ANALYSIS

BEST BET: RACE 4, BETTABE SWIFT

FIRST RACE

GUNMAN a beaten fave in three of last five starts but vs. better while turning back to what may prove a more effective distance here. Need only hang close early to earn elusive diploma. SOUPER BOOM checked briefly down backstretch, came wide into stretch and was late changing leads while disappointing as odds on choice against state bred MSW company last time. Comes up tagged, adds blinkers, one more chance at this level. MASTER Q exits best yet. Dangerous with another forward move.

SECOND RACE

SHE TAKES HEART ran her best race last year when loose on the lead and that looks like the way this one might trip out if she leaves cleanly under Zayas, who ran from Grace’s Drama to take this call. Third start of current form cycle today. WITCH HUNTER demands respect dropping to this level for first time after being hard used contesting early issue for twice the tag last month. Not badly beaten in key race two back. Figures to stalk top one from outset. . LOVE DADDY a question mark on dirt but hard to ignore anything from this barn lately.

THIRD RACE

LADY CLOVERLY nearly lost her rider at the start, did well to beat half the field, galloped out with good energy when dropped to this level for first time last out. Expecting big effort if she leaves with the others. WHAT’S THE MOVE in new hands since disappointing as 2-1 choice vs. a notch better off the late running maiden win. Still a good fit here. SHIKAKA stretches out around two turns for first time since last spring, likely forwardly placed from outset off series of sprint tries.

FOURTH RACE

BETTABE SWIFT ran huge in defeat at first calling, hesitating at the break, hustling into contention, finishing full of run after fanning well wide off turn. Need only leave with field to graduate despite the class jump. MUDSLIDE WICKED stuck in second gear but still quick enough to lead these merry chase if clearing off again from inside draw. DRIVING WIND tailed off last two starts off nice effort on New Year’s Day. Drops to weakest level yet.

FIFTH RACE

SAMARONTI back in familiar hands re-joining Walsh barn with whom he’s spent nearly his entire career. Drops to winning spot off disappointing turf try off the claim. GREYZER didn’t have much excuse when a beaten favorite with same kind last time but working well for new connections. One more chance.CONVERTER the one to catch stepping up off easy maiden win.

SIXTH RACE

GO MIKE the only two time turf winner in the field and a nice fit at this level. Catches up with familiar nemesis LONG BEACH KID once again, the latter likely one to fear with a trip. HACHACHA held own with same kind last time. Cannot leave out of the equation.

SEVENTH RACE

LAUDA SPEED stretches out off good showing over wet track in the Hutcheson and training well for return to dry land. May relish stretch to seveneighths.BOCA BOY makes third start of form cycle while obviously getting class relief trying allowance company for first time here. SUPER STRONG showed little when ambitiously placed for U S bow but looks like he might have some talent, expecting big bounce back with one under the belt.

EIGHTH RACE

LASHARA exits what may have been a much needed outing last time, could prove right one in even mix with expected improvement. SHIFTY SHE has been away a long time but in good hands and must respect off previous form prior to hitting the sidelines. KELSEY’S CROSS classy sort but winless for quite some time. Getting major class relief today.