Handicapper Tips & Picks

Looking to see a lot of public attention land on #7 ALERAMO with F. Prat aboard in what appears to be a "class drop" though in reality closer to a lateral move for this three-year-old. 

Value shifts to #1 SAKURA FLAVOR one that is taking a clear class drop with upside in this progressive third off pattern along with a race shape to suit their runstyle. #5 SWEET DELTA DOWN also bring in upside with a class class DROP and change in distance. Today's par similar to when picking up the win last September and coming back from the layoff this year has been at the higher par to suggest they are back at the right level to compete. 

S. Miyadi returns with a pair: #7 BILLIE HOLIDAY last seen in September debuting against open company at DMR and stepping up against fillies with the show finish in the 9/27 outcome prior to the layoff they return from here; FTS stablemate #4 CHRISTA MCAULIFFE was entered to debut in a turf sprint on 11/9 and noting that scratch as it splits the gap in published works with the steady series through October and two moves since including the gate drill on 12/5.

#1 GOJE showed some gate speed from the gate on 12/21 while in company with a stablemate the two did not appear to be working together. That gate speed is noted being a FTS with the rail draw fitness should be no excuse at this point with a long series of works - ready or not type. 

#4 LA VILLE LUMIERE has the edge on class with the graded stakes efforts and experience. While it could be taken as a hurdle to pair up top efforts some forgiveness can be taken into consideration for the two starts finishing off the board - efforts they stepped up from in the next starts. 

#2 HYPERGAMY also following the group from the Jimmy Durante (G3) with trip adversity from the outside post with the TROUBLE_S TACTIC_ and WIDE trip impacting their outcome - the 6th place finish recording the same B- OptixGRADE as LA VILLE LUMIERE and stablemate #6 LATTE LUV (DROP) as well as show finisher #5 WILD LIKE THE WEST (SHORTER). 

#1 TOTAL VAL showed ability early on though put it on and on display with the dominant B+ MSW win last month. That was a combination of the foundation and subtle trips, things to translate on experience while stepping up to take on winners. 

FTS #7 CONVO appears race ready and as a new face looking to be a threat to the bookend pair #1 LUBIE'S MAGIC and #8 INTO THE HALL coming out of the 11/23 common race. 

#5 CATHAL could be given another look at this starter level noting the B- OptixGRADE finishing in a blanket for the minors making a CLOSE behind open length winner, Centrodelantero with the connections remaining protected along with a rider change. K. Frey takes back over on #2 OOBUBBAKAKAYO one that is back on the turf, arguably their preferred surface and with a top effort/trip can make for a value contender with buried form. 

#1 THIRTY TWO CHUNK is not guaranteed "lone speed" though brings in sprint speed whereas some of their other front running rivals showing early foot around two turns. THIRTY TWO CHUNK also given more time between starts than the three week turnaround into the 11/1 race, a higher purse event for the BC undercard. 

#4 TESSUTO could hold some intent back at SA and 6f distance now in this second start off the layoff. Familiar rider U. Rispoli jumps back aboard following the TACTIC- on 11/29 to further intent. 

too many AEs days out, check back after scratches 

 #2 LEFT HAND MAN earned a follow and projecting to IMPROVE following the 11/30 turf event. The surface could be blamed, though that would ignore the overall visuals along with the TACTIC- and X_FLOW dynamic playing against them. 

#4 STRONGERTHANBEFORE clearly had some setbacks delaying their debut until this 5yo racing season. Since they have rewarded the patience not only with the debut MSW but coming back competitive in a second start first against winners on 10/24 and perhaps lacked the recovery on the three week turnaround for the November start. They will be tested with something new here stretching out though nothing to knock from that standpoint as they would have to attempt at some point and third off with current form as good a time as any. Another lightly raced, #5 TEAM PLAYER though with maturity on their side as a 3yo. In addition, they hold the route experience, a tall task as that was their debut around two turns - pairing speed figures to that of their MSW win last month at DMR. 

#5 CHARLIE'S CURLIN has been looking for this spot reading between the scratches and suggesting intent. That followed run shown on debut with the WIDE trip and coming back with another WIDE trip CLOSE at the shorter 5f distance last month over the DMR turf. H. Berrios takes over and has been named at times in those scratches including the Zuma Beach (G3) back in October.

#4 RIO GRANDE has been their own hurdle with the pattern of SLOG/RUSH gate issues in each start to date. Following that tough to knock them in running including the 11/30 place finish behind their seasoned, favored, multiple graded stakes place stablemate winner, Plutarch.