Churchill: DRF Plus handicapping report for May 8, 2014

Race 1 Formulator PPs

Spot Play

CLEAR THE CLOVER (#4, 2-1) You talk about a horse needing a race – this is a textbook case. Now that this mare got that start over the Kee Poly, she’s back on her preferred surface at her preferred distance while taking a subtle drop in claiming price; could well tuck in early for a good Bo-Rail trip. Surely will run much better with that 4/13 effort under her belt. – Marty McGee

Race 2 Formulator PPs

Race 3 Formulator PPs

Race 4 Formulator PPs

Race 5 Formulator PPs

Race 6 Formulator PPs

Race 7 Formulator PPs

Spot Play

ENGLISH COUNCIL (#5, 6-1) hustled right into $10K starter-allowance after $10K claiming win off bench last month at KEE. Not a ton of upside but perhaps just enough in only 3rd career grass try.-Marcus Hersh

ENGLISH COUNCIL (#5, 6-1) Colt who won the meet opener at Kee did so the right way, refusing to surrender when downing $10k Poly maidens. Now switches to grass while taking what amounts to a substantial class hike, which accounts for his mid-range M/L; underrated Calumet-castoff trainer gets his share of pricey winners. – Marty McGee

Race 8 Formulator PPs

Race 9 Formulator PPs

Spot Play

I'll take a shot with GONNA TELL PAPA (#6, 8-1), who has decent works; this is not a stellar field, as evidenced by the 2-1 ML price on the 0-for-10 Maybe Lily. -Kenny Peck

Vulnerable Favorite

MAYBE LILY (#5, 2-1) certainly looks tough on paper, dropping in class and in possession of the best Beyers in the field, ut she's had her chances; she also faded last time despite a perfect trip, and the barn does not win at a high rate. -Kenny Peck

Race 10 Formulator PPs