFFIC) making a late CLOSE and GALLOP+

The higher recorded figures and change in class has #1 THAT AIN'T RIGHT and #2 CHICA TIGRE logical in here. Longshot case #10 MY KAT makes the change in class for this second start and from that common 6/14 race that has held form going forward. Arguably they did not have chance on debut with the TACTIC- and TROUBLE- while racing WIDE and NO_PUSH picking up a rider change with the class change here to suggest intent. 

#2 LAVENDER LOVE earned a follow from their sprint debut last month. That 6/15 event held a higher par than today's event moving up naturally given their earned B- OptixGRADE. The overall effort was competitive and perhaps better than it appears on paper given the running line and 6th place outcome. Further changes outside of class and distance (MOVE GALLOP+) with rider coming back from the TACTIC- that played a role in the TRAFFIC TROUBLE in running. 

#4 STRAWBERRY TIZZY earned a follow training up to their debut back on 5/31 and given a look off those visuals. While impacted by trip in outcome, they showed run with a BTL/B- effort, a less than ideal TACTIC making a CLOSE and GALLOP+. Returning for their second start the connections stretch out and stepped up to MSW company though impacted further with EX TROUBLE+ trip still making a CLOSE and GALLOP+. 

#2 SAQEEL takes a big drop since landing in SoCal and that move can often be concerning though can make the reasonable case for it here. They are looking for a win (rather than coming off a win for example) and overall form cycle fits on the upswing of an "every other" race-to-race pattern. That suggests a move forward here and show up at DMR from a subtle trip given the rail last month at LRC. #9 ROGUE SON will be tested back at the route distance and while they did not have the conventional success in the three two turn races their figures fit in line with their form at the time and those numbers fit on par for this type of claiming event. 

#7 HEARD A GHOST finds some changes/intent for this third start of the season. They returned off the layoff on 6/27 (B-) racing above condition at the N3 level and followed up with the change to N2 however a higher par and claiming tag on 7/11 with adversity given the SLOG and WIDE. They return here with the fitness and back with F. Aebly, the rider aboard for their debut MCL win as well as the show finish last November. 

In terms of class #4 ROYAL ENTRY  could find a test at the same time they make a positive surface switch to the TURF. Physically they have presented TURF since the debut last season and with the abbreviated juvenile season never had the opportunity. The lack of opportunity continued returning from the layoff on 6/22 with a legitimate EX - EXCUSE on the day showing run after the TROUBLES+ making a WIDE MOVE behind the 3-2 winner (and next out winner) Special Session.