Handicapping Articles

  Tuesday, May 2    RACE 3   BEST PLAY  # 3 Misbehaved is the horse to beat in race 3. He has a class edge on his bottom level claiming rivals.  RACE PACE  #1 Uncle Vic and #2 Smart Storm should provide the early pace for Misbehaved to run at.  TRENDS  The track played fair for the most part, as expected due to short 4-1/2 furlong distance front speed dominated going 11 for 16.   ANGLES  The big class drop too large to ignore. Trainer Jeff Englehart and jockey Andre Worrie win at 34% together here at Finger Lakes.                                                                          The Play:    Use #3 Misbehavin on top in trifectas…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  4/29/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 5      Race overview:  A very weak MSW for 3up sprinting on the main, and it’s the distance that’s key here, as it will play to #4 MAPPER (3-1) a lot more than it will to #7 Sidekick (5-2).       Pace:  It should be hot and contested, as not only are there ore than a few who want to be involved early, but there is a slew of firsters entered too, several of which have bullet drills for their unveiling.      Trends:  N/A      …

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  4/27/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Keeneland – Race 8      Race overview:  A non-descript N2L allowance, with a few who seem stuck in neutral, which isn’t the case with #5 BRAGANZA (5-2), who enters off a strong 2nd last time at FG.       Pace:  There’s not a ton of true sprint speed here, with #3 Send for Me (7-2) likely making the lead, so laying close early seems imperative for success late.      Trends:  The main track has played fair for the most part, with a slight tilt towards speed last Friday and Saturday,…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  4/26/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Keeneland – Race 8      Race overview:  A weak N2X routing 1 ½ miles on the turf for fillies and mares, with the obvious exception of #7 BROADWAY BOOGIE (9-5), who is using this as a pit stop to another graded stakes try.       Pace:  It looks on the slow side, as there’s not here, so expect a tight pack that will turn into a sprint off the far turn.      Trends:  They don’t run enough turf races to confidently think there’s a trend, though the majority of the…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  4/23/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Keeneland – Race 3      Race overview:  A below-average 50k claimer going 7Fs on the main, which means a class riser in great form, like #6 KEEN LADY (7-2), might be in a prime spot.       Pace:  It looks slow to non-existent, as several are confirmed one-run closers, so the ability to lay close is paramount.      Trends:  The main track has tilted towards speed (which is nothing unusual), though there has been no obvious biases in terms of running styles or paths, while the turf has been on…

  Tuesday, April 25    RACE 8   BEST PLAY  #4 Magnificent Chrome drops into a soft spot after sparring with open 10k claimers in New York.  Looks to conclude the card with a victory due to significant class edge.   RACE PACE  Has enough tactical speed to be with the early pacesetters. May even get lead vs slower group.  TRENDS  N/A   ANGLES  Has never been in this cheap and has good early for this distance, which makes him a big win threat.  Single in late pick-4 start that starts in the 5th race and looks like to solid win-place wager.    

  Monday, April 24    RACE 7   BEST PLAY  #6 Lady’s Golden Guy is the key to the Opening Day feature race.   He looks to make it 4 in a row going back to last year. (5-2 ml)  RACE PACE  Almendro is quick but Lady’s Golden Guy can stay close with early.  TRENDS  N/A   ANGLES  Has bullet work and defeated similar field when last seen in November.  Single in Pick-5, Late Double 6 over to 1-2-6.       FGL MEET:  

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  4/22/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Keeneland – Race 3      Race overview:  An uninspiring 30k MCL going 7Fs on the main, with very few entering with proven, trustworthy form.       Pace:  It looks on the slow side, as there’s not much sprint speed entered, and there are also some confirmed closers as well, so you better be able to lay close early.      Trends:  The main track has tilted towards speed (which is nothing unusual), though there has been no obvious biases in terms of running styles or paths, while the turf has been…

Date: 4/21/2023 Featured Track/Race: Keeneland – Race 4   Race overview: An uninspiring MSW routing on the main for f/ms, with a 2-1 ML favorite (#1), who hasn’t been seen since 3/13/22.   Pace: Expect things to be moderate up front, as there’s not a lot of real speed signed on, in a race where a lot of these are suspect at the distance as well. Trends: The main track has tilted towards speed (which is nothing unusual), though there has been no obvious biases in terms of running styles or paths, while the turf has been on fair side.   Best Play: #4 MAGIC PALACE (9-2): Tactical…

Date:  4/20/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Keeneland – Race 5      Race overview:  A seemingly below average N1X sprinting on turf, with very little trusted, proven form to go on.       Pace:  It’s a turf sprint, so there will be plenty of it, so look for someone with a rating gear that can pick the speed off in the stretch.      Trends:  The main track has tilted towards speed (which is nothing unusual), though there has been no obvious biases in terms of running styles or paths, while the turf has been on fair side.       Best Play:  #9 PEACH COBBLER (7-2): (turf only):…