HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

TURFWAY PARK

ANN MELINDA: Rallied from wide spot to be along in time for upset win by three-quarters of a length in her racing debut; filly can build on effort, just don’t expect 19-1 on tote again.

COLLAR: Blasted free on pace and stayed on for second as the beaten favorite in her latest, but her early zip must be respected on local scene; Maker barn clicking at 26% this year.

EL GORDO: Raced five wide on the turn and gained for third from well back in what should prove a useful belated racing debut at age 4; pedigree indicates he may ultimately appreciate more ground.

KESSEM GOLD: Couldn’t handle slight bump up class ladder in latest, but wide spot into turn didn’t help and he settled for fifth; finally cracks NW3L scene next time.

MISSTEE BLUE: Although she’s fared well here in the past, she showed only mild interest with some late gain for fourth in latest return bid; next time with cheapies for winning Woodard barn.

MR. CHAMP: Posted three-length score in his latest, and has now been in exacta in each of his last four races; no reason to jump ship now.

RANSOM ROBERTO: Aggressively placed for his latest, he didn’t have much racing luck (“Broke in air, steadied”) en route to fifth-place effort; course experience also helps cause for next time.

THECLEVEREST: Returned from a two-month break with a solid try for second money in her latest; veteran mare has solid overall credentials and must be used in gimmicks.

UNBRIDLDPERFECTION: Showed some interest to gain for fourth in sprint debut; son of Eddington from Asmussen barn moves forward from here.

4*SPECIAL: LOVEYOU EVERYBODY: Gained some for fourth in local return from May-layoff, and figures to move forward now following some flat efforts in ambitious spots; back on track.

LONGSHOT: FANTASTIC DANCER: Now has a pair of starts under her saddle since return from 14-month break; jumps up without much warning now, and rewards you on tote.

 

DELAWARE PARK

BRIGHT ARRAY: Has turned in a pair of fair tries with winners when back from December-layoff following MSW win; headed in the right direction, she can continue to progress.

CITRUS KID: Added blinkers and moved to the main track for first local try in his latest, and didn’t disappoint as the public’s choice with nice front-running score; right back.

GRAY MIGHT: Passed tired rivals for fourth in his latest, when turned back in distance to six-furlong trip; figures sharper for experience next time.

HOT BULLET: Got well on drop to MCL level with score at marathon trip off a brief respite; lightly raced 4YO son of Red Bullet can build on victory for winning Nixon barn.

ROI DE COEURS: Chased and weakened when third in his latest, but efforts of late – coinciding with drop to $5K-tag level – have seem improved; staying with him.

VEUVE: Chased and weakened behind dominant winner when third in her racing debut for strong Jones barn; upside here.

4*SPECIAL: LAKE PLACID: Finished well for third in holding his form nicely in second start back from prior score that came off lengthy break; stays sharp.

LONGSHOT: VILLAGE ROMEO: Tried both turf and winners for the first time in his latest, and fell flat with sixth-place try; experiences gained will count for down the line, however.