Handicapper Tips & Picks

#1 GUN RUNNER CHARLIE should be sitting on a peak effort as they return from the layoff and following a second start against winners. While they must step up in the speed figure department, they have shown run in each races to date with improvement number wise and for a lightly raced 3yo in this case another move forward is not out of the question. In terms of intent, they bring in a progressive series of works on the local side for DMR and trainer P. Miller since July 2025 had had key success (.89 +ROI) with this type of layoff runner that includes over the DMR main with all B OptixGRADE and a near perfect 4-for-4 record the lone place finish was a photo for win. 

The lightly raced #2 GOLDEN SURPRISE could be on the level with today's competition with a reasonable step forward for their second start. They debuted against open company last month in the higher par turf sprint at SA showing a sneaky CLOSE after the SLOG in what visually appeared a PREP. It is encouraging they land here with statebred company and reasonable timing coming right back less than 30-days for this race. 

#6 MEHLEK comes back to a competitive level for them and what should be the upswing of their form cycle. They return to the lever after reclaimed for connections who have had them in their barn since 2023 and upgraded from the higher 10/5 condition with the TROUBLE_S TRAFFIC and CLOSE made into a Slow early/Very Slow late race shape. That race shape noted on the day and a big change here with the Sun/58 SpeedRate. 

A contentious (Fire) pace includes #3 DISSECTOLOGIST coming off a PERFECT trip win and has those hurdles here as the favorite. While trip should suit #12 EXECUTIVE SEARCH (projected second choice) it could further upgrade #9 EXCHANGE DAY third off with progressive GRADES sitting ABOVE on Speed and Class to further support in this third start back of the cycle. 

The change in class and second off timing should have #5 HOODLESS in the right spot to compete. They bring in early speed and could even present a tactical advantage. Pace/trip also upgrades #6 GENIUS OF LIVE returning with class relief following the pair of top efforts over the summer including the 9/25 win.