HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

LONE STAR

GENTLE MAGGIE: Needs alert start from gate to strut her best stuff on or near the pace; can do just that in upcoming third start following October ’05 layoff.

GREAT ACTRESS: Made pace and was nailed on the wire when second, beaten a nose, most recently; proves worthwhile $10K-claim for trainer Cobb.

HIS EYES: Made pace and drew out to dominant score when living up to odds-on role most recently; rarely a poor one from this gelding, so he stays on our tickets.

NATIVE RELIC: Held form well most recently, when asked to try tougher class level, as he finished third following tough gate getaway and wide journey; next time.

PRISSY’S A TEN: Proved willing when moved to turf for latest, but had to settle for second in an improved effort; her turn next time.

T V POKER: Failed to threaten, but did show subtle improvement when sixth in crowded group at long odds most recently; chance for jackpot.

VIRGINIA PRIDE: Grizzled veteran fired a big shot for second, when beaten a neck as the favorite, most recently; gets elusive win next time.

WILD SCREEN: Withstood pace pressure throughout to post game maiden win by a neck over 13 opponents in her latest; takes next logical class step.

 

4STARSPECIAL: IT’S VALID: Chased and weakened to third most recently, but should improve for trainer Asmussen with return from March-layoff now under her saddle; wins on the fly.

LONGSHOT: SLY DEVIL: Chased and weakened in crowded group most recently, but 3YO filly figures to show more speed and staying power in third lifetime start.

 

 

COLONIAL DOWNS

APOLLO JONES: Returned from freshening with sharp second after chasing the pace in his latest; major player on NW2L scene.

HAY CHEIF: Rallied for second, beaten a length, when a lukewarm choice in latest; wide journey didn’t help, and filly can score with pace/racing luck on her side.

KYLE’S KING: Rallied for third when cut back to sprint most recently – a long overdue return to better form; builds upon effort.

LUSTY LATIN: Bounced back to better form when second in his latest, and figures to improve with switch back to Laurel (2-1-1-0); veteran with back class.

MAJESTIC SLEWVILLE: Chased wide and weakened to fifth when beaten as the favorite in hot turf dash most recently; wants to rumble early.

NATIVE NEW YORKER: Has shown subtle improvement with racing since return from lengthy break; can surprise right group with overdue score now.

PRINCE ARTAX: Settled for third in blanket finish in 12-horse gathering most recently, and is simply in sharp form right now; try at current level, or figure stronger with NW2L group.

PROPER CARD: Lacked needed response when a flat fourth most recently, but may have felt effects of strong second in prior spin; bounces back.

SKIP N’ JUMP: Returned from four-month break to post a game neck win most recently; lightly raced 5YO with some back class brings some upside.

SLAP SHOT: Blasted clear early and battled gamely in stretch behind blowout winner while fighting on well for third, just missing second; another shot.

 

4STARSPECIAL:LIVELY SWEEP: Blasted clear early but faded to fourth when it counted in the lane; note, allowance ranks might have been a bit steep so expect drop for trainer Dale Capuano.

LONGSHOT: LEGENDARY SQUIRE: Stalked and faltered to seventh most recently, but was burdened by wide perch in crowded group; another shot.