HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

TURF PARADISE

ALABAMA RAIN: Needed the race when making his first start since October and was running on well in the lane to finish fourth, just a nose off the show spot.

FORT MADISON: Was making his first start since September shipping in from Emerald Downs and ran very well to just miss the place spot as the longest shot in the race, tab with NW3L $6.25k claimers.

KYLIE ANN: Didn’t race that far back off the pace making her first start since August, was wide into the drive and continued to run on well to nail down the place spot at 28-1; offers value with NW2L claimers.

ROSA’S CATENA: Broke well from the rail post last out, set some very sharp fractions over a yielding turf course but couldn’t hold on late settling for a clear second, wires similar on a firm course.

SAN RAFAEL SWELL: Was outrun a bit early on and raced very wide into the turn but didn’t have a strong enough kick and checked in an even fourth over a speed favoring track, tab on a dry surface.

BEST BET: WE GOT DA FEVA: Came out of the gate in good order, pressed the leaders while four wide into the turn, took over into the lane from the backclassy, pacesetting favorite and drew away for the score; repeats for top barn.

LONGSHOT: SOFIA’S SONG: Was sent off as the longest shot in the race at 33-1 and easily outran those odds, closing well in the lane to finish third; fits nicely with $8k claimers.

 

LAUREL PARK

 

BELLE’S BROKER: Lagged early, moved wide, and managed to pick up third of five when maintaining good form in his latest; needs pace/race luck for best rally.

COMMUNICATOR: Moved outside from just off pace, battled, and proved best in game win for Houghton barn most recently; right back.

DANCIN BUDDHA: Battled on the pace throughout, shook free of stretch challenge, and proved best by 1 ½ lengths in his latest; always in mix, he can take another.

GIRL’S BEST FRIEND: Put in fairly even try for fourth in his latest, a below par try; proven veteran gelding can bounce back to best stuff off $5K-claim by trainer Kobiskie.

HEAVEN’S VOICE: Chased the pace and weakened to fifth when attempting move to stakes level following just two career wins in front-running fashion; experience helps cause.

KURBAT: Drove clear in good-looking score when making his first start off an April-layoff by way of Chile for top connections; climbs class ladder in a hurry.

MY LIONESS: Dueled on the early pace, remained in contention until late, and then faded to finish a close third in first try since December; worthwhile $4,500-claim for Nechamkin.

PRINCESS NYLA: Put in a run inside, angled out, and finished second behind easy winner in short field moist recently; atones for favored loss.

SUM BADGER: Raced very wide and empty for fourth in his latest, but may have felt effect of career-best “fig” try in his prior placing; bounces back.

4*SPECIAL: SEA SLIDE: Now has a pair of races under her saddle since return from lengthy break and can build upon latest fourth in which she showed late interest racing on Lasix first time; set.

LONGSHOT: DUDE AGAIN: Chased throughout from the outside and stayed on in willing try to be fourth most recently; value in similar spot, or extra tough back with claimers.