Oaklawn Handicap

[Afleet]

1. Chess Chief (Brian Hernandez Jr.)
2. Trophy Chaser (Samy Camacho Jr.)
3. Bravazo (Miguel Mena)
4. Mr Freeze (Joe Talamo)
5. Identifier (Stewart Elliott)
6. Warrior's Charge (Florent Geroux)
7. Combatant (Joel Rosario)
8. Sky Promise (Orlando Mojica)
9. Tacitus (John Velazquez)
10. Captivating Moon (Julien Leparoux)
11. Tax (Kendrick Carmouche)
12. By My Standards (Gabriel Saez)
13. Night Ops (Javier Castellano)
14. Improbable (Martin Garcia)

Improbable has another bad post-must be living wrong! Very nice field. There are a lot of different ways you could go here. At first glance Mr. Freeze, Trophy Chaser on top. Combatant 3rd off w/bullet last work, recent G1 winner. Warriors Charge working fast, 5-3-0-2 local record. Tacitus usually gets bet. Identifier won the G3 Hals Hope @a measly 60-1. Bravazo w/$2 million in the bank, but can't find his last win. Should be a great race.

[cj]

Originally Posted by Afleet

1. Chess Chief (Brian Hernandez Jr.)
2. Trophy Chaser (Samy Camacho Jr.)
3. Bravazo (Miguel Mena)
4. Mr Freeze (Joe Talamo)
5. Identifier (Stewart Elliott)
6. Warrior's Charge (Florent Geroux)
7. Combatant (Joel Rosario)
8. Sky Promise (Orlando Mojica)
9. Tacitus (John Velazquez)
10. Captivating Moon (Julien Leparoux)
11. Tax (Kendrick Carmouche)
12. By My Standards (Gabriel Saez)
13. Night Ops (Javier Castellano)
14. Improbable (Martin Garcia)

Improbable has another bad post-must be living wrong! Very nice field. There are a lot of different ways you could go here. At first glance Mr. Freeze, Trophy Chaser on top. Combatant 3rd off w/bullet last work, recent G1 winner. Warriors Charge working fast, 5-3-0-2 local record. Tacitus usually gets bet. Identifier won the G3 Hals Hope @a measly 60-1. Bravazo w/$2 million in the bank, but can't find his last win. Should be a great race.

It isn't a great post for sure, but given his habits of acting up at the gate it might be his best option.

[classhandicapper]

The Oaklawn Handicap is a very good race. This should be a Grade 1.

The Arkansas Derby split didn't work out so well. The 2nd division looks much stronger to me at first glance.

[Afleet]

Three horses come out of the NO Classic: By My standards, Chess Chief, and By My Standards; very slow pace. By My Standards 3rd off with bullet in tow but exits two soft pace races, probably won't happen here.

Combatant used to be a bit of a hanger under Asmussen but closed well to take the SA handicap. 3rd off with a bullet work; Sadler been winning his share at OP. If he moves forward will be hard to handle here. Everything Rosario rides takes money


http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...7/summary.html

[groupie doll]

exacta box

I imagine Improbable scratched because SA now has an eta on reopening (and therefore better options without having to ship)?

[Tom]

Yes, it is Improbable that he will run today! :

Scratched.

Box

could be right in the mix at the wire - saver wager on him if I get 9-2 or better.

[classhandicapper]

I sort of wish Tax had a prep race into this. He's never run a bad race other than on a sloppy track in the Derby and in his last at GP after stumbling at the start and racing with no Lasix. You'd have to count on a new top off the layoff which doesn't seem too likely, but I think he's an underrated horse in general. This may just be too tough a spot to start off a new campaign.

[PressThePace]

Probably won't play the race, but just for fun I'll box the

[Robert Fischer]

This race is way too tough for me.



I'm not really a fan of By My Standards. His ml 'feels' low to me, but maybe he's really improved? He's a type I would use in a 'spread' if he were a long shot. Could be wrong.


A bit interested in forwardly-placed types:

Never been a huge fan of either, but they have every right to get brave.
A little tough to gauge the quality and quickness of the , but I imagine they'll try to send him.
My 'gut' says the is cheap, and whether he makes the lead or folds, it could help the and/or inherit something, but I could be off on this as well. IDK it's even possible that the gets brave.

Combatant will be over-bet, but figures to be set to run a big race. Rosario is riding well. He may end up with too much to do late. Maybe key him in a gimmick under a superfecta, or tri? 'LTWTT' last time was the time. If Rosario is too aggressive, it could backfire.

Tacitus is another underneath-key style horse. He could even win, if he gets a great setup. I have no idea as to his fitness level, and how much of a 'target' this specific race is. Johnny V. may be giving him a patient ride, and a good trip, where if the flow is favorable he can get a minor award. IDK...

no wagers for me

[Robert Fischer]

Originally Posted by classhandicapper

I sort of wish Tax had a prep race into this. He's never run a bad race other than on a sloppy track in the Derby and in his last at GP after stumbling at the start and racing with no Lasix. You'd have to count on a new top off the layoff which doesn't seem too likely, but I think he's an underrated horse in general. This may just be too tough a spot to start off a new campaign.

If you like Tax, it's decent spot, at a fair price.

I'm not a big fan in general, but I think Gargan will have him ready to run today.

[porkchop]

I agree with R F too tough but I like the 9 & 11 in the 13th so



DD /


GLTA

[Irishfever]

Tri

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Tom

Yes, it is Improbable that he will run today! :

Scratched.

Box

could be right in the mix at the wire - saver wager on him if I get 9-2 or better.

1st and 3rd.....

[cj]

Originally Posted by Tom

1st and 3rd.....

Timid ride early cost the 4 at least second.

[stewball1127]

Originally Posted by cj

Timid ride early cost the 4 at least second.

Nobody was beating the today, and the way speed was holding not sure he gets by the .