HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FAIRS

AT A BOY LUTHER: Seven-year-old showed some good speed last time dueling for a half mile before tiring to third. Always in the mix.

DYNAMIC LACEY: Came from way out of it to finish fourth at 27-1 Oct. 8. A very wide trip must be noted that day; dangerous over either surface.

FU MAN SLEW: The switch to grass has clearly woken this guy up. Finished fourth at 56-1 in his turf bow Sept. 29, then ran a respectable third at 35-1 Oct. 9. It’s time to start paying him some respect.

FULLMOON HOWL: Offered little in his first start off the layoff, but really turned it around last time, finishing third at 21-1 while overcoming trouble. Get some bang for your buck.

GLENGOFFE: Was freshened up in March and returned from the shelf with a second-place finish at 17-1 after pressing the winner throughout. Try again.

GRUMPY’S CAPSTERS: A rare off-the-board finish for her last time, when fifth Oct. 9. She’s capable of a lot better; don’t ignore.

HOUSE OF CRYSTAL: Opened her account with two decent efforts. Finished second first time out, then returned with a third-place finish. An obvious threat versus maiden claimers.

JADELET: Emerald shipper gave it a good showing in her local and turf debuts, staying on for third after getting caught in a duel. Respect this daughter of Skip Away.

KARENS KWIK WAGER: Had to be impressed with her first attempt against winners [finished second] after breaking maiden versus $20k taggers. Fits well with starter allowance foes.

MINA GIRL: Really on the improve since shipping in from Del Mar and switching to turf. Caught some trouble when a well-beaten second last out; ready to earn that diploma.

PLEASANT GOLD: Lost his first two dirt starts by a combined 27 lengths, but showed some new life when switched to grass last time. Can build off fifth-place finish.

 

4STARSPECIAL: BRAHMA BULL: Likes to run second, but returned from the April freshening in style with a four-length tally Oct. 8. Six-year-old makes it two straight.

LONGSHOT: SHINING BELLE: Clearly needed one to get loose off the lengthy layoff. Can only move forward after placing ninth Oct. 8.

 

 

HAWTHORNE

GOLDEN LACES: Put in a good effort last out closing well to finish second and will be tough right back with NW3L $10k claimers.

JIMMY’S BOY: Blasted clear from the gate, held a clear advantage through solid splits but tired very late for a close-up third, wires them next out.

MISS CONNIE SUE: Five year old mare made a big move from fourth to take a clear lead into the stretch but was run down late by the favorite while 7 ½ lengths clear of the show spot, solid.

PA KETTLE: Finished a distant second last out but was the only one to make up any ground while clear of the third place finisher, tab with NW2L claimers.

TOSS FOR CASH: Lacked early speed while racing in fifth early on, came wide for the drive, took the lead late but was run down when it counted just missing by a neck, tab with $25k three year old claimers.

 

4STARSPECIAL: R SUZIE Q: Was fractious in the gate, didn’t get away from the gate in good order stalking the leaders in sixth before making a strong move to take over the lead into the stretch, just missing by a neck; follow with $5k claimers.

LONGSHOT: KIAWAH LIGHT: Made a good middle move from seventh to third but then raced evenly thereafter; follow right back with NW2L claimers.