Handicapping

Play of the Day Race Date October 04, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 7 Overview A very average looking group of 2yos that haven’t distinguished themselves, except the #1 MUNQAD (7-2), who was a fast-figure 4th while dueling and tiring on debut and should love the added ground/turn he gets to work with—from the perfect post too. Pace With the inside draw, off a debut in which he dueled though 46 1/5, I would think #1 MUNQAD (7-2) will be the controlling speed, especially from this post. Trends No trends so to speak, with the meet just getting underway, but as a general rule, speed always plays well going…

Play of the Day Race Date October 03, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 3 Overview An unproven group of 2yos that have flashed potential, none more so than #5 TATE (7-2), who was awesome winning on debut at Del Park and is bred to be a nice one. Pace It figures to be honest, especially with several of these lightly raced 2yos trying two turns for the first time. Trends No trends so to speak, with the meet just getting underway, but as a general rule, you do not want to be too far outside in the 1-mile dirt races here. Best Bet TATE Number 5 Morning Line (7-2)…

Play of the Day Race Date October 02, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 7 Overview A modest group with a potentially vulnerable favorite (#8) who enters off a fluky big figure at KD, and a horse in #2 QUIET DIGNITY (5-1) who appears to have a big race flow edge. Pace It looks quite slow, which should allow #2 QUIET DIGNITY (5-1) to be on or just off the pace, which will give her a tactical advantage over her main rival. Trends N/A Best Bet QUIET DIGNITY Number 2 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview A modest group with a potentially vulnerable favorite (#8) who enters off a fluky…

Play of the Day Race Date September 01, 2020 Track Pimlico Race Course Race 6 Overview A good field of turf sprinters in a stakes on the cusp of being graded, with several who could be longshot possibilities in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint with a good run. Pace It looks modest, at best, which should give a huge tactical edge to #10 FRANCATELLI (3-1), who is also perfectly drawn outside. Trends N/A Best Bet FRANCATELLI Number 10 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet Overview A good field of turf sprinters in a stakes on the cusp of being graded, with several who could be longshot possibilities in the…

Play of the Day Race Date September 30, 2020 Track Delaware Park Race 8 Overview A deep group for the level (25k MCL’s), with #6 GAMING JACK (8-1) getting off a dead rail to a much preferred outside attack post, and taking the biggest drop in racing, out of the MSW ranks. Pace It looks modest, at best, though all main contenders should be close enough throughout. Trends Del Park has moved alongside Parx as a track where everyone tries to avoid the inside, so move up anyone that gets stuck inside, while downgrading anyone that swoops wide. Best Bet GAMING JACK Number 6 Morning Line (8-1) Best…

Play of the Day Race Date September 27, 2020 Track Churchill Downs Race 10 Overview A solid AOC for this time of year at GP, and a very competitive race on paper, though the race flow may say otherwise. And one of the few races in the mandatory payout Rainbow 6 where you can have a strong lean. Pace The adage “pace makes the race” comes to mind, as most of these all want to go early, which means #6 FROSTED GRACE (2-1) looks like a standout based on his stalking style. Trends N/A Best Bet #6 FROSTED GRACE Number 6 Morning Line (2-1) Best Bet Overview A…

Play of the Day Race Date September 26, 2020 Track Santa Anita Race 6 Overview A solid group with several ways to go, but #4 EXPRESS TRAIN (5-2) is lightly raced and full of potential, and hinted at big things in his comeback sprint win. Pace It should be honest, though not overly fast, so watch how the track is playing early, as #8 Dr. Troutman could get brave if it’s speedy. Trends N/A Best Bet EXPRESS TRAIN Number 4 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview A solid group with several ways to go, but #4 EXPRESS TRAIN (5-2) is lightly raced and full of potential, and hinted…

Play of the Day Race Date September 25, 2020 Track Churchill Downs Race 4 Overview Lots of proven runners with middling form who have had their chances, with #2 AHNAF (8-1) taking the MSW drop, drawing perfectly, and having plenty of upside with just three starts. Pace It looks honest enough, with cheap speed from #3 and #10, and maybe even #9. Trends There haven’t been many turf races, so it’s tough to get a gauge, though take note of the course condition, as it can be laboring with some give to it. Best Bet AHNAF Number 2 Morning Line (8-1) Best Bet Overview Lots of proven runners…

Play of the Day Race Date September 24, 2020 Track Churchill Downs Race 6 Overview There are several lifetime 1’fers in here, with little to no upside, while #7 JACK’S ADVANTAGE drops in class after a solid run trying winners, and can still improve after just six starts. Pace It may not be overly fast, but with #4, #5, #1, and #10 all interested in showing some early foot, it should be honest enough for the stalker/closers. Trends Front runners and those with the ability to be just off the pace dominated the dirt races last Thursday and Friday, while it tilted a bit towards outside stalkers/closers Saturday…

Play of the Day Race Date September 23, 2020 Track Churchill Downs Race 7 Overview A race with a lack of early pace and an aggressive gate rider in Geroux says #7 TRASHTALKINYANKEE (10-1) could get brave over a field where the favorites don’t inspire. Pace As mentioned above, this is a race with no true confirmed front runners, and Geroux has shown time and again he likes to take the initiative in these spots. Trends Front runners and those with the ability to be just off the pace dominated the dirt races last Thursday and Friday, while it tilted a bit towards outside stalkers/closers Saturday and Sunday.…