HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

OAK TREE AT SANTA ANITA

 

BAND OF THUNDER: Showed speed on a contentious pace, then dropped back and tried to make another move in a race ruled by closers.

DAVE’S DELIVERY: First starter broke slowly and chased the pace before steadying hard behind a spill on the turn en route to a mid-pack finish. Too early to give up.

DIXIELAND POP: Finished mid-pack in difficult two-turn turf assignment in return from a four-month layoff. May pop in second off the layoff.

GOLDEN VENTURE: Had momentary traffic when fourth, just a neck out of third in return from a nine-month layoff. Can do in second off the layoff.

LEAVETHEGATEOPEN: Broke slowly and chased a loose-on-the-lead heavy favorite en route to a third-place finish. Just needs a good start off the claim by Sadler.

MATTY’S G FORCE: Finished fourth, but lost second by only a pair of noses as the only closer in the race to make up any ground. Can make amends off the claim.

MEAN HEAT: Drew the difficult rail post in a down the hill sprint and closed too late after getting caught in traffic in mid-stretch. Don’t overlook.

PRETTY KATHERINE: Well bet first starter ran second after breaking a bit slowly. May not be a maiden for long.

STORMIN AWAY: Was too close up to a contentious pace in a closers race in first start back from a year layoff. Worth another shot.

TIFFANYSPRINGSROAD: Broke poorly and still made up good ground for third behind a wire-to-wire winner.

UDRIGA: Got cooked in an early four-length-gap speed duel and had nothing left for the stretchrun. Finished fifth, but missed second by only a length.

UNBRIDLED STORY: Got hooked and cooked on the lead by the rabbit entry-mate of a live stalker. Big threat in second career start.

UNCLE JEEP: Broke slowly from the rail and could only chase a loose lone speed wire-to-wire winning even-money favorite. Just needs to get off the rail.

WIREDFORTWOTWENTY: Battled for the lead and did as good as she could do for third behind a pair of perfect-set-up closers.

BEST BET:  BEAU GRIS: Got caught in a 4 1/2-length-gap speed duel and held on well for second behind a perfect-trip winner. Try again.

LONGSHOT:  RARE RIBBON: Drew the bad rail at 6 1/2F down the hill and had to rush up into contention before fading to seventh. Try again off the claim.

 

 

CALDER

ANNUM TIDE: Has found trouble in each of his starts, but continues to show improvement. Cap and gown day is coming soon.

APATZINGAN: Came within a head of graduating on the lawn in her debut, but hasn’t had another chance on the weeds since due to Mother Nature. Rewards those who remain patient.

HONOR CORP: It’s been a long season for this guy, but he may be worth tossing in your box following a respectable fourth at 40-1. Not facing any monsters at the basement.

IT’S MINE ALL MINE: Has done decent for herself without winning in five starts against NW3L since getting her picture taken in August. Outflanker filly handles turf and dirt; very playable.

PLEASANT FLIGHT: Pleasantly Perfect colt did well in his debut to finish fifth considering the circumstances. Drew the rail, caught a sloppy track, was trying a distance of ground and had company on the lead for most of the way; benefits from the experience.

TICKLE ME TICK: Finally showed some life when dropped to $12.5K maiden claimers, finishing fifth at 33-1 after getting steadied on the first turn. On her way.

4 STAR SPECIAL: FEN: Speedy six-year-old had his three-race winning streak snapped when second, beaten only a neck after setting a quick pace. On quite a roll since July.

LONGSHOT: STORMINPROCESS: Is now winless in 15 career starts, but has shown a little extra interest in his last two. Most recently a well-beaten fourth at 73-1; not impossible for him to get a piece of the exotics.