Handicapper Tips & Picks

2-CLOUDY LASS ran well in both starts, improving somewhat in her second start. But she had a couple sharp drills since her last race. Could be ready to kick it into another gear. Trainer Larry Rivelli has a pair of first timers in here. 5-VOODOO LADY seems the quicker of the two but she had about seven weeks between her last two workouts. However, at this short sprint distance, it might not matter as much. 4-CARPET QUEEN has been working more consistently but maybe not quite as fast as her stablemate. Guess we’ll see.  

I’m guessing we’ll be back on turf today and I would expect 4-MOM'S PALACE to be awfully tough on the lawn. She looks like the quickest by far and she has been very good in Indiana turf sprints against some top-notch trainers. This will be her first time meeting Illinois breds. Don’t think she’ll get caught. But, if any of these can run her down, it would most likely be 7-BUTTONS AND LACE. She has turned into a big-time closer and she just finished third, facing the boys, in the $150,000. But, because she comes from so far behind, and this race is so short, she might never get into full stride before she runs out of real estate. 1-HOT T’MATER has had two turf races and ran well in both of them, including a six-length victory the last time she tested the weeds. Don’t think she’s nearly as quick as top choice but she’s probably the second best speed and could lead the second tier all the way around.  

It’s pretty common for many 2-year-olds to go for the lead in their races until they figure who they are. This race is no exception. I expect there to be a heated fight for the front end. 6-DIXI SO FAST might be able to take advantage. She's making only her second start but she did win her debut and runners from her barn generally improve as they gain experience. Might be able to run them down again. As is often the case, Rivelli has a par of runners in this race and both are likely contenders. 3-SPIRITED ANNE won a maiden claimer on turf to start her career but then shipped to Indiana and finished third in a $100k Indiana-bred stakes race. This is far from an easy field but she might be meeting easier than she did in that race. 1-TIZ CHINA ran well in all three races, winning the one and finishing second in the other two. Has good speed and the rail. Should be right there throughout.  

Unlike many races, this field appears to contain far more closers than those likely to display early speed. So, I am going to select the runner who seems most likely to go for the front end. 4-HAPPY CAT from claimed from a win in last and moves up in class but he always raced on a tougher circuit, his barn does well with their first-time claims, and, maybe most importantly, he might get the lead to himself. 5-SILVER QUARTERS is probably the best of the closers. This race could be too short for him but he does have a win at the distance. However, he’ll need the help of some of his rivals pressuring top choice on the front end to have the best chance. If this race did get moved to the main track, 7-EYE DEE KAY would probably be awfully tough to beat. 

10-SUPRISE ME AGAIN drops many levels. It is a little surprising because she has been running competitively in allowance company. Especially like that she runs well on turf or dirt. Think she’ll be extremely tough on either surface. 3-DESERT GLOW won her local debut at this level two races back and went on to take on tougher in her next start and showed early speed but faded to third. But she’s dropping back to the right level and appears to be the best speed once again. Don’t know if she can hold off top choice but could easily be the best of the rest. 9-OH MACARENA couldn’t make a dent in allowance company in last race but she had three wins and a narrow loss for second in her previous four races versus claimers. She’s more versatile than most which probably enhances her chances.  

Not in love with 6-CONI'S COUP but he is dropping to his lowest level ever and there doesn’t appear to be a lot of competition. 2-CRECENCIO got trounced in last but that race was on turf. He had a similar outcome the last time he raced on the weeds. He’s back on dirt for this race and he’s among the quickest of these. Could be on the pace throughout. It's been a long time since 3-CANYON SHADOWS showed much but, like top choice, he’ll be meeting his easiest field ever. Found the right spot to wake up.