Handicapper Tips & Picks

J. Mullins has started out the meet live and looks to be intent in this spot with a pair of runners: #3 BALAZA returns from the layoff here to make their sophomore debut and looking to pick up where they left off over the DMR turf. In both the debut and second start closing out the brief season recorded B- OptixGRADES showing run through adversity in both starts. The speed figures competitive as well and with age and maturity can reasonably project progression in that number department to sit on par with the 3&4yo rival figures. #5 PLATINUM GROOVE will make their debut here and unlikely the plan to have the pair in the same race as PLATINUM GROOVE was entered to debut under identical conditons on 7/26 unable to draw into the race off the AE. 

#8 MIA PIA one of the 4yo in the field returning to the DMR turf where they stepped forward last summer including a B OptixGRADE in 8/24 BLANKET finish - a common race and BLANKET finish including #2 sacred sound recording a C+ OptixGRADE in the race on the day. 

#1 SANTA BARBARIAN has a path to win in this race perhaps literally when it comes to trip with the rail draw, their runstyle and today's race shape. They hold tactical speed and while not a "need the lead" type they could take advantage up front if that scenario presents; or if rivals from the outside come over rate inside looking for first run. While they did pick up the statebred stakes win in the Snow Chief last year, that was secured with a TACTIC+ trip and still must prove themselves at this level in an established group of older runners. It is encouraging overall with the speed figure progression shown coming back this year as a 4yo.