HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

COLONIAL DOWNS

CONFIRMONDI: Blasted free on the pace and weakened to finish fourth on move back to turf when up the class ladder to ALW level most recently; stays sharp on green now.

JAZZIT: Gained inside after racing in rank fashion early and finished third when switched to the turf for his latest; builds on promising try and can leave NW2L foes behind.

LOVE CONQUERS: Rallied from just off the pace, following early trouble, and was along for odds-on win over five rivals in appropriate spot most recently; 8YO keeps sharp edge in right spots.

MCNAMARA: Chased the pace, put in a move to stretch contention, and managed only an even late finish when third as the beaten favorite in first career turf try most recently; atones.

OVER SPICED: Now has a pair of races under her saddle since back from brief respite; latest fourth in course return helps matters, but filly does need pace/race luck to set up punch.

SOUTHWEST: Now has a pair of races under his belt since back from October-layoff, and improved in his latest to gain third in the stretch; brings touch of class for winning Jenkins barn.

SWELL PARTY: Was asked to trek 10 furlongs on turf in career racing debut, and fared well to race in range throughout and finish up for third; graduates next time for Fout barn.

TAP SOFTLY: Gained from way back and wide to notch second in her first attempt since last-November; daughter of Tapit should only improve upon her first career turf outing.

WAY TO EDEN: Shook off early pressure, made way to clear pace, and weakened late to finish fourth in her latest; mare was making first attempt on turf and can handle similar crew next time.

4*SPECIAL: POWDER MOUNTAIN: Raced inside and did make some gain in tough tune-up spot trying rapid stakes dash in his return from an October-layoff; primed now.

LONGSHOT: LEADER WHIP: Chased early from inside and faded when running began, but did go in fair overall fashion for sixth in first try since February as new face in town; does have proven turf form.

 

CHURCHILL DOWNS

BACH HAMILTON: Rallied following slow break and drew off with sweeping move to post easy maiden win on drop to MCL level most recently; right back with winners in realistic spot.

BACKSIDE BLACKIE: Stalked the pace outside, led, and weakened in the stretch to finish distant third behind blowout winner as the beaten favorite; makes amends, perhaps on turn back in trip.

CLASSICAL CLOSING: Rallied inside to make the stretch lead and edge clear for score in his latest turf dash; two good efforts since back from November-layoff pave way for best yet next time.

FIELDSTONE: Raced in even order throughout latest fourth-place finish, but didn’t have ideal circumstances with rocky start and wide journey; stay with Dorris trainee.

G MOM: Ran into some traffic and ran a sneaky good fifth in her latest when perhaps in a touch deep; note, filly is eligible for NW2L.

INCA KING: Romped to fifth straight score off brief respite most recently and is simply too sharp to ignore right now; 15-time winner clearly back on best behavior.

LOKOMAMMA: Moved back to the turf for her latest, broke in the air, and rallied from well back to finish a more than acceptable fifth; clearly deserving of another shot.

RIVER CITY GEM: Chased and weakened to finish distant third behind dominant debut winner most recently; should develop at longer distances and/or perhaps on turf given pedigree.

THOMAS J: Raced up close early but had his share of trouble (“brushed rail, bobbled”) and ultimately faded to fifth in first career route attempt; son of Purge previously showed promise, so stay on board.

4*SPECIAL: CAJUN PRIZE: Gained from fourth but was carried out in the lane and could only manage second in game try most recently; gets top billing next time.

LONGSHOT: TOOL TIME GIRL: Raced in range early from wide spot and stayed on in acceptable fashion when sixth in her first try with winners most recently; capable filly from winning Proctor barn can surprise.