Handicapper Tips & Picks

#3 ZADORSKY is worth a value play in this race. They check the boxes on Speed and Class to compete and today's race shape + extended sprint distance should allow for a tracking trip. Their main rivals as far as those assigned ML favorites are contenders individually, however with the race shape coming together as a whole require a top effort and to overcome the potential pace contention (Fire) of one another. 

#8 DOMINGO fits Above on Class for today's allowance condition while bringing in buried form and perhaps even intent. This marks the second start of the cycle and stretching out from the sprint allowance last month at KYD. Going back to last April, DOMINGO recorded a B OptixGRADE at this level with their place finish and with a par similar to today's race. While with a different trainer at the time, they have held their form and figures for V. Oliver, a barn that has sent out some live runners (with trips) this meet despite coming in winless. Some intent could follow with J. Rosario, quietly picks up live runners for this barn named last month as well as today. 

#3 MEGA MIL fits off their allowance win returning from the layoff in August. That improved effort showed progression returning as a 3yo from a pair of solid juvenile starts and their B+ MSW win at AQU in December. The connections stepped up last month into graded stakes company holding their own in the Dogwood (G3) even upgraded from the effort and outcome noting a WIDE RUSH in an outcome with the race flow slowing late. A plot upgrade could also be noted showing up as a Q1 Circle on the day and for today's race sits as a Q1 Square. 

#4 LEGAL HEIR makes the transition to the turf and route distance and unproven with those changes though presents other upside. Their debut was a higher race par back on 5/10 and projected to all around IMPROVE still racing GREEN and X_FLOW. The playing field is level with the complexion of this field all 3yo runners despite being open to older. 

Value is key with the play of #5 THE RABBI in this spot despite a runner that appears very live. Their lack of early speed paired with today's race shape could be hurdle making a run from off the pace - Q2/Q4 Square, though does still hold ABOVE on Plot and in a similar position/shape to ML favorite, #4 VANCOUGAR. In addition, THE RABBI fit all around as an individual and follows intent with A. Ayuso back aboard and waiting for the conclusion of the DMR meet to return to the "longer" sprint distances at SA. That distance is noted as this a "goldilocks" angle with the 5f too short, 8f too long, 6f just right. 

#2 WESTWOOD fits as a solid contender and might not even be favored in this race. They fit with today's race shape and step up in class despite just picking up the maiden win, though did it without taking too much out making a RUSH and cruising LONE on a Very Slow early/late pace. Timing wise this is a horse that does appear to appreciate more time between starts, something that otherwise would be a greater concern with the recent layoff lines. WESTWOOD coming in fresh (and without running a top on 8/24) suggests they can do so here, something that could be a hurdle for #4 DEL MAR JERRY (weak) one that comes in off a pair of HARD efforts and two top speed figures in those recent starts and also noted front wrap addition on 9/6. 

#3 SOUPER EFFECT projects to move up with the switch back to TURF. They turned in a competitive race at the level (B-) course and distance back on 8/17 putting in a late CLOSE. Number wise they fit on par and have run as fast as projected favorite #2 INTERIM ANALYSIS (Q1 Circle) and for today's race shape (Sun/58 SpeedRate) SOUPER EFFECT could present a pace advantage of the two as a Q2/4 Square. 

There is a likely scenario where #6 NONNO'S LITTLE BOY is one of the favorites in this race as the 6-1 ML appears an overlay. They find considerable class relief in this spot from the races this season - each race has consistent figures to stack up on today's par. The change is also notable in Plot, shifting to a Q2 Square both on Standard and Surface/Distance - the Plot position they were in for their most recent win (June 2024) over this course and distance.

#8 NOBURU should appreciate the STRETCH out in distance along with a sneaky change in class with the restrictions written into today's MSW condition. They have shown progression with the two starts to date and form held up from the recent starts to support the noted class and distance change which could give them the edge over common rival #4 FOUND MONEY, a logical type in this field in their own right. 

#5 FLEET OF FOOT brings in recency and could suggest intent and positive timing wheeling right back in 13-days for this second career start. The 9/28 race had minimal change to upgrade the late MOVE (after the TROUBLE_S) from FLEET OF FOOT. Should also note the winner, Speights Will scoring with a perfect trip for their 5th career start and also ran second in the Simcoe - a common race with FOUND MONEY and NOBURU.