Delaware Handicap Preview: I’m a Chatterbox Looks Tough

Likely Winners

#4 I’m a Chatterbox – Larry Jones knows how to campaign fillies, and I’m a Chatterbox looks to be another classic example of his strong filly training skills.  After a great 2015 campaign that almost lead to an Eclipse Award I’m a Chatterbox did lose her 2016 debut at Keeneland, but rebounded last time out in the local prep for this race to win by over eight lengths.  Obviously this race today is against tougher competition, but it looks to me like this filly has returned to her previous form.  A mile and a quarter isn’t out of her realm as she finished second in the Alabama at Saratoga last year at the distance, so I think all systems are go for her today.  She just needs to show up with her normal form and she should be fine.

Exotic Plays

#1 Paid Up Subscriber – She definitely qualifies as the “now” horse coming into this race.  Last time out she dominated her competition in a Grade 2 event at Churchill Downs, but in my opinion that was a terribly weak race.  Both of the well regarded and well bet horses in that race ran terrible, and the rest of the field past those two left a lot to be desired.  However, it’s clear this horse has put some things together and is blossoming.  I don’t think she’s any match for I’m a Chatterbox, but if someone in here is going to pull off the upset it’s going to be her.

#6 Penwith – People have always loved Penwith, but I’m not one of those people.  She basically is a grinding type of horse that does do well against slower competition, but she’s not fast enough to beat high end talent.  Today’s Del Cap is not all that strong so it’s not out of the question for her to win if a couple of these fail to show up, but it’s more reasonable to play her underneath in this spot.

Party Crashers

#5 Mei Ling – Giving her very little chance to win today, but the only thing that could happen if everything were to fall right for her is for her to get an easy lead.  If she does that and the track favors speed she might end up being tough to pass, but can we really rely on all that happening?  Wouldn’t play her unless her odds really balloon, but it was hard to place a label on her in this race.  Will at least factor into the race with her early speed.

Throw Outs

#3 Milaya – Tried stakes company last time out and was beaten badly, and this spot is tougher than that one.  Hard to see her making impact in this race.

#2 Money’soncharlotte – Had a big win last time out that might give her connections some hope, but overall she seems outclassed in a big way.  It’s important to note that was her first win since November of 2014.