HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

MONMOUTH PARK

CERTIFIABLE: Four year old colt took some money for his belated debut against $10k maiden claimers, stalked the leaders from fifth early on, made a big move into the lane and drew away late to score by more than four lengths, ready for winners right back off that effort and ultimately may be better on turf, stay close.

KEY TO THE EMPIRE: Didn’t have any chance two back when caught in behind runners, raced near the back of the pack last out behind some very slow early fractions and could only mange an even fifth, 0 for 16 runner should be given another shot against maiden claimers at a solid mutuel.

QUEENSBRIDGE: Three year old filly shipped in from Northern California for her most recent effort, she was also making her first try over the turf and closed mildly through the lane to finish fifth at 18-1, a turnback in distance and a move back to the main track can key at a solid price.

WRITE WHEN READY: Four year old filly was claimed back in April for $25k, was given more than three months off and returned for a higher price tag, challenged the leaders into the turn through solid fractions but gave way in the drive to finish sixth in a race dominated by closers, should improve off that effort and must be followed right back.

GHOST BLACK: Three year old gelding caught a very tough $25k claiming field last out, didn’t get the best of breaks, was outrun early and often checking in seventh and last, give this runner another shot on either surface at a the right price, tab.

EASTERN ASSASSIN: Three year old gelding showed his solid early speed again, battled head to head for the lead through a 44:2 half mile before tiring to finish ninth and last, inexpensive sale purchase would benefit with a drop into a restricted claimer right back, stay on board.

BEST BET: QUINCY LEE: Three year old filly tried the turf two back at Delaware and ran on well for third despite being caught wide part of the way, took a spot near the back of the pack last out against $40k maiden claimers, made a big wide move on the final turn and couldn’t sustain that run checking in fourth, handles the grass and is sitting on a win at long odds, follow.

LONGSHOT: WILD ROVER: Took some money in both career starts but drifted up to 12-1 and 17-1, stumbled at the start, was not that far off the early pace and tired in the lane to finish 8^th, needs a drop down the Jersey bred claiming ladder to show his best, follow closely.

 

 

 

 

PHILADELPHIA (PARX RACING)

WHEREISJOHNSHOUSE: Three year old colt didn’t run that bad in his debut closing from seventh to finish fourth in after racing behind some very slow fractions; improves off that effort and must be followed right back off that effort.

AFRICAN KNIGHT: Five year old returned from a year layoff back in January; had two poor efforts versus allowance company but then ran a very good race two back when dropped in class followed up by a huge win last out versus NW2L $7.5k claimers, in sharp form and is ready to move back up in class, follow on the move back up the class ladder.

LADY DURLYN: Five year old mare has either been in over her head or is just too far back behind slow fractions, middle moved to get into second past the ¾ mark but could only nail down third late trying to chase down those slow splits, give her another shot at this level.

BRILLIANT SUNSHINE: Found herself in a pretty solid turf sprint last out, chased the early pace but couldn’t go with the leaders tiring to finish seventh and last at 20-1, is better on the dirt and the conditioning gained may help with the switch back to the main track; the price will be right.

MEOW GIBSON: Four year old gelding turned back in distance for his last start, came out of the gate running from the rail, set a quick pressured pace into the lane but tired when it counted to finish third at 7-1; sharp runner may be ready for stretch back out in distance and try to wire the field.

BEST BET: INDY TUNE: Was making his first start for a new barn and was also trying the turf for the first time, stalked the leaders from fourth, made a quick move to take over into the lane and drew away to score by more than six lengths, follow this runner right back over the lawn as he might have a future over it.

LONGSHOT: FORWARD OBSERVER: Came out running last out and set solid fractions while under pressure throughout, held that lead into the lane but succumbed late to finish a close-up third at 16-1, four year old gelding can take them all the way with a better pace scenario.