HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

PHILADELPHIA PARK

HIGHLY TEMPTED: Chased the pace throughout and stayed on to finish an acceptable third of five in her latest; fresh face proves worthwhile $7,5K-claim for trainer Farro.

MIZ WHAM: Showed improved early and overall interest when battling on the pace and finishing third in her latest; daughter of Aptitude seems improved with experience and is set to leave maiden ranks.

MOCORETA (URU): Overcame some early traffic and rallied to be a nice second in first start since early-March by way of sour GP form; overdue return to winner’s circle up next time.

NOBLE MAZ: Shot clear on pace and maintained advantage en route to easy debut win; 3YO filly by Storm Boot appears worth following up class ladder.

RIGHT NICE PHILLY: Returned from January-layoff and put in game performance to stalk pace, take over, and last for maiden score; right back with winners in reasonable spot.

TREASURE SEEKER: Broke a beat slow, lagged early, and showed minor interest but settled for distant fourth of six in first start off claim by trainer Hooper; another shot.

4*SPECIAL: JAY’S WISH: Never got involved in his latest, but showed some improvement to finish close fifth in his latest; proven veteran belongs on your tickets and can offer value, as well.

LONGSHOT: WHATEVER GRACIE: Was bumped at the break and did make progress when close fourth at typically long odds in her latest; 3YO filly better than punters think, and also has sneaky turf pedigree so watch for surface switch.

 

CHURCHILL DOWNS

BROADWAY AL: Met winners for the first time in local debut off an August-layoff, and sharp Asmussen barn showed confidence with ALW placement; gave rank and wide chase only to stop, but give another shot.

CLICKER: Showed enough – rally from outside for third – in his first start with winners making local return to keep on our tickets; Asmussen barn at 22% this year.

DESERT PARTY: Will offer plenty of value and hasn’t done anything wrong of late in coming to the Derby the right way; has the style, pedigree, and appearance to give Godolphin their first Derby.

ISLAND WARRIOR: Put in a big one when with pace throughout and second, beaten just a nose, on stretch to seven panels for his latest; brings speed and class for Autrey barn.

ON MY DIME: Broke slow, raced wide, but then drew off to impressive score to live up to favored billing on class drop most recently; stays sharp.

SCARLET LOVE: Now has a pair of races under her saddle since back from August-layoff, and is capable of more than what she has shown of late; can light up tote, so be ready.

SNICKY: Showed needed improvement when able to show interest throughout and grab fourth in her latest; lightly raced 3YO filly still brings some upside.

TRIPP O STEEL: Chased hot pace while wide in racing debut and didn’t give out until late and managed sixth at long tote price; son of Trippi only improves from here.

VENETI: Rallied wide and was along for place award in just a five-horse gathering most recently; mare with plenty of back class can handle similar group next time.

4*SPECIAL: PHI BETA DIVA: Raced in range throughout and stayed gamely to finish a sharp second in racing debut; from Mott barn and clearly likely to only improve from this point.

LONGSHOT: ESCROW: Chased and gave way to fourth behind very hot tempo on his latest; prior form was strong enough to suggest he can lead NW2L group.