HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

TURF PARADISE

DIAMOND JOURNEY: Put in a nice effort from the rail last out when making her career debut, chased the sharp pace right from the start but couldn’t go with the favorite and checked in third, just a neck off the place spot; tough right back.

GOTTA LOVE LUCY: Chased the pace right from the start last out when stretching out in distance, was right there at the top of the stretch but tired to finish fifth at 46-1; tab right back with NW2L $3.5k claimers.

GRAND TOPPER: Broke running from the rail last out, set the pace while under pressure through a half mile in 44:3, opened up a 1 ½ length lead into the lane and tired to finish third easily outlasting the other pace rivals; solid right back with NW2L allowance foes.

HEARTS ABLAZIN: Three year old gelding turned back in distance and went turf to dirt last out, made a big middle move to go from fifth to take over the lead but got run down late; tab right back.

YOUNIQUE CAT: Has drawn post 12 in two consecutive starts, finished third two back and ran an even better race last out when pressing the pace while wide and just missed by a neck; sharp runner will be tough with a better post.

BEST BET: PRIVATE ASSETS: Six year old gelding was making just his fifth career start last out and his first over the main track with four prior turf efforts; sent off at 25-1 he showed much improved speed, took the pressure and edged away late for the win; taken to repeat right back.

LONGSHOT: MATUCO: Moved up into an open $3.2k claimer last out, broke from post 10; pressed the pace while five wide into the turn and tired some late to finish a solid fifth at 42-1; stay close at a nice price right back.

 

 

NO. CALIFORNIA

FREE LOVIN: Winless in 18 starts, but showing signs in his last three starts. You heard it here first.

HIGH INTELLECT: Is capable of much better than he’s shown since the claim. Stick with this gelding for another start or two.

LIGHTNINGFASTMAN: Consecutive second-place finishes since stretching to a mile on the turf and main track. Has found his calling.

MINER PIC: Nothing but second-place finishes from this mare since mid-September. Can’t be ignored.

PIANO KITTY: Hard pressed to find one knock on this filly in seven career starts. Best Bet material.

PREACHER BOY: Overcame a rail draw in his debut to complete the trifecta at 19-1. Should be tough versus similar.

STORMY SURGE: Seven-year-old always shows up ready to give his best. Ability to handle both surfaces is a major plus.

SWEET SILENCE: Since August, she has hit the board at 37-1, 36-1, 30-1 and 10-1. Not facing any monsters at the basement.

TRUFFLE N PARADISE: Rounding into form nicely in her last three starts, including a third-place finish at 13-1. Live at the basement.

BEST BET: WHISPERING DIXIE: Two wins and a second-place finish from three starts since returning from a brief freshening. Making it happen for low-profile barn.

LONGSHOT: MAGIC MIMSY: Slowly coming into her own, and recent stretch to a mile produced a career-high third-place finish at 24-1. She’s on her way.