HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

TURF PARADISE

BUCK’S BULL: Hails from a sharp barn and made his debut last out against $5k maiden claimers, came out running and battled head to head through a sharp half mile in 45:4, his other pace rival finished well up the track while this rival held well for fourth; will be very tough off that effort.

J C’S ILLUSION: Four year old filly had three prior to her most recent effort in which she showed nothing, however last out, she stretched out to one mile from the rail, showed speed right from the start battling head to head for the lead but couldn’t hold on late settling for second at 42-1; follow her right back at a reasonable price.

JUST EXPECTATIONS: Put in a solid effort last out to finish third after some very poor efforts, albeit he wasn’t in against much but he fits in this class and must be followed right back with similar.

MENTMORE: Five year old gelding came out of the gate running last out, was battling head to head for the lead through a solid half mile in 45:2 and didn’t fold up checking in fourth just a half length off the place spot while going off at 15-1; the price is right.

SUNNY SHARK: Was making just her second start off an August layoff last out, made a middle move to get into second but couldn’t get to the wire to wire winner and faded to finish fourth, may need a drop down the maiden claiming ladder.

BEST BET: CHILECITO: Four year old filly was coming off a win at Hastings Park back in October, moved into a solid barn and finished up well for third to the wire to wire winning 1-5 favorite; should be a lot tighter next out.

LONGSHOT: ITZA MAKER: Six year old gelding by Empire Maker has only one win from 29 starts, however, went on lasix for the first time last out and put in a better effort to finish fifth at 15-1; fits with NW2L $3.5k claimers and should be better next out with lasix for the second time.

 

 

 

OAKLAWN

KENTUCKY GAL: Was claimed back in September for $25k at Hoosier Park, returned at Oaklawn for $15k maiden claimers with a spotty and slow worktab but came out running making the lead and never looking back scoring by 11 lengths, they got away with one and look for her right back against better.

NICKELACROSS: Four year old gelding had the 10lb bug on last out when stretched out in distance, made an early move to the lead past the quarter, held that lead into the lane but tired some late to finish a clear third at 18-1; fits nicely right back.

SARATOGA SEVEN: Was outrun early on behind a half mile that went in 45:4, was still near the back of the pack as they approached the top of the stretch and finished nicely for third, was claimed out of that race but fits nicely at this $7.5k claiming level.

STORMY DESTIN: Eight year old mare has only three starts back after going to the sidelines for three years, still showed that she has some of her speed and most recent effort wasn’t against $7.5k claimers; could be all set next out at a price.

THUNDER JACK: Shipped in from Tampa Bay for his last effort, sped right to the lead, set solid splits but ran on well through the lane just missing by a head in a very sharp time; right back.

TO THE MOON: Was given a two month break after beating NW2L claimers at Hawthorne; returned from the tough post 12 last out but did finish up nicely for fourth and must be followed right back with that race under his belt.

BEST BET: MAJOR PRINCE: Ran well in his debut at Philly Park finishing second before being D’Q to fifth, his second career start came over this course but he checked in 7^th in the fog, his most recent effort when stretched out to two turns wasn’t a bad effort as he checked in third despite some trouble at the top of the stretch.

LONGSHOT: DISTINCT DANGER: First time starter didn’t take much money for his career debut going off at 17-1 for a low profile barn, got away in 8^th early on and improved his position while racing wide to finish fourth; fits with maiden $10k claimers, tab.