HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

LONE STAR PARK

DRIVING MUSIC: Was pressing the pace of the 4-5 favorite right from the start last out on the turf but only tired very late to finish third, ready to score with $10k claimers on the turf.

ECHO’S REVENGE: Didn’t get off to a good start, then set the pace while taking pressure; dueled into the lane before tiring to finish seventh, follow on a drop.

SILVER WIND: Closed strongly last out to finish second but was no match for the odds-on winner and he should be given a shot right back with $10k claimers.

UNCOMMON JEWELL: Was off to a slow start and then was forced to steady and raced at the back of the pack before putting in a good run to finish a fast closing third, tab with NW2L $10k claimers.

YOU BE COOL: Pressed the pace right from the start over a sealed, sloppy surface last out and held on well for third despite making his first start since July; should be set for best next out.

BEST BET:  STRIP N CARSON: Followed up a win at Sam Houston with a good third place finish behind the two favorites and will offer value with NW3L allowance foes.

LONGSHOT:  JOESFULLOFIT: Was dueling on the lead last out while racing four wide after breaking from post 11, and still was around late to finish fifth at 17-1, the value is there.

 

GOLDEN GATE

BONSALL BLAZE: Making his first start since a Feb. 17 maiden win, he got hooked in a speed duel through :22.95 and :46.49 fractions and paid the price, tiring to finish third. Speedster will be tighter for next time.

CAT LADY: Suffered her first loss of the season when third against better last out. Hollendorfer filly starts another streak real soon.

EMERALD SHAKE: Is capable of better than the fifth-place finish he turned in most recently. Is winless in 10 starts now, but not giving up on him yet.

INOITWHENICIT: Entered over his head at $20K, but didn’t run all that poorly, finishing last of four after contesting the early pace. Don’t let the 1-for-34 record scare you away.

LA PETRA: Lage firster hooked a tough field of maidens Apr. 15 and lost all chance after an awkward beginning. Improvement expected, especially if dropped in for a tag.

NDONTCALLMESHIRLEY: Gets another shot after hesitating at the start in his debut and finishing a well-beaten fifth. Took good money at 3-1 that day; take note.

OK BAY: Got buried in a pair of Santa Anita maidens, but showed instant improvement in these parts, completing the superfecta in his local debut. Won’t remain a maiden much longer.

RAE’S TOTTS: Seven-year-old is starting to round into form since the layoff. Third start since the break was his best run yet, placing third when dropped to $10K; overdue for a victory.

SKIP’S GAL: Turned in a rare off-the-board finish last time against a tough bunch of allowance foes. Playable on either surface against lesser company.

STANLEY FRIDAY: Looked like a different horse in his second career attempt, sent on the engine early and staying on for second after pressing the winner throughout. Takes one with similar tactics.

THE FOURTEENTH: Popped at 29-1 Apr. 1, then ran third at 24-1 behind a pair of good ones two weeks later. It’s time to pay this guy some respect.

4 STAR SPECIAL: GLORIFICATION: No worse than second in five career starts, including back-to-back runner-up efforts against stakes company Feb. 10 and Apr. 14. Top barn adds to her appeal.

LONGSHOT: KING OF THE DERBY: His recent form is horrible, but if you dig a little bit deeper, you’ll see that he ran a pair of respectable efforts at big prices in February. Wake-up call is overdue.