HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

PIMLICO

 

BIG MIKE: Never got on track when a distant eighth in his return from a November-layoff most recently; prior running lines suggest he’s capable of much more.

BROOKLET: Proven winner chased the pace and weakened to fifth in his latest, but should improve; likely to fire improved shot in upcoming third start of current form cycle.

FLAMINSUN: Has held sharp form over the course of his last few starts and most recently went well to gain place from wide spot; too sharp to ignore right now.

HANALEI BAY: Led throughout to post victory at 14.50-1 price most recently; expect her to hold strong form, just don’t expect the same ticket next time.

JANUARY RAIN: Seems to be slowly regaining her best stride since arriving locally as a fresh face; gets overdue tally over NW1X foes in next try.

JAZZ CARD: Rallied from well back to finish fourth in crowded sprint cast most recently; bears watching off worthwhile $7,500 claim by trainer Donovan Haughton.

MARINA MINISTER: Rated, rallied, and drew clear for five-length score when back from nine-month layoff most recently; veteran keeps on rolling.

MASTER OF DANCE: Went well to finish a close fifth in a group of 11 when making his debut in turf dash most recently; 3YO colt should learn lessons well for Gorham barn.

MEADOW PHONE HOME: Showed enough interest at 39-1 price when a close sixth as a fresh face in her latest for us to consider her a possible upset candidate next time; sprints on turf.

4*SPECIAL: NIGHT WINGS: Returned from September-layoff with acceptable wide spin for fifth in her latest; very dangerous when back on preferred turf course.

LONGSHOT: KATHY’S ESCOLHA: Raced wide and stayed on in acceptable and even fashion throughout for third, especially considering she was asked to turn back to sprint; sharper for experience.

 

 

THISTLEDOWN

DARING HABIT: Chased the swift pace of the even money favorite right from the start and only tired late to finish third at 17-1; should be much tighter next out.

FINAL ENDEAVOR: Was making his first start since February at Mountaineer, chased the pace and stayed on well to finish fourth, follow right back.

JILL’S MY DOLL: Was never that far back last out racing in third and did close some ground late to finish second to the even money favorite.

KAREN AD VANCE: Was more than 10 lengths clear of the show horse last out when finishing second to the 1-2 favorite, graduates next out; key in all exotics.

STIGLER’S SORREL: Was allowed to settle early on and then closed well to finish third while coming wide into the lane; tab with $4k claimers.

BEST BET: DOUBLE DIVA: Battled head to head for the lead right from the start, put away that other challenger but wasn’t able to hold off the 2-5 shot late, next time.

LONGSHOT: DANCE THE MAMBO: Ran on well to finish third last out at 23-1 in a race that went in a good time for that level; follow right back with NW2L $6.25k claimers.