OK, I’ve gone long enough without doing any actual handicapping on the blog. I’ve always liked the Beverly D and I have a real opinion in it, so I’m going to tackle it horse by horse. Fear not, I’ll be back with more nonsense tomorrow, probably the story of Mugs and the Pickle Ball crew.

#1 KAPITALE wouldn’t at first glance appear fast enough to tackle the best of these, but we’ve seen enough marked improvements from Euros getting their first taste of “Yankee juice” that you certainly wouldn’t want to be cavalier about tossing her either. 12-1 feels right.

#2 I’M A DREAMER looks like the real deal to me: the best form, some of the best figures, and proven North American form as well. She’d be worth a large wager at the 8s of the ML. I make her chance more like 9/2.

#3 ROMACACCA was game in vitury last out but that was a track that was favoring speed. She could get in the number on her best but I think she’s about 50-1 for me on the win end.

#4 UPPERLINE is a mare who has impressed me in the past but I think she has the look of a Grade 3 horse in a Grade 1 race, despite how much I like this barn. 30-1.

#5 MYSTICAL STAR is cool and versatile and I’ve heard good things about how she’s coming along. On form and figures though, she has a little bit to find. Certainly usuable though, especially if she gets ignored in the betting. I make her a B type contender around 8-1.

#6 UP has run races that would make her competitive, I just don’t think she’s as good as my top pick all in all. Like her rival to her inside, a B type at 8s feel right to me.

#7 ARUNA bailed this blog out of the red two years back (boy, how I could use a little of that Aruna magic now!). For me, she’s my prefernece of the American lot, and quite possibly rounding back into her best form and sitting on a race. My general prefernece for European turf runners is just about the only reason I’m going to price her up as high as 9/2. She’s an A level contender for sure.

#8 MARKETING MIX has valid claims on the paper — she’s an awesome filly and she’s certainly run fast enough to win. I guess my only concern is really price as there might be more value trying to beat her. I make her an A level contender at 5-1. And if she beats me, I’ll still be cheering her as she gets walked into the winner’s circle.

#9 STARS TO SHINE looks wanting on form and turf figures, but she’s another win machine from a great outfit who could surprise. 30s for the value line exercise though.

#10 JOVIALITY isn’t too far behind I’M A DREAMER for me, though I don’t love that she’s shorter in the betting. She’ll go well on the ground and id my fourth and final A, though I make her 6-1.

BANKROLL PLAY:

Race 10 at Arlington, the Beverly D

$100 to win on #2 I’M A DREAMER

MEET TO DATE RESULTS: -$1,471.25