Emily Gullikson of optixEQ handicaps RACE 4 – DARK STAR TURF SPRINT:
The “Red” PlotFit shows a chaotic race shape and individual Plot positions playing against morning line favorites #4 SEVEN SCENTS and #2 XY SPEED to look elsewhere for a top contender. There are many EP RunStyle horses, though a lower Contention (Snowflake) in Quad I, a scenario that upgrades #12 PLANE TALK and #13 SPYCRAFT (Standard Quad I); #3 MARK OF THE Z though class is lighter and might fall more to underneath/value required.
#7 ON YOUR MARK finds one of the more favorable Plot positions for his RunStyle tracking from Quad II and sitting above the ParLine – conditions where he has performed well in the past. #9 TIGER DAD can also be upgraded under today’s condition and on Surface/Distance making a positive change in that direction with intent as Lopez, the Phoenix Gold Cup rider will be back aboard.
#1 SHIP IT RED has class concerns as far as a contender though capable of picking up a minor share. The Plot position today does not set up well for #5 JAZZY TIMES, the mild 10-1 upset winner of this race last year. #15 BODENHEIMER (AE) has the challenge of drawing into the race and overcoming the post position, though should he participate as a long shot, he can be upgraded on the Plot (above ParLine) and his current form cycle.
Emily Gullikson
OptixEQ Analyst, Partner
Emily Gullikson is a horseplayer and a partner at OptixEQ.com, a premier handicapping information provider. One of her primary roles at OptixEQ is taking detailed trip notes and being a specialist in form cycle analysis. Her work is featured regularly at Brisnet and Twinspires. She was featured on the Ringer Podcast series ‘Gamblers – The Punk Rock Horseplayer.’
