HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

LAUREL

ADA CLARE: Typically brings back minor awards, and latest was no exception when a good second over soft course with rally into slow pace; must-use in gimmicks.

BUSY SISTER: Battled between rivals on the pace and stayed on to finish third with blinkers added in her latest when switched to turf by way of CT; another shot.

FOG ISLAND: Shot free on the pace when stretched out to 1 ½ miles as a fresh face for his latest, and stayed on gamely to finish second; ready for return to winner’s circle.

GUSTAUF: Has shown expected improvement locally with move back to turf and softer company; pair of recent thirds since blinkers were added should have him back on track for maiden score.

KID CAROUSEL: Put in a middle move to contend, but was likely hurt by wide (post 11 of 11) journey, and settled for third in his latest; proven veteran gets overdue score in next start.

MISS OIL: Chased the pace and stayed willing throughout when a narrowly beaten fourth in her latest start; most dangerous in a spot where able to secure spot on the front end.

NO SATIS ACTION: Shook off early pace pressure, opened up a lead in the stretch, and stayed on to finish third in what should prove a useful turf sprint debut over soft ground; stay with juvenile filly by Action This Day.

RICHIE THE THIEF: Raced outside and was outkicked when it counted in the lane and finished sixth in his latest; note, gelding had turned back from route to sprint and figures sharper next time.

WHO U LIKE: Dueled inside on the pace and weakened to finish fourth on step to starter allowance company most recently; leads claimers a merry chase next time.

4*SPECIAL: BADGER’S DRIFT: Gained from well back and through trouble to finish a strong second of 11 with blinkers and Lasix added for his latest; lightly raced 4YO gelding still brings some upside.

LONGSHOT: GAEL LEA: Rated early, put in a bit of a wide run, but came up even in the lane to finish a fair fourth in his latest; moving up given experiences with winners, and likely has more to give.

 

ELLIS PARK

CART MARTIAL: Had an awkward start and put in a run to be fourth of 10 as the favorite in her latest; can atone off $4K-claim by trainer Raymond Davis.

COVER STORY: Gained late to finish a narrowly beaten fifth in her latest, and seems to be headed in the right direction of late; needs hot pace/race luck to set up late punch.

ELLA POOH: Rallied from just off the pace to best 11 rivals in notching overdue maiden score in her latest; can score right back in reasonable spot.

GRAND DADDY: Put in a wide run to make the lead in the lane and powered clear for nice score in his latest when back from brief break; touch of back class keeps him moving forward.

GREELEY’S GOLD: Split rivals and finished well to be second of nine on move to route scene most recently; proven veteran can handle similar crew next time.

KUHLU: Had a rocky start and wide trip when fifth of 11 in what should prove a debut run to build upon; juvenile daughter of Ghostzapper worth following.

MONASHEE GOLD (IRE): Now has a pair of races under his saddle since back from a lengthy break, and took a step forward when third off brief break for latest; primed for Romans barn now.

O MOON: Gave chase along the inside and faded from contention to finish fifth in recent return here by way of CD; brings back checks, so include in exotics at square ticket.

UNAPOLEGTIC: Rallied to take a stretch lead, and battled to the wire only to come up a nose short in second most recently; has one coming now.

4*SPECIAL: BAR HOPPIN: Gained from well back to pick up third as a new face in town by way of PRM most recently; seems likely headed in the right direction.

LONGSHOT: STAR CHAMBER: Returned from a two-month break to put in a mild bid for fourth in his latest; should improve and can likely still offer value in similar spot.