HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

LAUREL

HIT A HOMER: Five year old gelding was on the chase right from the start last out when sent off at 33-1, couldn’t get to the wire to wire winner and tired in the drive to finish third, fits nicely with basement claimers, must be respected at a solid mutuel right back.

DIXIE OCEAN: Four year old filly was making his first start off a 2 and ½ month layoff last out, moved up to get into contention on the turn but didn’t have enough kick while down inside and checked in third, should benefit from that effort and will be tough right back.

SINCEREST: Took a slight drop in class and added blinkers, showed the way early while under pressure but couldn’t finish it off in the lane tiring to finish third, handles sprint distance so a turnback can suit.

PRIZES GALORE: Finally got back to the turf last out after three off the turf races in a row, came out running opening up a clear lead but couldn’t finish it off checking in a clear second, follow right back in a similar situation.

MONEY FOR LOVE: Put in a solid effort last out in the Maryland Million Starter Handicap when he closed from 8^th and last to finish third at 22-1, can get there at a price with a similar pace set-up, tab.

BEST BET: AGATHA K: Three year old filly made her second start last out, shipping in from Kentucky Downs, took back off the sharp early pace, moved out into the drive and rolled down the center of the course for an easy win; can only get better and more distance can help.

LONGSHOT: SALT AND LIGHT: Has had three career starts now, his first two ended in double digit losses, his most recent effort however, he showed a bit more speed and finished an even sixth about six lengths off the winner at 46-1, a drop into a maiden claimer puts him right there, follow closely.

 

 

BELMONT

THERE GOES MOLLY: Three year old filly was decent earlier in the year, had been off form for a while but her two most recent efforts were third place finishes and should be all set versus $10k claimers right back, tab.

DREAMING OF CARA: Raced well back early on when taking the blinkers off in her second start, started to move on the turn, ducked down towards the rail, steadied a few times and just missed second by a neck at 76-1; follow this one right back over the dirt off that effort.

CREPE AU SUCRE: Was too far outrun most recently behind a half mile in 44:4, started to move on the final turn and finished up fourth about nine lengths behind the winner in a solid final time of 1:21:4; needs to lay closer to have a serious shot.

SCORCH THE TORCH: Was in an impossible spot last out against a solid field of statebred optional claimers trailing throughout, needs a drop back down to basement claimers to show his best, tab.

CENTRIQUE: Two year old filly tried the turf for the first time last out and took plenty of money going off as the lukewarm favorite at 5-2, moved into contention on the final turn but didn’t have any kick when it counted checking in fourth, should improve off that effort.

E. H. INDY: Was making just his first start over the dirt last out and his first start in over a year, raced in midpack early on and then checked in an even fifth just about four lengths off the winner, should be all set off that effort and a move back to the turf is in order.

EARNINGS RELEASE: Three year old filly got in behind the speed at the top of the lane, got through an opening and drew away to score by more than six lengths; New York bred filly handles all surfaces and will fit nicely with winners.

A P. HUTCHY: Two year old filly was entered for the turf last out, stayed in when moved to the dirt, made a big move to get into contention at the top of the lane but couldn’t get by the two favorites checking in a clear third at 22-1, improves off that effort and she may be better on the turf.

HANNIBAL LECTER: Was an impressive maiden winner back in August at Saratoga, tried stakes company last out, was off a bit slow, reach contention at the top of the lane but didn’t have any pop when it counted checking in fifth, look for a bounce back effort from an very interesting prospect.

RAISE THE FLAG: Extremely well bred two year old filly was racing well back early on in her debut at a mile last out, raced greenly and wide and closed some ground to finish fifth at 7-1; should improve off that effort and is a threat right back.

BEST BET: BIRD HOUSE: Took good money for her debut run going off at 9-2, got away near the back of the pack last out, came with a five wide run to the top of the lane and just got up for third late over a muddy/sealed surface, should improve off that effort and will be tough in her second career start.

LONGSHOT: SOUND OF DRUMS: Three year old gelding finally broke through two back at Finger Lakes to nail down his maiden victory, was sent off at 39-1 versus NW1X allowance foes last, made a big move to reach contention at the top of the lane and out-gamed the favorite for second, fits with similar right back in current form.