Handicapper Tips & Picks

#1 PARADISE PERFECT fits as the horse-to-beat favorite while some reservations can be given with the "career maiden" status. That said, this is the first time at this $25kMOC level since the summer of 2024 and overall a solid check earner at the higher maiden level with consistent figures and B- OptixGRADES to move up naturally here. 

The opposite type of race record for #2 SPEEDY CONNECTION upgraded all around in a second start finding a subtle change in MOC class/purse. That combination is paired with a positive STRETCH in distance as well as a rider change noting the TACTIC- from the 10/12 debut. 

Given the recent speed figures #1 MAMBA ON THREE could land the bulk of public attention and while capable lacks value with their runstyle in today's race shape. #6 DISSECTOLOGIST also could land attention coming in off two straight wins and while tough to knock that consistency, today lands a higher par and will require them to step up. Neither of these two would be any surprise though at shorter odds in a contentious race, that opens the door towards other contenders. 

On trip/pace both #3 NAPA SPIRIT and #5 AWESOME CRUSADER land the right Plot position (ABOVE) and bring in a class edge (ABOVE/ABOVE+) as the pair make a subtle change to run in today's open claiming event. 

#9 BORDER TOWN wheels back with an extra half-furlong from the 11/1 event while upgraded with the TACTIC- TROUBLE_S and taking KICKBACK behind horses unable to run their race and show their best on the day. 

The form cycle pattern for #8 HIGHLAND SOCIETY should see them return to a peak effort here however share the EP runstyle with six others in this field (including MAMBA ON THREE and DISSECTOLOGIST) factors on pace for that group to secure the necessary trip to win. 

Longer-shot types #2 APRIL DE VELP and #7 WET AND WILD have some hurdles on the win end sitting BELOW on Class though on their best day are not far out of it to consider at the least underneath. 

#3 SUNRISE DRIVE makes a lot of sense for the connections and in this placement running back in straight claiming company. The change in class also with barn (same ownership) with a little more time between starts and likely catching clearer conditions than the WEATHER impact 10/30 day racing in high winds and rain under the lights. 

Trying to get creative and with some racing luck: #1 MISTER MESEEKS returns under similar conditions/par from a legitimate TROUBLE+ impacted trip two weeks ago. To their credit and following the adversity they put in a late inside/SAVED CLOSE something tougher to see with the running line and 7th place outcome. Longshot #5 KIDDIE HOLIDAY had a look at this level last week. Some of that was in part to the 7f distance (along with L. Salles back aboard) as they stretch out here though could be intent with the less than ideal outcome last week and projecting better here. 

#8 WALTER ME LAD cuts back with a subtle change in class following a legitimate EX - EXCUSE in their most recent start on 10/24. WALTER ME LAD was claimed under similar conditions and extended sprint distance with a competitive effort back on 6/26 earning checks this year while racing for the higher purse in the open $25k class.

#2 RATINGS UPGRADE was given an upgrade with the form cycle forward pattern into the 10/25 event. While the outcome not as ideal (7th) the figure improved and in terms of trip was compromised with the LSLOG making a MOVE X_FLOW and strong GALLOP+ out after the wire to give a look right back. While the surface switch comes into play that should only assist keeping the odds double digits while the lone Tapeta race back on 7/12 suffered a WIDE trip bringing more factors into play than the surface alone. 

#5 VAZHI has things to like with the change in class (DROP) and subtle trip for this second start on the year. While it is not ideal and must be called out this second start comes 90-days after the layoff return back on 8/24. There are also some distance concerns overall, things that must be accounted for when assessing value.