HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

GULFSTREAM PARK

ANGEL OF HARLEM: Took a nice step forward in her second career start with a runner-up effort at 12-1. In good hands with David Fawkes.

MAGIC MIDDLETON: Rallied from far back to complete the trifecta in his first attempt off the claim while switching to grass. Pulls off a disappearing act.

PRETTY ROWDY: Has stepped up his game since the racing shifted to Gulfstream with a pair of third-place finishes at 13-1 and 17-1. Ready to graduate at the $12.5k level.

PROUD ASPECT: Canadian invader received little respect from the Gulfstream faithful following a 21-1 upset at Woodbine, but outran her 15-1 odds with a third-place finish. Now you know.

SNOW FLEET: Lightly raced son of Snow Ridge has quietly run a pair of decent efforts at 69-1 and 75-1 without hitting the board. Far from impossible at the current level.

STEALCASE: Had some excuses in his Saratoga debut, then ran like he needed one off the layoff when returning on Christmas Eve. Expensive OBSMAR graduate should move forward in a big way next time.

 

BEST BET: WHOLELOTTASHAKIN: New York-bred graduated in style in a turf sprint at Belmont in September, then returned in a loaded overnight stakes race going two turns and ran well to finish sixth after encountering some early trouble. Plenty of upside.

 

LONGSHOT: ALLA ROMANA: Exceeded expectations with back-to-back third-place finishes over the Calder lawn, then reported home a respectable sixth at 86-1 in Hallandale. Give her a shot.

 

GOLDEN GATE

 

DO WHAT U DARE: Son of Kitten’s Joy continues to produce solid efforts since placed at the basement. Top barn adds to his appeal.

HE DID: A very interesting longshot to consider at $4k following a pair of decent fourth-place finishes at 20-1 and 14-1. Second-place finish at 19-1 wasn’t that long ago either; take a look.

JIM’S GOLD PICK: Handles both surfaces and continues to gain valuable racing experience. Ready for a breakthrough performance.

KISS AND TERELL: Good starting point for this filly kicking off her career with a rallying fourth-place finish at 19-1. Low-profile outfit quietly having a good meet.

MUCHO PROBLEMA: Barn continues to send out live runners, including this colt who opened his career with a respectable third. Looking good versus $8k maiden claimers.

SIBERIAN RUSH: Took his time to exit the maiden ranks, but has exceeded expectations in two subsequent attempts since earning the diploma. In good form since layoff.

TAKE THAT: Overcame some early trouble to round out the exacta at 16-1 in her unveiling. Hard not to like.

WHEN WE MET: Training smartly for a long overdue return to the races. Faced much tougher competition in SoCal before hitting the sidelines.

 

BEST BET: FIRE WISE: SoCal reject showed instant improvement in her local debut finishing second behind a sharp debut winner. Won’t remain a maiden much longer.

 

LONGSHOT: SMOKIN MOJO: Turned in a couple of sneaky good efforts at 20-1 and 47-1, but failed to land a blow when switched to grass in latest. Gets the Mojo rising back on the all-weather.