Daily Handicapping

GOLDEN K (6) has run well in his last four starts against slightly better company. Today’s drop in class and his good form suggest he should be tough to go by here. MONTALVO (4) was no match for allowance rivals after breaking his maiden for a claiming price. Off the class drop alone he looks to be the biggest danger to the top pick. SONOFAWITCH (3) stretches out drastically in distance and his speed makes him a front-running threat if left alone.

FRIDAY MEETING (6) showed good speed in his only start against better. Any improvement off that effort and today’s drop in class should make him tough to go by. PURSUING (7) goes from the inside post to the outside and should press the top pick from that position. He had traffic trouble along with his rail draw last out, but should be well clear of that here. MR. CITY BUSTER (1) takes blinkers off and gets Mena in the irons. He has faded after setting the pace in all his starts, but could last longer without the hood.

CHIPPEWA COURT (4) was a runaway winner last out and runner-up Geniver came back to win her next start. She steps up slightly today, but is in good form and looks tough. PRINCESS B G (6) was third in that same race and just a nose back of Geniver. She has shown little at this level, but a repeat of her last start gives her a chance at part of this. MYLILMONEYMAKER (1) showed the pace from the rail against stronger last out before fading. She has unfortunately drawn inside again today, but has proven that she fits at this class level.

LEAD TIME (3) just missed as the favorite at this level last out and looks capable of getting the win today. There appears to be plenty of speed, which gives her a better chance to close from just off the pace. EVEN TEMPO (7) was pushed back at the start in her last against a much stronger field. She drops in class for top connections and is a strong contender. DELUCIE (5) had no excuse when fading at this level last out, but seems best of the rest here.

JUMONVILLE (8) could not hold on late against better in his first start in four months, but figures to be strong today as he has a race under his belt and he drops in class. HE RULES (2) is a Tampa Bay Downs shipper who makes his third start off a layoff and won his only start on the one-turn mile. He appears to have the best shot to upset the top pick in a well-matched, but soft, group of bottom claimers. CU ROI (6) has run well at the Downs before, but was well behind the top pick when they met here in the fall.

SMOKY MIRRORS (8) faltered badly as the choice while on the rail last out, but gets another chance today for a sharp team. He has the speed to handle the shorter distance and could make amends. MR. SERIOUS (4) finished poorly and was just behind the top pick in the same race, but is capable of better. PUT UP OR (6) has good speed and, like the top pair, is capable of rebounding from a horrible race last out.

STREATERVILLE (4) looks well-meant in this conditioned claimer if he can rebound from a poor effort last out at Mountaineer Park. His second place finish before that was good enough to make a strong contender from close to the pace in this group. A.P. JEWEL (3) is another in poor current form, but he could show new life as he cuts his claiming price in half. SHENG (6) just broke his maiden, but he is hardly overmatched as he faces a weak group in his first race against winners. He has some speed and could be able to get a jump on the top pair.

GOLDEN SENSATION (9) has three consecutive runner-up finishes at this maiden level and cannot be discounted as she bids for the win today. She has good speed is drawn an outside post from which she can stalk the pacesetters and pounce under Julien Leparoux. MASOVIA (3) is a first-time starter who hails from a top barn and has the pedigree to be ready to go early. SHIMMERY (4) was a distant third against a similar group last out and her best effort could make her a factor for a share of this.

CLOSEOUT (3) was completely eliminated at the start last out she was broadsided by a foe as she left the starting gate. She was lucky to finish as close as she did and could show her best ability today if she has a little more luck. MAGICAL THEATER (2) makes her first turf start today and has the pedigree to handle the surface switch. Her two prior races were excellent and she should be in good position throughout. RICH CITIZEN (1) was close to the pace early and finished reasonably well at Keeneland in her first try against winners. The Matt Winn course with its temporary rail out could be kinder to her close-up running style.

ASPIRING (1) blew away a good field in her first start since November and appears ready to improve on her win total today. She has speed to be in a good tactical spot from her rail post, but does not need the lead to run well. UNDERCOVER ANGEL (3) may not have cared for the mud last out, but deserves another chance on a dry track. The seven furlong distance is a question mark for her if she is pushed early. DAY OF VICTORY (6) had a rough trip in stakes competition last out, but could fare better with a clean run under Borel.

ABOVE BOARD (3) has been unlucky in his last two starts and maybe third time is the charm for him today. He was disqualified and placed second two starts back because for a rough bumping incident, then lost all chance last out when he spotted the field many lengths at the break. GOES (10) was third at this level here during Derby Week and can be competitive here with a similar performance. DELIGHTFUL DEMI (11) comes back on very short rest off a good performance at long odds over a muddy track. He deserves a second look in the paddock.