HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

AQUEDUCT

EMILY’S TWIST: Three year old colt is a half brother to another solid runner from this barn and took some money for his debut going off at 9-1 into a 3-5 and a 5-2 in a short field, was off to a slow start and passed a few in the lane to finish fourth, should improve right back off that effort.

FIREPOLE: New York bred was trying statebreds for the first time last out while coming off a July layoff, had been working very well in the a.m. but didn’t run a step finishing sixth; needed that race and should be given another shot with similar with his backclass.

POP POP’S POSSE: Didn’t have much of a shot in his debut effort against $25k maiden claimers but did finish up well in the drive; was bet down in his second start but had to check on the turn to avoid an accident and then just finished up an even fourth; give him another shot at a better price.

PROSPECTORS GIRL: Got off near the back of the pack, made a wide move on the turn to get into second, took over into the lane under an apprentice rider and drew away nicely to score by more than five lengths, was claimed by sharp barn and should be followed with winners.

THE ROUNDHOUSE: Hard hitting six year old has some backclass to call on but was in an impossible spot last out when trying to close into an early half mile of 50:3, however did finish up nicely for second, very tough if he can get a pace early on.

TRUE LINNET: Four year old colt ran on well for third after sitting behind some very moderate early splits, fits with NW2L $7.5k claimers and should be followed in that spot especially in a race where there could be a pace early on.

UPPER AFLEET: Ran a big second two back at 39-1 in a much improved effort, followed that up with another solid third place finish when moving up in class and is sitting on a win.

VIVANT: Her speed is her best asset but was eliminated at the start after bumping and then stumbling at the start of the race, was not really rushed hard and checked in last of eight, follow right back with similar at long odds.

WHO’S WILLIE FITZ: Was coming off a September layoff for his last start, broke well and then was taken back to race in fifth early on, came with a wide run into the lane and was slowly gaining on the leaders finishing a close-up fourth; moves forward off that effort.

WHY NOT HER: Didn’t show anything in the morning drills which is why she was sent off at 32-1 for her debut against $35k maiden claimers despite just a six horse field, stalked the leaders while racing down inside from fourth, angled out in the drive and ran on well to finish a solid second, should gain plenty from that effort and must be respected right back.

BEST BET: FULTON STREET: Should have won last out after getting stuck down inside and having to wait for room, got through late in the lane but couldn’t get by the winner checking a close-up second, gets there right back with statebred allowance foes.

LONGSHOT: HALF A NOTE: Is probably at his best when he can sit in midpack and then make one run while sprinting, was chasing the leaders while wide right from the start and still stayed on well for a close-up fifth at 21-1; fits with $7.5k claimers, stay close.

PHILADELPHIA (PARX RACING)

ALEX’S SIS CASEY: Got away last from the rail last out while racing behind a solid half mile, made a move to get into contention but couldn’t finish it off checking in fourth just a nose and a head behind the place spot; sharp runner should be given another shot.

COACH SHAW: Six year old gelding is probably best as a one run sprinter but was up against it last out against $16k claimers who got away with a moderate half mile and then came home fast; he still did well to finish a close-up fifth and should be followed right back especially with a slight drop in class.

DANCING AT NICKIES: Took plenty of money for her career debut, broke from post 12, raced wide into contention but couldn’t finish it off checking in fourth, solid for her debut run and should improve for sharp barn right back.

MOMMA FILOMENA: Three year old filly didn’t take any money for her career debut when sent off at 30-1 off just some moderate a.m. works but outran those odds closing well in the drive to finish third, must respect this runner right back.

SIMPLY WICKED: Got off to a bad start last out in a bulky field of maiden claimers and did do much running thereafter; give her another shot right back going second time lasix.

BEST BET: KINGDOM OF DAYS: Four year old gelding had put a two race win streak together in September getting his maiden win and NW2L claiming win; returned from a low-profile barn with only two slow works, battled head to head for the lead, put that rival away but had to settle for second late; was claimed by the Juan Carlos Guerrero barn and will be very tough right back.

LONGSHOT: FOREST MEADOW: Stretched out to two turns last out for the first time off four sprint races, held the rail while inside taking some pressure from the favorite who raced outside; re-engaged the leader at the head of the lane and got away nicely late to score by two lengths in a solid final 1/8^th of a mile against NW2L $10k claimers, follow right back with better at a price.