HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

KEENELAND

CHARACTER FLAW: Put in a wide and late bid to pick up fourth in her latest, and seems to be showing subtle signs of improvement; keeps moving forward.

CHIEF TALKEETNA: Kept good form with second-place finish in his latest by way of TAM; proven performer stays on our tickets around here.

COOL TRICK: Gained from just off the pace to finish a close third in his first start since last-October; gets elusive NW2L score.

LUVANDGO: Stayed on or near the pace throughout and came back in lane to finish narrowly beaten second – albeit at odds-on – in his latest; atones off $5K-claim by trainer Woodard.

MO’MILLIONS: Chased off slow break and settled for second behind dominant winner in his latest; seems likely maiden graduate in near future.

MOCHA JOE: Raced wide to nowhere when sixth in his first spin with winners on move back to sprint for his latest; can improve for Woodard barn (31% last year).

OUTLAW MAN: Had troubled tour when seventh in latest stakes bid here, but pedigree and style suggest he cannot get back to turf soon enough; look for him probably at Churchill or in New York.

PISH POSH: Settled for third in blanket finish after a wide rally in her first start since last-December; typically brings back a check, so a must in gimmicks.

SPLASHDOWN: Tipped out and gained nicely to pick up second of 12 in a useful racing debut; daughter of Johar should only get better with experience and perhaps at route and/or turf.

4*SPECIAL: SECRET GYPSY: Returned from yet another break and gave chase throughout with a fair third-place finish at stakes level most recently; as fast as any female sprinters on her day.

LONGSHOT: ANGELS’ SHARE: Offered a mild bid for fourth from wide spot and seems to now be moving forward with two starts under her saddle since back from May-layoff; primed now.

 

PENN NATIONAL

GOTTAHOPE: Rallied up the rail from well back to finish a nice third in her first try on class rise off claim by trainer Synnefias; consistent sort.

SLICK TALKING: Took 13 tries to leave the maiden world, but did so with style in front-running romp most recently; something to build on for D. Capuano barn.

STEAMBOAT: Gained from well behind to pick up third by way of CT for just his second lifetime start most recently; something to build on and exit maiden ranks before long.

WATER MOCCASIN: Shot free on the pace and faltered in the lane when a close third in his latest, but show of zip was encouraging; must-use with lower-end claiming foes.

WHO’S BLUFFING: Have long loved this 10YO gelding with 19 wins on his resume; gave typically game front-running effort in his latest when a close third, so he stays on our tickets.

4*SPECIAL: THUNDER FOX: Rallied to finish a narrowly beaten second in group of 10 most recently; proven veteran now primed for breakout in upcoming third start of current form cycle.

LONGSHOT: BRIGHT STAR: Flopped when sixth in her local debut by way of GP; however, winning Steve Klesaris barn is likely to find the right spot, perhaps back on turf.