HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

WOODBINE

GRAVELLY BAY: Raced in range of the pace, led in midstretch, and hung when it counted to finish a narrowly beaten second in her latest; another chance for trainer S. Attard (19% wins this year).

EL RIO BRAVO: Made up some ground inside to finish an improved fifth under five-pound “bug” in his latest; needs pace/race luck to set up best punch, but will offer value in exotics.

TRANSGRESSION: Rallied as the favorite to pick up second when in from California for her first start since February most recently; daughter of Unbridled’s Song with upside for trainer M. Frostad.

MORE ZIP: Dueled on the pace and weakened to finish sixth when back on short rest and dropped to appropriate MCL level for his latest; finds right crew to lead throughout.

COASTAL TIDE: Overcame some trouble (“bumped, squeezed back”) to make the pace and race gamely in second-place effort off a two-month break most recently; next time.

TIDBIT: Raced wide, rallied, and then evened out in fourth-place try when stretched to route for second career start; learning on the job type continues to move forward and can get diploma.

4*SPECIAL: ME AND A BREEZE: Rallied from way back and through traffic trouble to be third in blanket finish most recently; handles NW2L crew next time.

LONGSHOT: FUTURE SURPRISE: Switched to turf for the first time, she showed the way on the pace in restricted stakes company before she tired to fifth; something to work with for B. Minshall barn.

 

KEENELAND

I GOT RHYTHM: Chased between foes and gave out to finish sixth of nine beneath seven-pound “bug” when in from AP for her latest; another chance for strong W. Catalano barn.

BREAKING BALL: Needed 11 starts to leave the maiden world, but did so in style most recently when able to make the pace and widen to decisive win over 10 rivals; right back for winning L. Rivelli barn.

EXOTHERMIC: Suffered his first career loss when second in his third career start most recently,  but lost no luster in that he was making return from February-layoff; son of Empire Maker worth following.

INDIAN CLARKIE: Has needed time in between each of her three lifetime starts, but has always run well, including latest third-place finish over yet another new surface; follow juvenile filly for R. Morse barn.

ESTONIA: Managed an even fifth at 21-1 price when in with winners for the first time off her debut score at TP; juvenile daughter of Flashy Bull can move forward further for sharp N. Howard outfit.

OL ARMY: Bit off more than he could chew (130-1 on tote) in Grade 1 company off an allowance win most recently and gave way to finish last of 12; can rebound in reasonable spot.

SONG OF BERNADETTE: Didn’t offer much with wide journey for eighth in first synthetic experience most recently; W. Catalano trainee seems likely to move forward second time back from January-layoff.

DUELING ALEX: Hard knocking veteran rallied wide for third when aggressively spotted on class drop for his latest; stays sharp now.

HOLDIN BULLETS: Rallied for second in a good effort most recently following turf failure in prior attempt; gets back in win column for trainer W. Ward (20% this year).

4*SPECIAL: UNCLE BRENT: Accomplished sort split rivals and offered mild bid for third when favored for his latest; very well traveled of late, he is capable of more.

LONGSHOT: GOLDEN CAUSEWAY: Could only chase the pace wide and weaken when hurt by post position 10 of 11 in latest route attempt with blinkers added; should move forward off return from two-month break.