HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

LAUREL PARK

BOBCAT BRODY: Gained from well back off sluggish early start and picked up third to maintain good recent form; needs pace and race luck to set up best rally, but rarely runs a poor one.

DARK VISION: Raced wide and in fair fashion to finish fourth in his career debut; Matz trainee did take some tote interest and should only move forward from this point.

FELLOW CRASHER: Put in a mild run when wide and picked up third in his latest, and perhaps he’s on his way to getting back to better form off previously lackluster lines; 3YO with touch of back class.

GAFFNEY’S GRITS: Chased and came up empty in latest fifth-place finish, but filly has proven more capable in the past; often second, perhaps she can surprise and repay favorite players.

LION’S SHARE: Showed some life when very wide and fourth in his latest; note, gelding hasn’t won in a while, but latest was first try and reduced $5K-tag level, so tab him a surprise candidate next time.

MALIBU ROCK: Rated, put in wide bid to battle, and drove clear for maiden score on class drop with blinkers added for the first time; can score again in reasonable spot.

MEDIA SPEED: Now has a pair of races under his saddle since back from April-layoff; showed good speed and more staying power when dropped in class for latest fourth-place finish and can handle similar next time.

PASSION REDDY: Dropped second straight narrow defeat when a nose shy as the favorite in her latest; long overdue to crack NW2L level, she can atone with chalkies.

POLISH DANCE: Put in a mild run to gain third behind runaway winner in her latest; juvenile filly comes to run, as evidenced by five exacta finishes through eight career starts.

4*SPECIAL: PROUD LEADER: Shot free on pace and put in sharp try to finish narrowly beaten second in his latest on well-meant class drop; love this gelding’s early pop and proven winning resume.

LONGSHOT: KALIK MON: Set sharp early tempo and gave out to finish fourth in his latest; fits with similar cast, and is likely to offer a bit more value on tote next time.

 

FAIR GROUNDS

BELLA MEDAGLIA: Hit the gate at break, raced wide, and rallied through slop to finish nice second in debut run; juvenile filly with plenty of upside notches maiden score next time.

BIG DADDY BOY: Chased throughout and came up second best in his latest; can make his way to pace and lead a merry chase next time.

BIG POLK A DOT: Lived up to favored billing with winning debut, and in a manner (“hesitated, brushed, game”) that suggests more under the hood; son of Tapit can climb class ladder for Guillot barn.

MAD AND ROYAL: Made up some ground from well back and behind soft tempo to gain a close fourth in his first start since August; offers some upside now.

MERRIMANISTA: Chased the pace and stayed on well throughout in latest third-place finish; veteran gelding can follow up with stronger try in second start since August.

PETEADORIS: Raced wide and put in rally but failed to finish the job late and settled for fourth in return from break of more than two months most recently; kicks harder next time.

TAKE TURNS: Extremely well-bred colt stalked the pace, took over, and drew out to clear score in winning debut run; can climb class ladder for Morris Nicks barn (24% wins this year).

4*SPECIAL: TRUE BLUE EYES: Stalked, took over, and opened up large stretch lead before she faltered late and settled for third in latest; finishes the job in upcoming third start of current form cycle.

LONGSHOT: ARCHIE’S TUNE: Made up some ground but finished a midpack fifth in his first start since mid-September most recently; room for improvement, and at a square ticket.