HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

SUFFOLK DOWNS

CAJUN QUICKSTEP: Was claimed for $7.5k at Pimlico two back by a solid barn, moved up to allowance competition and ran on well for second while chasing the whole way; tab.

CHIEF OPERATOR: Has a solid one run kick in turf sprints and finished up well to get into fourth late after being outrun early on and coming off a February layoff; handles all surfaces, stay on board.

DRESSED TO WIN: Shipped in here for a race a few weeks back and gamed out the win despite racing four wide, turned back in distance last out and ran on late for third, handles both turf and dirt and has some backclass to call on, stay close.

IRISH SPORT: Shipped in from Florida for his last start against basement claimers and dominated that level to score going away; ready to move up the claiming ladder, follow.

TRACK MAGNET: Didn’t run that bad last out when making his first start since November when checking fourth at 26-1 behind the runaway winning odds-on choice; follow right back at a price.

BEST BET: SPEAKING OUT: Showed some speed in his first start this year before tiring but then pressed the pace again and hung in very well for second at 28-1; seven year old gelding has some races to call on that would make him very competitive here on any surface and seems to be rounding to form, stay close.

LONGSHOT: CHESTNUT HILL: Ran a much improved race last out at 46-1 when dropped from maiden special weights into maiden $5k claimers, closing ground through the lane to finish fourth, may have needed that race also and can offer value right back with similar.

 

 

MONMOUTH PARK

BANYAN: Speedy four year old tried the turf last out for the first time but didn’t show his usually speed getting outrun early on and just raced evenly throughout finishing sixth, should benefit some from that turf race and is a play back with a switch back to the dirt.

BILLYSINGSSINATRA:  Made his debut going a two turn mile last out, showed some early speed but tired as they hit the ¾ mark tiring to finish fifth well behind the winner; was claimed from that race and is an interesting play back off that effort.

FAST FIGHTER: Was making his first start in over a year last out when dropping into a maiden claimer and didn’t run that badly checking in fourth at 9-1 as part of an entry, may want some more ground and should be all set right back.

IRISH FRANKIE: Took plenty of money for his debut run for trainer Wesley Ward, broke ok but could never get to the leader and tired to finish seventh after chasing throughout; give this highly regarded two year old another shot.

JUDGE WELL: Didn’t run that badly in his first try since October finishing sixth over a very speed favoring turf course, the value is there and he should improve off that race right back, tab.

KNIGHT RATE: Was sent off at 13-1 for his career debut, came out running battling head to head for the lead but tired some in the drive to finish fifth, three year old by Exchange Rate should improve off that effort and turf may be in his future, stay close.

NEXT MAY: Was claimed from a restricted $16k claimer and moved up to a $75k optional claiming race which proved to be over his head as he checked in a well beaten fifth, a drop can do and a ran with more pace up front wouldn’t hurt either.

BEST BET: SCHOPENHAUER: Was the only one to make up any ground through the lane to finish fourth over a track that was favoring speed all day and was beaten less than two lengths in course record time, would appreciate more distance and must be followed right back.

LONGSHOT: RUNAWAYEIGHTYFOUR: Two year old by Mineshaft didn’t take much money for his first career start going off at 25-1 and he just raced evenly throughout checking in fifth; should improve off that run and may want some more ground.