HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

TURF PARADISE

RIO CUCHARA: Was making his third start back from an December 2011 layoff, battled for the lead through decent fractions for that class and distance and put a head in front into the lane but couldn’t finish it off checking in a close-up fourth.

AMERICA’S KID: Eight year old gelding broke from the rail last out, chased the three early leaders through some very sharp fractions and continued on to finish third behind the two favorites in a solid final time, give him a look at long odds right back.

DR. WATSON: Three year old gelding stretched out in distance last out and moved to the turf for the first time, battled on the lead early on through decent splits, was still there into the lane but couldn’t hold off the two favorites and tired late to finish third, should prove very tough right back in a similar spot.

JUGADOR: Put in a nice effort last out to finish second to the wire to wire winner chasing that runner throughout at 35-1; the time of the race was a good one for that class and this runner fits nicely with NW2L $3.5k claimers.

RENEGADE CIELO: Ten year old gelding broke from the far outside 10 post, stalked the leaders from the outside in midpack, moved wide on the turn and finished up well for third behind the two favorites at 42-1; loves this track and should be given another shot at this level and long odds.

BEST BET: CANAL GRANDE: Four year old gelding has made three stats over this track so far with one win, one second and one third, closed well from sixth and last most recently to finish third behind the two speed horses in a sharp time, like his chances right back with NW2L $6.25k claimers.

LONGSHOT: CAMINO: Five year old mare came out running last out when moved back to the turf, chased the sharp early pace before giving way in the lane to finish sixth at 16-1; gained some conditioning from that effort and a moved back to the dirt with a turnback in distance is in order.

 

 

 

AQUEDUCT

BEYOND EMPIRE: Well bred New York bred by Empire Maker, took some early money, drifted up to 8-1; stalked the leaders from fourth, made a move to take over that lead into the lane and never looked back in a very sharp effort, stay close.

UNBRIDLED LOGIC: Was returning from over a six week layoff last out, stalked the moderate pace from fifth, made a good move to get into third but just couldn’t get to the two leaders checking in a close-up third in a very solid effort at 14-1; respect right back.

CAYAMBE: Nine year old gelding was claimed out in California by the David Jacobson barn, stalked the leaders from midpack, made a quick move to the lead and drew away smartly in a very visually impressive effort, follow right back against similar.

RIVERESSED: Was sent off at 10-1 in her debut, she came out running from the rail, took pressure from two horses, put away both of those rivals, opened up into the lane but just couldn’t hold on late understandably tiring to finish third, fits with $35k statebred maiden claimers.

HOPE STILL SPRINGS: Four year old gelding got off to an awkward start again last out, moved up the inside to get into contention, moved outside the leaders into the lane and took over going on to score by nine lengths, was claimed by the Jamie Ness barn and should be ready for better.

GUNFIGHTER: Six year old gelding was off since September heading into his last start, came out running battling early on while in between horses, couldn’t go with the leaders in the lane tiring to finish fourth at 5-1; was claimed by the Jacobson barn and should be ready to roll next out.

ROCKY FIELD: Four year old filly was coming off two solid second place finishes in her most recent starts, she broke well but was taken back a bit behind the leaders, was caught in behind horses on the turn, moved out losing valuable lengths and closed late to finish fourth, gets there at a better price right back.

SIX FLINGS: Was off since July, got away in midpack while being hard ridden, moved into third into the lane but couldn’t gain anything late checking in fourth, was claimed out of that race and should be much tighter next out, calls on backclass to score.

BOND VIGILANTE: Was part of a 6-5 entry last out, was bumped on the turn and steadied losing valuable ground, dropped back but did run on some through the lane to finish sixth, $90k yearling purchase should improve off that effort and must be given a look right back.

BEST BET: THIS HARD LAND: Always thought this New York bred had talent, has been caught in some tough spots of late, most recently racing in last behind some very slow fractions before checking in sixth and last only about four lengths off the winner, may be better around one turn and can offer some value right back.

LONGSHOT: CAP THE MOMENT: Six year old gelding hasn’t won in a while but has put in two decent efforts over her last few tries closing to finish second most recently behind the wire to wire winner, handles one turn races as well so with the main track opening next week his connections have options.