HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

CALDER

 

CASHEL BACK: Given a 10-1 chance in his debut, reported home a well-beaten second to a runaway winner at $12.5k level. Good starting point for this Florida-bred to build from.

FIVES AND NINES: Encouraging third-place finish in her unveiling going 4 ½ furlongs. Daughter of Aragorn (Ire) should only improve with distance and experience.

LIME TIME: Lightly raced 7-year-old mare tossed in a rare dull effort in a recent off-the-turf starter allowance. Gets back on track on the green stuff.

OH NO THE ALARM: Improving with experience, and was finally spotted realistically with $12.5k maiden claimers in latest. Gets his paws on one if left at that level.

SWEET CHANTAL: In a real good groove in her last three starts, posting a win and a pair of runner-up efforts. Versatile filly handles turf and dirt.

USAIN AGAIN: Responded with a good second at 7-1 following a freshening and trainer change. Very close to posting his first win in 2011.

BEST BET: SOLE RUNNER: Has smart early speed, rarely runs a bad race, and recently proved he can handle the infield as well. Four-year-old has plenty to offer.

LONGSHOT: PASADORA: Sure she’s had plenty of chances, 21 now if you’re counting, but she’s shown some mild interest at HUGE odds in her last two in off-the-turfers. Not the craziest thing in the world to include her in the gimmicks.

 

NO. CALIFORNIA

 

BEAU TIFUL SLEW: Six-year-old mare is rounding into form nicely since the freshening, most recently completing the exacta at 25-1. You’ve been warned.

BROTHER JIM: Speedy gelding looks like he’s getting back on track following a pair of third-place finishes. Forgets to stop next time.

IRON FIREBALL: Not a bad first try versus winners, dueling for most of the way before tiring to fifth at 8-1. This filly is going to be alright.

MAN OVERBOARD: Came within a nose of graduating at $12.5k, then switched to grass and stepped up in class with a somewhat troubled third. Ready to graduate.

MINT CITY: Was ready for her belated career debut at the age of four, but the stewards wouldn’t let her 3 1/2-length wire-to-wire win stand. Better luck next time.

P TOWN BLUES: Hooked a bit of a tough field of starter allowance foes after earning her diploma versus $25k maiden claimers. Worth another shot against cheaper.

TOUGH ROAD: Reported home second best in his NoCal debut after graduating in his eighth start at Emerald. Showed that he can come from off the pace in latest; better than you think.

WALKER RD.: Handles every kind of surface out there, and keeps turning in respectable efforts at double-digit odds. Very hard to ignore this one.

BEST BET: LONGVIEW DRIVE: Impressive maiden winner in late June followed with another runaway victory in a $50k stakes for Hollendorfer. You can’t go broke making a profit.

LONGSHOT: PISA PLAYBOY: Didn’t show much in effort at Ferndale, but previous two at long odds following the break were pretty respectable. Gets another chance at a big price.