HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

GULFSTREAM PARK

ATLANTIC BULL: Has really woken up in his last two attempts at Gulfstream, staying on for second at 20-1 and collecting show honors at 9-1. Looks like he’s finally back on track.

BELIEVE IN CHARLIE: May’ve found her calling in turf sprints. Was moved up to fourth via DQ at 38-1, then was third at 19-1. You gotta believe!

KRISTINA’S SLEW: Disappeared following a solid fourth at Calder, and reappeared with a respectable third at 16-1 in Hallandale. Take a closer look at this basement claimer.

REPENTLESS LADY: Showed nothing in her unveiling as the 5-2 favorite, but took a nice step forward when stretched to a mile to rally for second at 12-1. Goes one better.

TWIGAZURI STRAIT: Really on quite a roll, coming within a nose of making it three straight wins. Hard to imagine that he’s gone off at 7-1, 6-1 and 8-1 during the streak.

WAR DANCER: Exceeded expectations in his turf unveiling for the dangerous Ken McPeek barn, rallying to complete the exacta at 36-1. War Front colt has plenty of upside.

 

BEST BET: CALISTOGA: Broke her maiden at first asking like an absolute superstar, setting a fast pace and drawing clear under her own restraint to win by 5 ½ lengths. Ready for stakes competition.

 

LONGSHOT: THE RIGHT BUTTON: Has some hidden form, and her early speed can carry her home if able to find a race with little early pace. Bombs away.

 

GOLDEN GATE

 

ALWAYS MY LOVE: Exceeded expectations in her unveiling, rounding out the trifecta at 29-1. Daughter of Stormello can get it done at $8k.

DA JERSEY EXPRESS: Lightly raced 6-year-old means business when he shows up in the entries. Consecutive strong efforts Dec. 15 and Jan. 12; has his act together.

HANDSOME HARVEY JR: Has hit the board at big prices in two out of his last three tires, including a recent second at 24-1 versus allowance company. Can pop for low-profile barn.

LIFE IS A ROCK: Handles both surfaces here, and continues to serve notice with back-to-back third-place finishes at 9-1 and 45-1. Try it.

LOTA SPUNK: Took plenty of money in his debut at 9-2, but failed to land a blow after a slow start. Expecting a much better performance from this Morey trainee next time.

MISS RIVERA: Took a nice step forward with the switch to grass and stretch to a mile. Forgets to stop next time.

SPORT KING: Hard-knocking basement claimer has done his share of damage at Golden Gate, winning two out of his last four attempts over the Tapeta. Good luck seeing 12-1 again.

TOPAKI: Has two races under his belt since returning from the bench, including a decent fifth at 61-1. Far from impossible at the basement.

 

BEST BET: LUCKY MOMENT: The light finally turned on for this filly at sixth asking, and she continues to fire on all cylinders since. Luck has nothing to do with it.

 

LONGSHOT: THISLEGENDOFMINE: Continues to run sneaky races at prices, including a close third at 53-1 in November, and a recent third at 24-1. You could do a lot worse at the $8k maiden claiming level.