Super Screener: Secret Spice at a price in Clement L. Hirsch
Billed as a rematch of 5-year-old mares Paradise Woods and La Force, Sunday’s Grade 1, $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes features another filly relatively new to the graded scene and worth a play, according to Horse Racing Nation’s Super Screener handicapping system.
The Super Screener, authored by HRN co-founder Mike Shutty, uses time-tested methods to analyze top races on a weekly basis, with what’s offered here only a sample of the full product available now.
“She will sit the perfect trip off the pace leader, Just a Smidge,” Shutty said, “saving ground throughout, which she’ll need to do in order to have enough energy in reserve for that final furlong.
“She might be best sticking to a mile or less, though we won’t let the second-place finish against tougher last out scare us off despite the extra ground here. Secret Spice is a prime win contender.”
Campaigned by Little Red Feather Racing and celebrity chef Bobby Flay, Secret Spice is a must-use in multi-race wagers, per Shutty, and the only horse that fits into the “A” category from this race. That means he considers Paradise Woods a vulnerable favorite.
“Will she fire?” Shutty asks. “One must cover for that possibility, but less weight should be given to her in the win wagering as her performance on any given day is too unpredictable.”
In John Shirreffs’ care this season, Paradise Woods ended a losing streak dating back to 2017 when she routed her rivals in the April 27 Santa Margarita (G2). But in the June 1 Santa Maria (G2), she stumbled at the break and ran a flat second to La Force, who she had just beaten by 10 1/2 lengths.
This race, Shutty admits, is low on value, and on a single-race basis may be worth passing altogether. But he likes Secret Spice as the top win pick and expects a live longshot to factor in the exotics. His suggested plays and deeper analysis on other top weekend stakes are available now, so consider adding the Super Screener advantage to your handicapping arsenal today!