DELAWARE PARK PICKS AND HORSES TO WATCH: MAY 29

Elate
Elate was much the best in the 2019 Delaware Handicap. Photo by Allison Janezic.

Delaware Park has a nine-race card on tap this Saturday and is off the turf today. Post time for the opener is 1:15 p.m., and we’ve got Delaware Park picks.

Also, check out Joe’s picks for every Delaware Park race on the Delaware Park simulcast feed!

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE NUMBERCONTENDERSCOMMENTS
Race 59-8-4-6This 65K optional claiming event was scheduled for 1 1/16 on the turf but has been switched to the main track. As a result, it looks like #9 Shane’s Jewel (3-2) has the advantage. He should get an easy lead and may well go wire to wire. He loves the slop which could be a big advantage today… #8 Aspect (9-5) is coming off a six-month layoff but ran some strong races at the Delaware meet last year. If he can match those efforts he will be very competitive today… #4 Eons (8-5) has been running with graded stakes company down in Florida and did not disgrace himself — he won the G3 Kent locally two years ago — but those were on the turf… #6 Militiaman (12-1) is a versatile type who can put in a good performance on any racing surface.
Race 75-1A-3-7In this MSW taken off the turf #5 Grandeur (9-2) looks like he’s prepped for a good run. This big gangly gelding made up some ground in his debut — which was also on the main track — once he got going. He looks like he will enjoy a little more distance which he will be getting today... #1A Vikram (8-1) is a main-track only entrant, and you have to respect those when races are taken off the turf. Jonathan Thomas has a good record with first-time starters and this horse is sired by Blame, which indicates he may be precocious and ready to run first time out… #3 Common Bond (3-1) has run a couple of decent turf races in Tampa and looks like he fits well with this group… #7 Petawawa (8-1) is another first-time starter and has Joe Bravo aboard. This colt has been working well and is worth a look.
Race 87-8-4-3In this 6F 50K optional claiming race for three-year-old fillies who have never won two, we’ll go with #7 Trip to Freedom (6-1). This filly seems to be hitting her stride as she shows ascending speed figures in her last three races down in Maryland. Last out she won on the lead in a race that had a closer’s bias. She may get more pressure up front this time, but she should be able to hold on for the win again… For the place spot we will go with #8 Love in Her Eyes (7-2). If the early speed horses tire this is the type of horse that will pick up the pieces. A very consistent runner who usually finds her way into the exotics… #4 Sky Proposal (4-1) is also worth a look. She has faltered in her last two, but she has the back class to be competitive with this group if she runs her best… #3 Kewpie Doll (8-1) could make a run if there is a very hot pace. She beat Trip to Freedom last year in race with a contested pace.

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