HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

HAWTHORNE

 

ALONE AT LAST: Couldn’t threaten a loose wire-to-wire winning favorite thanks to a wide trip from too far off the pace on a good rail day on 3/8. Stick with him.

BONITA BERNITA: Layoff horse set a pressured pace and held on the best of the early challengers for third in a race otherwise ruled by closers. Will be tough next time.

CART LITE: Drew the rail but then raced outside on the worst part of the track en route to a troubled third-place finish as the favorite. Can make amends.

CART’S ROSE: Survived a seven-length-gap speed duel in return from a layoff for her first start of the meet. Ready to reel off some wins here.

CITY FEVER: Got hooked in a three-length-gap speed duel in :21.4 vs. $4,000 claimers and still held on for a close second. Should shake loose next time.

GRECOROMAN: Was the only rally wide winner on 3/8 when the inside paths seemed better. Can earn a repeat victory vs. winners.

LADY CARDINAL: Was one of the pace casualties in her last race, which set up for the two late runners. Live overlay after missing the board by only a nose in her first start of the meet.

LAP AND TAP: Lost by nine lengths, but still outran 20-1 odds for second after surviving a speed duel with the 8-5 favorite. Don’t overlook.

NINE PATCH: Couldn’t catch a good-looking winning favorite in return from a nine-month layoff. Needed a race, so beware next time.

ORMOND BY THE SEA: Got a six furlong prep race in return from a 10-month layoff. Ready to roll for top connections.

PLAY FOR BAROQUE: Finished third in difficult two-turn assignment in return from a 10-month layoff. Don’t ignore next time.

SHOW ME THE DOE: First starter ran second despite not getting involved until late in the race. Ran like a horse that will graduate when given a bit more distance.

VELVET PEAKS: Never threatened when caught behind agonizingly slow fractions in a small field on 3/12. Toss out that race and try again.

BEST BET:  GOLDEN PRUNE: Rushed up into a battle for the lead after a poor start, and still managed to stay with the winner the while way while far clear of the rest of the field. May not be denied given a clean start.

LONGSHOT: LI’LBITO’FUDGE: Couldn’t threaten after falling too far behind a slow pace in return from a six-month layoff. Worth another shot vs. cheapies.

 

 

TAMPA BAY

ANISE’S WILD GIRL: Chased the pace early on, made a move four wide at the top of the lane before tiring late to finish third; tab.

HOT APPLE CIDER: Stalked the pace from second in his first try since December but couldn’t make an impact when it counted and held on for third, graduates with that race under his belt.

JAVA WIT: Eight year old mare has some backclass to call on and her most recent fourth place finish off a slow early pace makes her one to use in all exotics.

MISTER LOVER LOVER: Was sent off at 56-1 last out against allowance foes, made a wide move towards the leaders on the turn and hung in well for third; tab right back.

WESTCOASTEASTCOAST: Got away from the gate last of 10 most recently, came with a four wide run when making his move and got up for a clear second at 27-1, follow right back with NW2L $8k claimers.

BEST BET: SEE SAW PLAYS: Was tracking the leaders from fourth last out, made a move to challenge the leaders and then raced well to the wire to just miss.

LONGSHOT: PISTOLS’S WILDCARD: Six year old gelding showed some speed last out for six furlongs but tired in the drive to finish fifth, has some backclass and another drop down the claiming ladder can key a nice priced score.