Handicapper Tips & Picks

#9 MONDEGO holds a level of class to compete in today's field and graded stakes level. While coming off the layoff and just the lone win on the year tough to find a "bad" race from this individual. Even going back to the layoff return on 6/8 a BTL effort keying the 5.7-1 value win on 8/2, their next start. Not only stepping up off the win in graded stakes company MONDEGO pairing B- OptixGRADES in the process with the BLANKET finish outcome in the Del Mar Handicap (G2) and right back in the John Henry (G2) on the quick return at SA. 

Taking a bit of a stab with longshot #3 GOT'M COT'M as a "new face" and with overall upside while making for a fit under today's conditions. The layoff could be task giving up recency though brings in steady works along with tactical speed and an assertive rider to suggest some intent. As far as the move to TURF they present physically suited to the surface and their lone grass race was competitive (B-) with adversity in the trip from start (SLOG TROUBLE_S) to in running TRAFFIC making a MOVE in the show outcome and figure within today's par. 

Class is on the lower/BELOW- side for #1 MOMO'S KIDDO though one that makes a belated move to the TURF, physically suited to the surface and numbers with a top effort that could be in for a share while that Class weakness is a legitimate longshot on the win end. 

#6 ETHNIC SOUL is a live horse coming right back from trips this season upgraded from both the 10/10 (IMPROVE X_FLOW CLOSE) and 11/4 race two weeks ago with the rider dropping the whip (TACTIC-) arguably costing them a better position. In terms of rider change and timing, those are positives though as far as class, a tricky read. Assessing recent par, this could be taken as a lateral move, while running for the lower claiming tag and purse, they will be tested to run above condition at today's N3 level.