HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

GULFSTREAM

AWESOME IDEA: Not sure who’s idea it was to run him in a tough allowance spot off a pair of solid efforts versus $40k claimers, but he suffered the consequences, finishing ninth. Tab on a class drop.

BERNARDINI: Blue-blooded sophomore by A.P. Indy out of Cara Rafaela gained good racing experience placing fourth in his debut. Keep an eye on this Darley colorbearer.

DARK CHEETAH: Made a good middle-move before flattening out in the stretch, while making his U.S. and dirt debut off a layoff. Storm Cat colt can only move forward.

DIVA: Sophomore filly out of Clear Mandate is starting to come around since being switched to the grass. Recent fourth was her best start yet; George "Rusty" Arnold calls the shots.

FULLER: Speedster was in too deep versus allowance company at Gulfstream Jan. 7. Wires a field of optional claimers if spotted correctly.

HONORING CAROLYN: Outran her 22-1 odds at Belmont with a victory Oct. 15, then placed third at 17-1 at Gulfstream Jan. 7. In good form at the moment; ignore the tote board.

HOTSTUFANTHENSOME: Six-year-old enjoyed a break through year in 2005 and has kept the momentum going this season, placing a strong second in the Ft. Lauderdale S. Jan. 8. Head to the windows.

LIMA PAPA: Jimmy Jerkens firster was last of 11 through a quarter in :22 2/5, but began to catch on late, finishing fifth at 42-1. Benefits from the experience.

SKY LASS: Was very far back in the early going, but came threading her way through the stretch to finish third at 32-1. Watch out for this turfer.

SOURCE: Old boy is a lot better than his ninth-place finish going one mile Jan. 8. Prefers shorter distances; tab at a price.

 

4STARSPECIAL: MY GOLDEN SONG: Was very high on this Todd Pletcher three-year-old after his two New York victories, then reported under the line a well-beaten third when stretched to one mile in the deep Aventura S. The talent is there; stay close.

LONGSHOT: SENOR NICKY: Bounced back well off his Nov. 13 start [in which he was eased] with a fourth-place finish at 239-1 Jan. 7. Does it for low-profile connections.

 

 

SAM HOUSTON

DAINTY GIRL: Took good money for her career debut, was well beaten that day but has since improved with a maiden breaker at 44-1 and then closed well to finish third in her first try with winners. Should continue to improve, follow.

HERVE: Veteran gelding knows how to win and handles all surfaces, most recent third was solid and is still in sharp form.

I KNOW YOU: Only has one win on the turf from 23 tries but did well to finish third last out at 29-1; offers value on the turf with $7.5k claimers.

NOTABLE RULING: His two race win streak has come to an end when he checked in third last out but was used up battling outside the wire to wire winner; can score with NW3L claimers right back.

POUILLY FUISSE: Broke well from the outside post and battled head to head for the lead through solid splits but tired a bit late to finish fourth, can be very tough to catch if she can clear off early on.

PUFFING BILLY: Showed improved speed last out but was used up chasing the pace while racing four wide, dropped back but then came again to finish fourth, goes out for solid barn, stay close.

 

4STARSPECIAL: EDELWEISS SONG: Has never run very well on the turf in the past but did hold on better last out when she checked in fourth, look for a switch back to the dirt to get the job done.

LONGSHOT: GREY FOOT: Had a rough 2005 going 0 for 13 for the year but has started off 2006 in a better way with a solid closing second place finish most recently.