HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

MONMOUTH PARK

ANABRANCH: Made the lead while making her two turn debut, set the pace past the half mile but tired in the lane to finish sixth and last, a turnback in distance might be the answer.

GENTLE JOURNEY: Followed up big win two back with a pace pressing third against better last out, can be very tough right back if he can clear to the lead early, tab.

SERVI ENERGIA: Three year old filly New York bred started in a $10k claimer last out and didn’t run that badly to finish third behind the two favorites; can move forward off that effort so check the entries.

TAPERRIFIC: Three year old gelding had a 3 ½ length break heading into his last race, chased the pace while outside and should be all set now off that effort, follow.

THE COGNAC KID: Was forced to move earlier last out but couldn’t get to the top two and checked in third; is better on the turf and should be followed back on that surface.

BEST BET: SECRET TRACKER: Had a solid fall last year and a decent start to this year over the summer, fell off in the last two but then came with a big run on the turn last out to finish a close-up second at 43-1, ready to score right back.

LONGSHOT: STORMY MON: Three year old gelding has been showing some signs of a turnaround when fifth two back in his sixth career start but put in a big effort last out when checking in third just a half length off the winner at 45-1, follow if he gets another shot with maiden claimers before the meeting is up.

 

HOLLYWOOD

 

BINKY’S SISTER: Got hooked up front in a battle for the lead in return from a 3 ½-month layoff. Dangerous speed vs. maiden claimers.

HOT LITTLE BUG: Was well bet in return from more than a year layoff in a race where she had to overcome getting shuffled back on the turn.

JOB BOSS: Closed well for second, beaten only a nose in a good effort behind only a loose-on-the-lead wire-to-wire winner. Can win second start off the 2 ½-month layoff.

KATY’S KITTY: Set and pressed a contentious pace and held on for second in a race that set up for a perfect-trip stalker. Worth another shot.

KRIS SILVER: Sent up into a duel for the lead and outlasted his early challenger to hold on for fourth, beaten less than two lengths. Still a threat to shake loose up front vs. similar.

LOOK TO THE SKY: Pressed and set the pace and easily outlasted her early challenger for second. Still sitting on a win at present.

LUCKY RAVE: Needed a race off a five-month layoff, and was only beaten about two lengths despite the fifth-place finish. Should improve in second off layoff.

MISS PEANUT: Set a pressured pace and did the best of the speed horses in her race despite fading to fifth. Can rebound.

MISS SILVER BROOK: Third-place finish was good considering she had to close from last in return from a layoff in a race ruled by a lone speed winning odds-on favorite.

MRS. CARD: First starter outran 33-1 odds in a nice effort, closing from 10th to first before settling for second. Can’t be overlooked.

PHONE MARYBE: Got caught in a 2 ½-length-gap speed duel and held on exceptionally well for second, losing by only a neck while 2+ lengths clear of the third horse.

WARREN’S BLOSSOM: Broke poorly and steadied after the start and then hustled up to stalk the pace and was good enough for a clear second-place finish. Looks good in next.

BEST BET: LICHTENSTEIN: Finished well for second, which was an impressive effort off a seven-month layoff considering he was the only one to gain on the loose lone speed wire-to-wire winner.

LONGSHOT: LIQUID ASSET: Broke slowly from the tricky rail post and then rushed up to stalk the pace before tiring due to those early efforts. Worth another shot despite the seventh-place finish.