HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

SANTA ANITA

 

BULLYA: Held on for third after making the lead early in a race where all other top finishers were well off the early pace. Keep him on your radar.

CHICKS RULE: Had to use too hard too early when sending for the lead from the far outside. Worth another shot from a better post.

COSMIC QUEEN: Dueled for the lead down inside and settled for third on a day when the track favored closers. Too early to give up on her.

DANA DYNAMO: Settled for second after steadying down on the inside while the eventual winner got the jump on him. Ready to graduate with a clean trip.

DOTSY JEAN: Dueled for the lead and shook clear to win as the only front-running main track winner on a day when the Pro-Ride favored closers.

GABBY’S GOLDEN GAL: Got caught in a duel for the lead and did well to hold on for third on a day when the track played for closers. Remains a front-end threat.

NORTH RODEO: Set a pressured pace and finished off the board, but still only lost the race by two noses and a head behind three closers. Beware next time.

REBA IS TOPS: Rallied very late for second in a turf sprint in return from a nine-month layoff. Prepped and ready for next time.

RENEGADE STORM: Closed well for second behind a wire-to-wire winner despite possibly needing a race in return from a three-month layoff in a two-turn turf race.

ROYAL FORTUNE: Had company on the lead every step of the way in a down the hill sprint, getting caught late by a good closer with a good setup. Can make amends.

SALLY SAYS SO: Lost ground three wide on the first turn after breaking from the outside, and then could do nothing more than chase a slow pace. Sally says try again.

SATAN’S CIRCUS: Needed a race off a six month layoff and got a sprint prep under her belt in return from the sidelines. Keep an eye out for her.

SODA POP KID: Showed speed and held on well for second, beaten only a head by the 7-5 favorite as the only front-runner in the race who was still close at the finish.

STATELY APPEAL: Closed for second and lost only to the even money favorite despite needing a race off a three-month layoff. Looks good in second off the layoff.

BEST BET:  STREET CAR: Lost by a neck to the 9-5 favorite, but was 8 lengths clear of the rest of the field in a sharp effort. His turn next time.

LONGSHOT:  GREEDY WAY: Set and pressed the pace and never got a breather up front to finish off the board as a result. Finished fourth, but was ahead of both the favorites in a solid effort.

 

 

HAWTHORNE

 

FRANK’S TIME: Got hooked in a six-length-gap speed duel and held on for a clear third behind a pair of perfect-trip stalkers.

JUST TAKE ME: Chances were seriously compromised at the start when pinballed around at the break on closing day. Try again.

KID GUSTO: Gulfstream invader looks very tough here despite the loss on opening day when he tried to lay back early and rally behind a strong speed bias. Bet with gusto despite the five length loss.

MANHATTAN BEACH: Raced in striking position and held on well for third in a race otherwise dominated by the closers. Don’t overlook.

PRESTIDIGITATION: Got off to a poor break and finished far back on closing day. Toss out that effort and try again at Hawthorne.

SUB FUTZ JR: Oaklawn invader was unfortunate to fall behind the loose lone speed 3-5 wire-to-wire winning favorite on ultra speed biased track opening day. Did as well as he could for second and can make amends next time.

TAHITIAN QUEEN: Got pinched back at the start but still finished a clear second, six lengths ahead of the third horse while behind only the even money favorite.

THANKS LORD: Totally toss out the sixth-place finish as the favorite when she stumbled badly and started 12 lengths behind the rest of the field. Can rebound.

TOO DIVINE: Hesitated at the start from the rail post on closing day and actually didn’t do a bad job from there, losing by just three lengths despite finishing sixth.

WHATA TATTLE TALE: Closed five wide for second in career debut on an ultra speed biased track on opening day, finishing behind only the loose front-runner at 5 1/2F. Won’t be a maiden for long.

BEST BET:  SLICE’M DICE’M: Was the only off-the-pace winner on the ridiculously speed biased opening day track. Likely repeat winner against better.

LONGSHOT:  IMA QUICK CAT: Ran an amazing career debut at 16-1, finishing third after getting hampered at the start by an errant rival in a race on a day when the track strongly favored speed. Likely maiden winner on a fair track.