HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

TURF PARADISE

FOXY MISTY: Was used up chasing a fast pace last out and weakened in the lane to finish sixth, will be tough if she can clear off early on.

GHOST GIVER: Took pressure on the lead last out, put away that rival and still hung in there for third at 21-1, must be used right back with $3.5k claimers.

GOLIVEWITHUKY: Saved ground in the early part of the race last out over a yielding turf course, swung wide into the lane but could only manage third, tab at a price right back.

HOLDING SERVE: Pressed the pace right from the start last out over a muddy/sealed surface and still hung around late to finish third, must be used right back with $5k claimers.

PAR FIVE IN TWO: Raced near the back of the pack behind moderate fractions but did put in a strong run to finish a close-up fourth, solid with basement claimers.

BEST BET: CALL ME MR. CASH: Was battling head to head for the lead last out from the rail through solid fractions but didn’t have enough left in the lane and tired to finish third, should be tough next out in his second start back since May.

LONGSHOT: RIVER JOURNEY: Made a big move last out to take over the lead past the half mile but flattened out late to finish third; price play.

 

HOLLYWOOD PARK

 

BLACK SPOT: Pressed an unrealistically fast pace going :22.4 and :45.3 in a two-turn race that set up for the closers. Can make amends for that loss.

BLANCHE SWEET: Turf closer chased a slow pace but still got up for third in a nice effort. Just needs a better pace to chase.

CRISTOFI: Quietly outran 54-1 odds when running fourth after pressing the pace in a race otherwise completely ruled by the deep closers. Outperformed all other speed horses, and will still be big odds in next.

DIAMOND DAVE: Got caught in a duel for the lead and held on the best of any speed horse in his race in solid return from a year and a half layoff. Don’t overlook despite fourth-place finish.

FINE FLYER: Set a pressured pace and held on for third in a race that otherwise set up for closers. Must respect.

GOLD MAKER: Didn’t run a bad race in return from a seven-month layoff, and can move forward next time in second off the layoff.

GOLDEN PLAYGIRL: Was well bet off a nine-month layoff, but needed a race when chasing a loose runaway winning 6-5 favorite. Try again.

LE CIRQUE: Finished fourth, but missed second by only two heads after caught too far behind a very slow pace. Turf closer deserves another chance.

SUFFOLK PUNCH: Got caught in a three-way speed duel in fast 6 1/2 furlong fractions and held on the best of the speed horses for fourth. Can win second off layoff.

SWEET BELLE: Was too close up to a runaway pace longshot and then battled for the lead and ran out of gas on 11/28. Can improve with a better pace scenario.

TABLE FOUR TEN: Impossible to gauge this maiden’s ability based on first start where he missed the break to begin five lengths behind the rest of the field. Didn’t run poorly thereafter, and deserves a look at a big price.

TAGLINE: Just out for a jog over the track after starting 10 lengths behind the field in return from a 10-month layoff. Fits well vs. the cheap maiden claimers, and a stretchout probably wouldn’t hurt.

TEXAS VOYAGER: Got hooked and cooked in a speed duel in return from an eight-month layoff. Too early to give up.

TOTE’S HUMDINGER: Broke slowly but closed the best in return from over a year layoff. Ready to graduate in return from the layoff.

VITAL FORCE: Too many early troubles including a slow start and traffic on the first turn cost him his best chance on 12/1. Can rebound.

BEST BET:  WARREN’S R READY: Impressive effort in defeat for 41-1 first starter who broke last in a 13-horse field and then rushed up to the pace only to chase a loose wire-to-wire winner. Won’t be a maiden for long.

LONGSHOT: IMITATION: Was too close up to a fast two-turn pace, yet still held on well for fourth while far ahead of his early pace challengers.