Handicapper Tips & Picks

1-AYE BAY BAY was well regarded in debut, bet down to 6-5. She didn't show a ton in that spot but can wake up on the grass. 5-LILAS OAK TREE has worked well coming into here. I could see some speed from her early. 6-MOLLY THE CAT has a consistent pattern. The outside draw may be beneficial leading into this race.

5-GABE'S CHOICE isn't asked to do too much off a maiden score in his last. He is in for the $7,500 IL-tag which shows some intent. 2-SHAMAN SEZ could show some speed in here. He's been right there in his last four and should be close once again. 1-MINIMO needs some pace to chase. He can close last but often runs on a bit too late.

2-ZOOMBIE drops a notch as he looks for the win. He has tactical speed and should get pace to chase. 7-NAGY AND DA BEARS used to be solely speed but has learned a bit to rate and run on late. He poses a price threat. 5-NEON DEION is one with speed. I expect he goes early and tries to beat the rest to the top.

Watkins could go 1-2 in here. 6-A REAL HERO has speed to rate close and has been solid over this Hawthorne strip. 3-HIALEAH HOTTIE likely sends for the top. She was game in her last and provide some value. 5-LOST SUNSET also has speed. She may send as well as her best races come when she's on the lead.

2-FROSTED ECLAIR is another live Watkins runner who has been strong on the grass. She should stalk and pounce in the lane. 1-UNION DOLLY turns back in distance as she figures in here. Look for her to settle early and run on late. 9-MORE THAN A DIVA was a solid winner in her last. She comes off the layoff into this spot but has the potential to clear from the outside.

5-THREE AFLEET has turned things around in his last couple. He has speed and could clear and never look back. 4-TAKEITAWAY has ability and runs for a barn that has had a solid meet. Look for him to stalk early and run on late. 2-EL MUCHO will be hoping for a pace battle upfront. He figures to sit back early and rally in the lane.

This was by far the hardest race I had on the card to make a line on. Every horse in here could win as they are so evenly matched. Went to the speed of 1-MY BUDDY BROOKS as she figures to try to clear from the rail and steal this race. She won at the mile distance two back and has been a different horse on turf. 5-MISS RIVER RAT will need some pace to chase as she will be rallying late. She ran a big race in her last and figures on the rise in class. 4-BUTTONS AND LACE is one of two in here for Boyce, each in with a shot. She was a strong winner in her last and also will need some pace to close into.

Another excellent field from a wagering standpoint for the finale. 6-LONE RETURN may be overlooked as he has ability and finds a good spot. He may be able to rate a bit closer early here and could rally at a price. 7-I O FEDRO gets back to the turf, which is the key for him. He will likely get a stalking trip and should be able to pounce in the lane. 5-PROFSSOR HIGGINS will  need some speed to close into. He has found the board in 7 of 12 grass starts and gets Loveberry back in the saddle.