Handicapping

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.…

Play of the Day Race Date September 20, 2020 Track Churchill Downs Race 7 Overview A race where several have had their chances and offer no upside, while #8 CONTINUUM (3-1) has run just four times and drops slightly off out a very good Spa 3rd. Pace There doesn’t appear to be much pace here, as there is little confirmed speed, which suggest this will be a bunched group and will play against the closers. Trends With the meet just getting started there’s nothing to note here, but things will be coming into more focus after the weekend is complete. Notes Best Bet CONTINUUM Number 8 Morning Line…

Play of the Day Race title Play of the Day - Race date September 19, 2020 Track Churchill Downs Race 9 Overview A race where the proven turf runners just don’t inspire and have had their chances, while #1 REDEMPTION DAY has a world of upside and really impressed in her turf MSW win. Pace The pace looks modest, and the ML favorite #2 Golden Curl could be loose, but there are stretchout dirt sprinters to her outside (#6 and #7), who could be involved early as well. Trends With the meet just getting started there’s nothing to note here, but keep an eye on the course condition,…

Play of the Day Race title Play of the Day – September 18, 2020 Title Play of the Day 09/18/2020 Date 09/18/2020 Featured track Churchill Downs Race number 9 Race overview A race where two favorites (#7 and #1) don’t have to win, and one that seems ripe for a newcomer with plenty of upside to surprise. Pace The pace should be honest, as #1, #2, and #7 all want to be involved early. Best bet name Glory Road Best bet number 5 Best bet overview Glory Road’s comeback was useful and a means to an end off the long break, and now, on the stretchout, with a…