HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

LAUREL

 

BIG DANCE: Rated, moved, and drew off to easily best eight opponents in maiden win most recently; with first win under saddle, he can now step up.

CARELESS GLANCES: Showed only mild interest when fifth most recently, but was turning back to sprint off turf routes; proves sharper for experience going forward.

DEER RUN: Proven veteran chased and weakened in his latest, and could be a touch better if allowed to drop back and rally from midpack; fits at current claiming level.

END OF AN ERA: Overcame trouble to rally strongly to finish second, beaten just a nose, in his latest; consistent sort gets top prize in next.

KNIGHT’S JUDGEMENT: Failed to build upon impressive debut victory when a flat sixth in first try with winners, but proves wise $16K-claim for Haynes nonetheless; race with winners helps.

PROVEYOURLOVE: Easily scored off the claim on the front end to take his second straight most recently; keeps on rolling for Merryman barn.

SHORT HAIR: Remained popular at claim box – this time going to trainer McMahon for $20K – when fair fourth in latest; typically moves late and is a must in gimmicks.

THUNDA BOLT: Never factored in latest, but route trip may have proved a bit tough in just his second start since sprint return win off lengthy layoff; benefits.

THUNDEROUS SONG: Never really got on track when fourth in latest, but note she wasn’t far removed from second; like show of confidence with new barn trying ALW spot in first try off claim/layoff.

4*SPECIAL: INISH SHANK: Regressed a bit in latest when third, but may have felt effects of strong prior effort in which he rallied through mud to finish a close third; bounces right back.

LONGSHOT: SUMMER NOTEBOOK: Chased and weakened to fifth in latest, but her first start with winners following nice debut win should only help matters; juvenile filly to follow.

 

 

 

TAMPA BAY

 

ALL RISE: Was sent off as the favorite last out, dropped from post 2 to race at the back of the pack but came with a very wide run to close to the gap and finish third, a better price next out.

PISTOLS FLOWER: Made a good middle move to get into second last out but was no match for the runaway winner and checked in third late at 26-1, follow with NW3L $10k claimers.

QUITE THE GUY: Broke from the rail last out settling in seventh, then made a strong move to challenge for the lead but tired in the lane for fourth, follow right back with $25k claimers on the turf.

SLEWEY ARMSTRONG: Pressed the pace while racing three wide, took the challenge to the front running favorite and wore that one down late for the win at 12-1, follow that one right back at a price.

UTMOST RESPECT: Shipped in last out from Woodbine, raced near the back of the pack early on and then came with a strong run to get up for the win only to get taken down for drifting out badly in the lane and was placed second; repeats at similar level.

BEST BET: RUN WITH THE SPIRIT: Has a solid breeding for the turf but in all three career tries has always found a reason not to run well, most recent troubled fourth was a good comeback race and will be tough with maidens right back.

LONGSHOT: PAYBACK: Was well placed early on, made a good middle move to get into contention but flattened out late to finish fourth at 25-1; fits with NW2L $16k claimers.