HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

LAUREL PARK

 

DELAWARE RIVER: Suffered tough nose beat when game after battling with pace throughout latest; proven veteran has one coming to him now.

HALO HEAVEN: Has progressed in a pair of starts since return from brief freshening and now appears primed for breakout in upcoming third start of form cycle; likes to win.

HEART PINE: Never factored when away toward rear from wide perch in 12-horse group most recently; prior form suggests he’s capable of more – at a price – with better luck.

JUDGE LUCI: Lightly raced 4YO filly has been slow to get into stride in a pair of starts since claimed by winning Grove barn; stay patient, as price should reward.

LOTHAR: Brings plenty of early speed to lower-end claiming sprints, and should prove a more than worthwhile $7,5K-claim for Robb barn.

ON THE GAME: Rang in the new year with career win number 14, his second straight; proven 9YO veteran builds upon success for Tullock barn.

PRIVATELY APPROVED: Chased outside and weakened a touch in lane but stayed on for second in her latest; note, show of early interest a good indicator of sharpness now.

RED HAWK DOWN: Rated a touch off the pace, moved to lead, and held for maiden win when showing improved early and overall interest; lightly raced, still getting better.

TRAPPED AGAIN: Has shown early interest only to weaken in lane in both starts since returned from December 2005 break; veteran with a touch of class recaptures top stuff now.

4*SPECIAL: SECRET AGAIN SIR: Blasted clear on pace and weakened in lane but held second in latest; note, filly benefits from first trip with winners, as well as first crack at route (explains drifting in lane).

LONGSHOT: MILKY WAY GUY: Brings a proven winning knack, and veteran has been sharp for a win and a third in a pair of starts since return from four-month break; stay on board.

 

 

OAKLAWN PARK

 

AMERICAN THUNDER: Rallied mildly for fifth in hot Turfway sprint most recently, when perhaps in a bit steep; claiming company and pace up front could suit well here.

BUDDHA’S MIRAGE: Had been absent from workout tab but has been gearing up in January over this strip now; 3YO son of Buddha can come out running.

CHIPPEWA TRAIL: Has been hurt by time away from races of late, but figures to return running here for winning Flint barn; more than capable veteran.

GORBASH: May not get in the win column all too often but typically gives an honest account and he’s a veteran typically on our list; end of ’06 time off helps matters.

IRISH DREAMER: Stamped himself one to watch with five-race juvenile campaign last year and is a fresh face worth watching here; local works say he’s gearing up.

MR. PINSTRIPE: Lacked interest in a pair of Kentucky starts when last seen in October/November, but figures to return running here based on recent local works; can surprise.

NO TRIPPIN: Flashed speed in both starts with maidens last year and freshening for 2007 should serve him well; son of Trippi comes out running in local debut.

STARBASE: Showed ability and class at 2 and is now training forward on local scene for upcoming return from November-layoff; be ready.

WORK IN PROGRESS: Gave way in restricted stakes bid when last raced in Louisiana in October, but is now gearing up locally; 3YO filly has shown flashes.

4*SPECIAL: DRUNK NEPHEW: Absent since sharp placing in November at RP, but training steady here now and he’s proven over this strip; returns with best stuff.

LONGSHOT: CASUAL CAT: Hasn’t raced since mid-November, but brings plenty of early speed and has shown a likeness for this course in the past; stay with him.