Holy Handicapping Day Batman!
The 3rd best day in racing (only behind KY Derby day and BC Saturday) may well be the greatest wagering day of them all.
Saratoga and Del Mar are in full regale, and Monmouth brings us an amazing Haskell card that is one of their best in years.
A full on handicappers delight with anything and everything on the menu. Man o' man what a day in front of us.
Now onto the G2 San Clemente....
Flying Connection: Gets the dreaded rail in this big field, but likely not a problem as she will undoubtedly be sent. Gets a cut back in distance for his first on turf. Not the greatest connections, but will be a factor in here.
Ancient Peace: Much like the entry inside of her, this one will want to get to the front early. A standout in the mornings, can she put it all together in her 3rd try in Graded Stakes company?
Anisette: Her States debut saw her mow everybody down in typical Euro turf style. With Rispoli aboard, that was likely a prep for this one. Serious contender.
Delight: A favorite at the windows for bettors may have found her new running style in her last romp in come from behind fashion. Distance hits her square in the nose and is a must consideration.
And Tell Me Nolies: This hard knocking filly makes her beau on turf today in really tough company. With 7 Graded Stakes efforts on her ledger, she is worth a look and does like to come from off the pace. Can she take to the turf against these is the question?
Spicybug: Back to back wins, but is stretching out to 1M amid a bunch of others that should relish the distance or are even cutting back. McCarthy and Desormeaux, so should take some money. An interesting tote board watch with this one.
Paris Secret: Interesting switch to blinkers after she failed as a favorite last out in the G3 Honeymoon. Enjoyed a fast pace two back in her G3 win, will she now be sent or are blinkers more for running in tight quarters? A tough read in a tough race.
Ocean Club: Front running type will undoubtedly want to be forwardly positioned. Is she good enough for this class is the real question. Not likely and many others look better.
Olivia Twist: 3 for 3 as a 2YO, her 3YO campaign has been a bit rough. Now the switch to turf with a shaky turf jockey. Has been working well coming into this one, so wouldn't be a shocker. Losses to Wet Paint and Taxed are nothing to be ashamed about. 50/1 ML seems way too high. Maybe not a winner, but a must in underneath Exotics plays at a price?
Wed: Makes her States debut and attracts the solid turf jockey in Hernandez. Group 2 winner from across the pond has a decent work to show as well. A must consideration.
Comanche Country: Takes another swing at Graded Stakes company and is a solid 2 for 2 at this strip. 5(3-1-1) record at the distance and surface can't be overlooked. However, Rispoli is off to ride the
which likely tells you more about the
than this one.
Fast and Shiny: Front running type that likely needed the stretch to 9F for this one. Running bullets coming in for Baffert, so her likely ploy is to charge to the front and leave others in her wake. :58.3 bullet work last week. Could be dangerous.
The Wild Grazer: She won't be on the lead and struggles to pass others. Numbers are decent, but in a big field with a bad post she can easily get lost. Gotta let her beat me.
Broadway Girls: Has been steadily improving and is 1 for 1 at Del Mar and 3(2-0-0) at the distance. Gets a cut back today, but with other speed in here and the bad post she'll need a career best to likely even contend.
Justique: $725K Justify purchase looks to run on turf for her first time. She gets in, she is a must tote watch.
