Handicapping

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…

Play of the Day Race Date April 28, 2021 Track Churchill Downs Race 5 Overview A strong AOC with several different ways to go, in a race where value seemingly abounds. Pace It looks like it should be honest and contested, as more than a few want to be involved early. Trends N/A Best Bet LITTLE MENACE Number 2 Morning Line (4-1) Best Bet Overview #2 LITTLE MENACE (4-1): Class dropper has been facing much better going a furlong sorter on dirt, goes turf-to-dirt and two turns to one, and should love all the pace up front he gets to track. Picks & Plays WP bet and a…

Play of the Day Race Date April 24, 2021 Track Churchill Downs Race 5 Overview A very weak 20k MCL with more than a few who are very uninspiring. Pace There’s not a lot here, and with #2 GRAND DESIGN (3-1) stretching out off an MSW sprint, and getting Geroux, the mission in an obvious one. Trends N/A Best Bet GRAND DESIGN Number 2 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet Overview #2 GRAND DESIGN (3-1): Potential Lone F catches a group without a lot of early speed and gets Geroux, who will send, and the stiff drop from the MSW ranks will only help. Picks & Plays Aggressive WP…

Play of the Day Race Date April 23, 2021 Track Keeneland Race 7 Overview A strong N2X on the turf with several winning candidates in a heat that could turn out to be a key race. Pace There’s no clear-cut front runner, so expect a slow-paced race early and one that turns into a sprint late. Trends The turf tends to favor stalkers a bit more than front runners, though with rain on Wednesday it’s a little tough to gauge. Best Bet OCEAN ATLANTIQUE Number 5 Morning Line (2-1) Best Bet Overview #5 OCEAN ATLANTIQUE (2-1) (turf only): Basically ran in place in a US debut you know…

Play of the Day Race Date April 22, 2021 Track Keeneland Race 5 Overview A compact 20k claimer with plenty of speed. Pace As mentioned, it looks hot, as three of the five entered want to motor early on. Trends I’m going against the track a bit, as speed has done very well during the meet, but this one has the look of a race begging to fall apart. Best Bet ERV’S WENCH Number 1 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #1 ERV’S WENCH (5-2): Stalker ran well against better at GP and should love all the speed she gets to settle off of here. Picks & Plays…