HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

SUFFOLK DOWNS

APACHE PRAYER: Chased throughout in game fashion only to come up second best in his latest; fires improved shot in upcoming third start of current form cycle.

JAFTJAM: Didn’t have much to offer in his latest, but did take reasonable class drop and show some improvement give wide journey; can improve in upcoming third start since February-layoff.

LYING WALDER: Put in an inside bid and flattened a bit in the lane when third in her latest; nine-time winner gets back on winning mark next time.

MODERN GIRL: Did all she could to rally inside and pick up second behind easy winner when in search of repeat score most recently; her turn to get back on winning track next time.

RUNWEISER: Rated, rallied, and drove clear to live up to favored billing as a three-length winner for his second straight most recently; takes another.

4*SPECIAL: LOVETHATDIRTYWATER: Battled on the pace and stayed on well to finish third in his latest; love his early speed and you can count on game effort from gelding with five wins from 11 spins.

LONGSHOT: ALY PIE: Chased the winner and gave out in the lane to finish third in her latest; front-running spot could go a long way for veteran mare to spring surprise.

 

ELLIS PARK

BALA PERDIDA: Raced in range throughout and managed third in off-the-turf dash most recently; graduation likely to come back on turf in near future based on strength of prior placing.

BIG FLIRT: Battled throughout only to settle for second money when beaten at odds-on in three-horse gathering most recently; another shot.

CHOCOLATE LICORICE: Chased wide and weakened to finish fifth when making first local try off June-layoff; could surprise, and pedigree suggests turf would work best.

CHURCH MOUSE: Gained for fourth when in with winners for the first time after her maiden win in her ninth career outing; plenty to build on.

FIDGITY FELON: Battled early, shook free, and lasted to get the job done as heavy choice for his second straight most recently; veteran with a winning knack is on our tickets.

LE BEE: Put in a wide bid and could only mount even finish when third in her latest; often underneath, so use in gimmicks, but don’t rule out the right set-up leading to score at healthy ticket.

OK ELUSIVE: Split rivals and gained through the lane to put in wide bid for third most recently; seems to have perked up on turf of late.

PIOUS PREACHER: Pressed the pace and weakened to finish fifth when making his first start since December; makes speed count with cheapies in upcoming starts.

TAPROOT: Gained from just off the pace, split rivals, and held for maiden win over nine opponents in improved outing second time out; lightly raced 4YO gelding likely to still offer some upside.

4*SPECIAL: MEADOW TRAIL: Rated, put in a wide bid, and came up second best on noteworthy class drop most recently; primed for score now.

LONGSHOT: LION’S REIGN: Turned in dull try when fifth of six in off-the-turf dash most recently; in from MNR, he is likely to adjust and put better hoof forward next time.