HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

PENN NATIONAL

CRAZY LUKE: Offered only a mild stretch response when sixth in his latest for second straight flat start since claimed by Martinez barn; one more shot – at a price – for barn to have gelding straightened out.

HITHER LANE: Chased throughout for fairly even third-place try in his latest when up in class for first start off re-claim by trainer Kreiser; must respect back-classy gelding with proven record.

MOVE ON UP: Flashed some early speed and gave out to finish third when a failed odds-on choice in his first local start most recently; bounces back for winning O’Neill barn next time.

PATTON’S PASSION: Rallied from way back following a tough start to pick up second in latest dash attempt; gets elusive preliminary allowance win next time.

REEF SONG: Picked up some pieces late when along for third in her latest on appropriate class drop back to claiming ranks; gets pace and race luck to set up winning punch next time.

4*SPECIAL: ALL FOR BROOK: Made it two straight wins since stretched to route distance with latest romp; mare is too sharp to ignore right now, so take the short price.

LONGSHOT: PERPLEXED: Showed some interest in his latest to gain third after racing well back early; lightly raced 5YO is showing subtle signs of progress, so include at square ticket.

 

WOODBINE

ICEMAN JACK: Chased the pace, raced in some traffic, and gave way to finish fourth as the beaten favorite when back on relatively short notice following big try off the bench; atones.

MANNY WHO: Now has a pair of races under his saddle since back from Florida campaign and well-deserved two-month freshening; set up for best stuff by Hatchett barn.

MINKREDIBLE: Made her way to the pace and weakened in the stretch to finish fourth in just her second start since last-November; shakes free and gets back to best stuff next time.

PHINEAS: Rallied between rivals to pick up third on next logical step up class ladder in his latest, and on just one weeks’ notice after score off layoff; stay on board.

PURE MIRAGE: Put in belated wide run to finish fair fifth of 12 in racing debut for winning Tiller barn; 3YO filly certainly seems worth following for now.

TRUE JEAN: Battled early, was headed at the top of the lane, and gave way to fourth in her second start back from break most recently; bounces back to better form now.

YOU DON’T PASS: Chased evenly when asked to rally wide into the lane for his latest, and continued well to finish third in his first try since last-October; moves up.

4*SPECIAL: CRAFTY PEACE: Rated from just off the pace, opened a clear stretch lead, and held comfortable margin for winning maiden score off the bench; 3YO gelding with some upside.

LONGSHOT: KWIK COSTA: Raced wide and could never threaten when fourth under five-pound “bug” in his latest return from November-break; follow next time for improvement.