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Selections provided by Ellis Park racing analyst Scott Shapiro, who has been handicapping horse racing for three decades. A large part of his focus is on trip handicapping, strength of fields and horses on an upward trajectory all while searching for value. “Shap” has strong opinions, and enjoys the challenge of maximizing them in his wagering strategies. Follow on Twitter @ScottShap34

Selections subject to change due to track conditions and scratches. Tune into the paddock show for the most up-to-date information. Check program numbers for accuracy.

Scott's '23 Season Stats thru

Races Wins 2nd 3rd Win% WPS% ROI
190 47 35 26 24.7% 56.8% 1.75

August 28, 2023

Race 1

#7 Sharp Stick- Drops/cuts back/moves back to dirt after being floated wide on 1st turn on 6/29 

#5 Gilded Craken- Failed to live up to expectations this spring, tries MCL foes for initial time

#3 Forever Cool- Lack of early speed is major concern, but should be rolling late under Bejarano

Scott’s SELECTIONS – 7-5-3-2

 

Race 2

#6 Mischievous Gal- Overcame wide voyage throughout in maiden breaker over this turf course; drops/moves back to sod

#3 Cloudy Bay- Should sit favorable stalking trip under Beschizza in 1st try vs claiming ranks

#2 More Than Glory- Gets class relief here on return to the grass for Walsh

Scott’s SELECTIONS – 6/3-2-5

 

Race 3

#8 Choctaw Bingo- Springs upset on cutback in 1st start off claim for Stinson, Jr.

#4 Duplicitous- Could be rounding back into top form; aims to make it 2 in a row for Hartman

#3 Hashtag Winner- Enters this spot in great form, but not sure 6.5 panels is his ideal trip

Scott’s SELECTIONS – 8-4-3-6

 

Race 4

#6 Velocheetah- Half-sis to $435K earner Bayerness exits live MSW event in Indiana; barn won 2 on Sunday

#7 Overindulgence- Moves back into the special weight ranks after solid runner-up performance vs lesser in late July

#8 Excellent Question- Has burnt quite a bit of public $$$ through 5 starts; capable but likely to be an underlay once again

Scott’s SELECTIONS – 6-7-8-1-2-5

 

Race 5

#11 Tipsy Runner- Took noticeable public support in 12-horse MSW event washed off sod; moves fwd here in 2nd career try

#2 Wonder Wave- Ran solid 3rd on debut in what appears to be a very live race back on 7/16; deserving favorite

#6 Candi Girl- Was not disgraced in 1st start despite failing as chalk; out of mare that won 3 of 8 starts over lawn

Scott’s SELECTIONS – 11-2/6-5-8

 

Race 6

#2 Generous Tipper- Still figuring things out mentally, but has shown the ability to finish through 2 starts

#9 Northern Flame- May prefer turf when all is said & done, but moves forward after gaining invaluable racing experience last month

#5 Dutch Mills- Flashed no early speed in 1st start when running into a buzzsaw in Brad Cox trained Timberlake

Scott’s SELECTIONS – 2-9-5-6-1-11-7-3-4-12

 

Race 7

#7 F Five- Finds an extremely friendly spot off bench for Lynch; was gelded after impressive win over CD sod in mid-May

#9 Kitten Mischief- Barn won Sunday feature; likely wants more than 9-furlongs

#2 Stolen Base- Has not hit wire first since taking advantage of biased turf course in Louisville on Derby Day '22

Scott’s SELECTIONS – 7/9-2/3-4-5

 

Race 8

#2 Insignia- Came off nearly year break & won for fun; a step forward and they are running for 2nd

#3 Fogo Island- Took advantage of good rail in allowance win on 7/15; unlikely to be on lead vs this group

#4 Kloepatra- Likely a prep for two-turn races down the road; kept solid company in Canada as a 3YO

Scott’s SELECTIONS – 2/3/4-8-5-7-6-1-9

 

Race 9

#10 English Charm- Drops back in for tag after impossible voyage in 2nd start off layoff for Wilkes

#9 Okay Fine- Likely to get over bet on the class drop, but barn clicks at 29% w/ horses making 1st start vs MCL foes

#8 Callas- Raced against flow in what looked like a prep sprinting over this course back in late June

Scott’s SELECTIONS – 10-9-8-13-11