HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

HAWTHORNE

BOTTIGLIA: Was reluctant to load before the start of the race but did improve her position through the stretch to finish fourth; give her another shot at a price.

QUEEN OF FLOWERS: Raced close up from the inside post, was still there at the top of the lane and had some trouble through the stretch before checking in fourth, should improve in her second career start.

REAL DEAL: Raced in third or fourth early on and then made up ground in the lane to finish second to the runaway favorite; the value is there.

RIGHT FLANKER: Showed good speed last out shipping in from Great Lakes Downs but couldn’t hold off the two favorites and tired to finish third; tab with straight three year old $16k claimers.

SHE BE FAPIANO: Made a move from 8th into fourth last out but flattened out and didn’t improve her position any further; follow with $18k claimers.

VALLEY OAK: Was sent off at 29-1 last out, the longest shot in the race and did well to close for third behind the two favorites, stay close especially at a price.

 

4STARSPECIAL: CHIEF THIEF: Put in a huge effort last out in his career debut, a mile on the turf, and he just missed by two heads checking in third while showing the way from the start; graduates next out in a similar spot.

LONGSHOT: WAR BOUNTY: Got away at the back of the pack most recently behind slow early fractions but did close ground in the drive to finish fourth at 34-1; stay close.

 

 

SANTA ANITA

APALACHEE TIGER: Got off to a bad start and had a terrible trip when off the board in the Phil Shepherd Stakes. Deserves another chance.

CHARISMATIC GOLD: Prepped in a Fairplex sprint off of a five month layoff. Fits vs. maiden claimers for low-profile barn.

CHIEF CONSTABLE: Maiden-breaking effort at Fairplex was huge when he won going away at 24-1 despite a poor break. Keep an eye out for him.

CLARENCE BEEKS: Needed a race at Fairplex after an eight-month layoff. Should be coming along for Doug O’Neill.

ESPRESSO LOVE: Dueled and turned in a good effort when beaten as the favorite at Fairplex, Worth another try at a better price at Oak Tree.

FAMARAPTOR: Broke slowly in four furlong return prep race off of a six-month layoff. Don’t ignore in next outing.

HAPPY CELYNA: Was in contention but dropped back in the stretch after being forced out on the turn at Fairplex. Too early to give up.

JOHNNY ICE: Lost a Fairplex blanket finish when he couldn’t catch the front-runners due to the short Fairplex stretch. Don’t overlook.

MAMMOTH POWER: Never recovered from a slow break at Fairplex. Competitive back vs. similar with a clean start.

NEVER SURRENDER: Was engaged in a four-length-gap speed duel and held on for second. Can win off claim by low-profile barn.

RED NECK LADY: Totally toss out the last-place finish at Fairplex when she stumbled to her knees at the start in return from a layoff. Could be good here or back at TuP.

ROCKIN’ RIZZI: Totally toss out Fairplex fiasco on 9/11 when he blew the turn. Try again as a possible overlay at Oak Tree.

SEND ME A COPY: Ran out of stretch on the Fairplex bullring and could not get up in time despite a late surge. Don’t overlook in next.

SLOW N EASY: Broke slowly en route to a loss at Fairplex, but still didn’t run bad for third behind a pair of speed horses. Needs a clean start.

 

4STARSPECIAL: HOLLY’S GOLD: Returned from a year layoff back at Fairplex with a second-place finish behind a winning favorite. Keep an eye out in next for Mullins.

LONGSHOT: EL MERO MERO: Was bothered and fanned wide on the turn, but still outran 29-1 odds for third in a good effort behind a loose wire-to-wire winner and a 6-5 favorite. Live at a big price.