Handicapper Tips & Picks

#2 SHIPS INN moved up on the class drop and capable of improving from their most recent start with the higher par common race on 5/9 -a productive race all around with horses improving outcome and figures along with two next out winners. In addition, SHIPS INN taken out of their runstyle showing tactical speed (FTQ SAVED) prior starts from stalking trips they could return to here with other pace setting types in this field. 

Both #6 LEXICO and #7 QUEEN MCKINZIE fit logically recording some of the highest numbers in this field and tough to ignore. On the lighter raced side, #2 SOUPERRZLDZL should appreciate the STRETCH to the two turns here they require a new top though price compensation should be there to keep in the mix. #8 SWEETBITTERS could be lighter on class stepping up though things to like from the set of races to date keying off the NO_PUSH on debut X_FLOW in the second start and a legitimate EX/EXCUSE in the recent 6/12 race. 

#1 DAMASCUS STEEL at 5-1 ML presents FO as they return to claiming company for the first time since the claim and has held their form for the newer connections since. That could be tougher to see with the running lines and finishing positions though looking at trips including the 6/12 making an X_WIDE MOVE

Trainer B. Walsh has started out the meet live (positive $0.76 ROI) with 9 starters three wins and three others in the money to consider with the pair in this race: #1 GRAND PREMIERE upgraded with a legitimate EX in the local debut on 6/6 with the TROUBLES+ and chasing inside/SAVED making a late CLOSE: #3 IRISH LAW paired up B- OptixGRADE in the two starts last season both of those races as a 2yo recorded numbers in line with the 3yo efforts from their rivals this season to stack up on par despite giving up some recency. 

#10 FRONTIER JUSTICE fits as a contender in this race in terms of speed figures, class and current form with "trips" in the higher N1 allowance events since the MCL win back in March. The change in distance is the unknown for a horse who has spent their entire 8-race career thus far in the shorter sprints. The surface switch comes into play for #6 MICHAEL'S COVE another upgraded off their current form and figures and while they have not been as effective in the two route starts they had subtle trips in both of those TP events. 

#6 YOU BE THE JUDGE earned checks while protected in the 2024-25 racing season where the DROP came into play on 6/25, a spot perhaps not the most ideal going two turns for the first time and compromised break forced an X_WIDE RUSH. That race was also the first race in 40-days and perhaps some of the reason for the placement needing a start and now wheels back two week and should retain form and fitness (and higher odds) 

#4 LONNY'S GAMBLE returns following an EX?EXCUSE with legitimate TROUBLE+ on 6/12 while showing a CLOSE late and continued to GALLOP+ after the wire. Upside off that trip and overall form from higher par events should be competitive and given the "Fire" Contention of this race have the pace to target - and F. Aebly back aboard.