HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

PHILADELPHIA PARK

ITAKA’S BRIANNA: Chased and faded to fourth when back from June-break most recently; eight-time winner from strong Lake barn gets back to best stuff in a hurry.

MY BOY ROCKY: Lightly raced 4YO has yet to run a really poor one from five starts; always in the mix early, and likely to benefit from his most recent first trip with winners when an acceptable third.

NATORIA: Had trained strongly for debut but didn’t offer much when outrun in seventh; thinking juvenile filly with speed/win-early pedigree can surprise now.

SILENT SPLENDER: Raced close early and weakened to fourth in the stretch when claimed for $5K from her latest; use in gimmicks going forward for Kinchen barn.

SPEECHIFYING: Rallied to finish second in her latest and has now held solid form for quite a while, usually while offering value on the tote; must keep her on your tickets.

SPICE E. MEATBALL: Rallied from well behind to finish second, beaten just a neck, when well supported for racing debut; intriguing $15K-claim for winning Beattie barn.

4*SPECIAL: JERSEY DOLL: Rallied from well back, split rivals, and was up just in time for nose victory in her first start off brief break; keeps rolling.

LONGSHOT: DAZZLE EM JAN: Tried route trip in her latest and managed a fair third through some traffic problems; benefits and gives barn some options moving forward.

 

ELLIS PARK

BILLY’S ACE: Weakened in lane when tried at marathon trip most recently, but was previously in good form; expect better for winning McBride barn.

BLACK WILLOW: Made up plenty of ground after racing in traffic to finish third in her latest; mare can move up off her first start since mid-June.

CASANOVA SLAMMER: Raced wide and could manage only a minor bid in the lane to pick up a close third; 7YO gelding with proven credentials is on our tickets.

COPING WITH DAVID: Made it two straight wins with latest score as the public’s darling and now has an “11” in the win column; can’t argue with this gelding.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Stumbled at the break and faced impossible task in stakes company and finished sixth in his latest; draw line through race and expect return to sharp form.

LANGFUHR’S WILDCAT: Made minor gain to pick up fourth in an improved effort most recently, her first career start on turf; stay tuned.

LAREDO LASS: Gave a bit of a kick to pick up third in her latest, but probably needs bottom-end claiming company to get back in win column; use in exotics at square price.

MON CABO: Has shown signs of life in her last couple, coming off some very poor running lines; veteran mare is capable and might be set to light up tote now.

VICTORY FLYER: Has shown improved early and overall interest in her last couple of starts, so stay with him; overdue to get back in win column.

4*SPECIAL: CRAFTY MARK: Rallied wide to take command on turn and remained clear through the lane in nice allowance score most recently; upward mobility.

LONGSHOT: SONOFAWITCH: Had a rocky start and then recovered to press the pace before he tired to fifth in debut; juvenile son of Zavata comes out rolling next time.