Handicapper Tips & Picks

Of the two shorter priced runners in the opener, #4 MAKE NOISE returns fresh to Oaklawn along with the two turn distance to suggest intent with races from last season that stack up on par. #6 FLOWERS FOR LISA was caught wide on the first turn returning to Oaklawn on 12/17 and lacked excuse after recording an effort that is softer for today's race and requires a form reversal something that does not appear to be compensated for in the odds. 

#8 RYE HUMOR returns from the 12/17 restricted claiming event with a slight step up in class here following a less than ideal ride. The front wraps were added last month and should be monitored today for removal as a positive sign.

#3 PROMISING SHOES returns to Oaklawn where he has competitive races for today's level keying off the efforts/figures from last year. His form exiting the Hawthorne meet finds a lateral class change (OFR) to suggest with a top effort he is in the right spot to compete. 

#6 ARTHURIAN projects to take the bulk of support for the connections. He is capable in here and logical though will require an assertive ride to keep both #1 ATRAS and #8 GRAPNEL honest up front. The odds could also drop from the morning line on Grapnel going out for Moquett sending out live horses this meet. The drifting combined with the layoff that followed the November 11th race are factors to consider with value.

Creativity makes a case for #7 WITH VERVE returning fresh after 41-days with back numbers that fit and picking up Santana for this race could also suggest intent. Further intent could be suggested for #10 EL TIGRE TERRIBLE reclaimed by Miller and back sprinting where his numbers for this barn in the past have him competitive here. 

#9 ANDY CANT has the benefit of recency wheeling back for this spot. While the class change is not apparent on paper returning under similar conditions today's OFR (par) is much lower than the 12/16 race.

#1 MAMZOOL will have his chance to stretch out and based on the visuals going back to his first couple starts could benefit from today's distance change. #2 ONTHESTAGE will debut at a mile with this placement what they are looking for as they were entered to debut in a MSW mile event here on December 31st and unable to draw in off the AE. 

#11 LEGENDARY GIFT has enough tactical speed to work a trip in today's race shape cutting back to a sprint and even from the outside post. She will make her second start of the meet and returning to the claiming conditions where she fits and suggests the 12/18 allowance placement a potential "prep" off the layoff.

#9 CATECHISM fits right back under similar conditions off the place finish and claim for Diodoro. #5 DORITA'S HEART will return with class relief and could be just what she requires to move forward and compete here. 

#8 THORN CROWN wheels back for his second start and can be upgraded with the class drop and the race flow with the race shape slowing late on 12/11. 

#1 TWIRLING TIGRESS showed run after a slow start in her debut at Louisiana Downs and lands in this spot at Oaklawn Park with intent present for the connections. 

The connections of #3 ANDREA BEACH picked this spot over a race on 12/17 to debut at Turfway Park. 

#6 BEN DIESEL was on a progressive pattern returning with improved speed figures off the layoff. While there was a decline on 12/10 the wide trip, poor track conditions and the race run in the pouring rain could have played a role. 

#9 JOLLY TOMMY showed run with a traffic trip to earn place on 12/16 under similar conditions to today's event to remain in the mix. #5 CAWKAB projects to attract attention following the 12/16 maiden win where he did have a favorable trip and softer pace. That value (or lack of)is noted for a horse that will be class tested here off that trip and against more experienced types. 

#10 IBERVILLE fits though does not offer value with his running style and lacking any other strong edge over others in this field. 

Asmussen has a solid hand with #5 COST BASIS; a front running type to suit today's projected race shape and followed by stablemate #1 MEAN JAKEY, a horse with form here at Oaklawn Park that is "buried" coming into this event. 

#3 UPSTRIKER is another "obvious" type with his run style, live connections and subtle, beneficial class relief from the 11/4 claiming event at Churchill Downs. 

#5 OPEN ROAD is obvious yet unexciting - he fits this race and moves up without many alternatives. #4 GREAT ESCAPE follows similar logical without much value as an alternative.

#1 TIZ RYE TIME could present intent for this race/meet with the connections landing here following a trainer scratch in a similar conditioned Optional Claiming event back on 12/11, a day with a muddy track and poor weather conditions. 

The main players all return from the Mistletoe Stakes on December 10th, a result with winner #3 LOVELY RIDE making a lone lead. The contention should be higher for her today and upgrading some of her rivals. 

#9 WILL'S SECRET wheels back with a rider change and blinkers on following her slow start and third place run. The rider tactic on #7 COACH assisted Lovely Ride as they backed off the early pace and project to be more assertive here to avoid the same mistake twice. A little more was expected from #2 LE DA VIDA though as noted with the race dynamic was taken out of her running style in order to put herself in the race. 

#6 MIRACLE SHOES looked to be using the 10/17 HS Indy race as a prep return for this Oaklawn Park meet. Her effort on 12/9 was stronger visually than the running line and fifth place finish may suggest. 

#10 INDIAN IRISH will step up to take on older and could also find a challenge with her form cycle wheeling off a battle and top effort last month. Those factors are noted even as she is logical based on the projected shorter price. #5 BONNIE LASS will also debut against older though does appear to hold intent for this meet and her connections.