HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

TAMPA BAY DOWNS

P J’S JET: New face in town by way of GP showed some needed and overdue life in fifth lifetime start when setting the pace and staying on for third; maiden tally awaits with similar cheap crew.

STUMBLING BLOCK: Kudos to J. Ness barn (31% wins in 2012) for having 10YO gelding ready to score as odds-on choice in recent return from June-layoff; right back for 21-time winner.

CHIEF REDNECK: Battled early, dropped back a touch, then fought again in stretch before giving way to fifth on move to turf for his second start since mid-October; primed now.

SELF MADE MAN: Could only manage a mild rally for third as the choice in his latest when moved back to the main track; proven veteran gets back on winning track for J. Cibelli barn (24% wins in 2012).

KENTUCKY HERO: Showed improvement when second on drop to MCL level for the first time in his latest; capable of maiden score next time.

MYSWEETREBECCA: Rated and managed an even fourth when tried at demanding seven-furlong trip in her racing debut; moves forward in a hurry.

4*SPECIAL: HOLY BLING: Pressed the pace and weakened to finish third when stretched a touch to seven furlongs for her latest; conditioning gained helps next time, regardless of trip.

LONGSHOT: SCORECARD: Set the pace and weakened to finish third in off-the-turf route most recently; might surprise when given chance back on turf given her form over course in the past.

 

TURFWAY PARK

WHY BOTHER ME: Made short work of MCL cast when in from MNR off MSW debut; speedy sort led throughout her latest, and can handle winners right back.

TIZ BETTER: Son of Tiznow took some tote play for his racing debut and put forth a respectable effort for third; will only improve for trainer R. Beck.

TART’S KNICKERS: Showed improved early and overall interest en route to a second-place finish in her latest; can handle similar crew next time.

HEADSTART: Raced wide throughout and made some progress to pick up fourth in search of repeat on class rise for his latest; veteran has been in exacta in 18 of 47 tries, so keep him on your tickets.

OUR NOBLE HEART: Had a wide journey and finished fourth when bumped well up the class ladder following dominant win in his return from freshening; continues to progress.

GRUBBY’S GIFT: Gained for fourth when in from MNR off some recently sour form; offers value, and can sneak in gimmicks with lower-end claiming crew.

TOP SMOOCHER: Raced with the pace and stayed on well to finish a game third in an improved try most recently; can keep sharp form for trainer C. Murphy (21% wins 2012).

SLICK PARDONED ME: Rallied from well back to finish a close third in game try most recently; current form seems on the improve for V. Obermeier barn.

FILLAZZENE: Had a wide journey when fourth in her latest by way of MNR; seems to be rounding to form through four starts now since back from May-layoff in mid-October.

4*SPECIAL: COMANCHE PRINCESS: Shook off pace heat and drove clear to easy score as the choice in her latest; daughter of Indian Charlie scores right back.

LONGSHOT: GUN BATTLE: Stepped up in second lifetime start when in from CD to finish a gaining third at long odds; can still offer value with maiden crew.