Handicapping

Play of the Day Race Date May 16, 2021 Track Belmont Park Race 8 Overview A deep and competitive NYB AOC turf sprint with plenty of value that looks like the best betting race on the card. Pace It should be honest but it doesn’t look overly heated, especially for a turf sprint. Trends It’s still early in the meet but both surfaces have been on the fair side, and while speed/tactical speed has been preferred, there have been several deep closers who have gotten the job done as well. Best Bet SHIRAZ Number 6 Morning Line (9-2) Best Bet Overview #6 SHIRAZ (9-2) (turf only): Versatile sort…

Play of the Day Race Date May 15, 2021 Track Pimlico Race Course Race 5 Overview A large field of N1X runners, though it’s a modest one too, which means the class of #2 BREAKING NEWS (5-2) should be too much for these. Pace It should be hot and contested, as several want to mix it up early, especially a few who have drawn inside. Trends N/A Best Bet BREAKING NEWS Number 2 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #2 BREAKING NEWS (5-2): OP invader has been facing much better than he meets here, will like all the pace too, and with Rosario named, seems poised to mow…

Play of the Day Race Date May 14, 2021 Track Pimlico Race Course Race 5 Overview A large field of N1X runners, though it’s a modest one too, which means the class of #2 BREAKING NEWS (5-2) should be too much for these. Pace It should be hot and contested, as several want to mix it up early, especially a few who have drawn inside. Trends N/A Best Bet BREAKING NEWS Number 2 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #2 BREAKING NEWS (5-2): OP invader has been facing much better than he meets here, will like all the pace too, and with Rosario named, seems poised to mow…

Play of the Day Race Date May 13, 2021 Track Belmont Park Race 5 Overview A large field of 50k claimers, though a potential standout who should sit just off an abundance of pace as well. Pace As hinted at, it looks hot, as there are several who want to motor early, which should set it up for a stalker who can get first run. Trends It’s still early in the meet but both surfaces have been on the fair side, and while speed/tactical speed has been preferred, there have been several deep closers who have gotten the job done as well. Best Bet SQUARE SHOOTER Number 6…

Play of the Day Race Date May 08, 2021 Track Belmont Park Race 2 Overview An unspectacular N1X turf sprint for NYBs that seems ripe for a fresh new face. Pace There appears to be plenty of early heat, which is no surprise for a turf sprint, though tactical speed is still at a premium. Trends N/A Best Bet QUEEN ARELLA Number 7 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview #7 QUEEN ARELLA (5-1) (turf only): GP invader was a solid 4th against open foes in her turf debut, now drops in with state breds, and makes her first start for a potent Gargan barn (38% with newcomers). Picks…

Play of the Day Race Date May 07, 2021 Track Belmont Park Race 6 Overview A weak 20k MCL with an MSW dropper that goes for a potent layoff barn. Pace It looks on the slow side, as very few have shown any initiative early. Trends N/A Best Bet SHADOW BOAT Number 1 Morning Line (2-1) Best Bet Overview #1 SHADOW BOAT (2-1): MSW dropper hasn’t been out since September but Duarte is a big 32% off this elongated layoff, this is the biggest drop in racing, and the rest of this group is extremely uninspiring as well. Picks & Plays Aggressive WP bet and single in the…

Play of the Day Race Date May 06, 2021 Track Belmont Park Race 5 Overview A very solid 40k N2L for the level, and one with plenty of pace in it. Pace It looks hot and contested, which should hurt several, while really setting up #5 DANGEORUS EDGE (5-2). Trends N/A Best Bet DANGEROUS EDGE Number 6 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #6 DANGEROUS EDGE (5-2): Stretch runner should love all the speed he gets to ally into, and while e’s just 1-for-17 lifetime, he’s been in good form of late since the Sciacca claim. Picks & Plays Aggressive WP bet and single to end the early…

Play of the Day Race Date April 01, 2021 Track Churchill Downs Race 10 Overview A sterling renewal of the G1 Churchill Downs, in terms of betting, as there are several different ways you can go in a race that is there for the taking. Pace It should be honest, but not overly fast or supersonic, which you can sometimes get in this race, which says you want tactical speed, at the very least. Trends The main track has been VERY speedy during the week, regardless of the surface condition, and it’s been very tough to pass, so make sure to keep that in mind, especially since it…

Play of the Day Race Date April 30, 2021 Track Churchill Downs Race 9 Overview A deep renewal of the G2 Eight Belles, with plenty of speed, and a potentially vulnerable favorite (#10 Dayoutoftheoffice) who hasn’t been out since November. Pace It looks extremely fast, as several want to be involved early, which could tilt this to a stalker/closer. Trends The main track has been VERY speedy during the week, regardless of the surface condition, and it’s been very tough to pass, so make sure to keep that in mind, especially since it could be souped up and fast and speedy on a big race day. Best Bet…

Play of the Day Race Date April 29, 2021 Track Churchill Downs Race 7 Overview A competitive 40k claimer, though one where the horse to beat—#3 LUCK OF THE DRAW (5-2)—seems to have a decided pace edge. Pace It looks like #3 LUCK OF THE DRAW (5-2) is the controlling speed, and over a track that could be wet, that gives him a big advantage. Trends N/A Best Bet LUCK OF THE DRAW Number 3 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #3 LUCK OF THE DRAW (5-2): In-form runner is 3-2-1-0 of late and looks like the one to catch, for a Shirer barn having a very good…