HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

CHURCHILL DOWNS

CLASS INCLUDED: Proven mare has now added a new wrinkle showing in her latest second-place finish at KEE that she can handle turf, also; primed for upcoming third start of current form cycle for trainer D. Romans.

CHEETAH PANTS: Set the pace and stayed on to finish third when switched to turf for her first start since February; pay attention to speedy filly.

ON THE KEY: Overcame rocky start and getting bumped to put in prolonged run to be up in time for head maiden win on synthetic most recently; son of Ready’s Image set for turf now.

HIS RACE TO WIN: Raced in range and wide when trying to overcome post position 10 of 12 in turf route and weakened in the lane to finish sixth; major player with maidens off a fair trip.

RIVER LEMON: Split rivals and proved willing to be second behind blowout winner at 1 5/8-mile trip most recently; CD turf probably in his future following latest on synthetic at KEE.

BIG BLUE SPIRIT (GB): Rated in range, moved to lead in the stretch, and stayed on to finish fourth in blanket finish most recently; typically fires a solid shot and offers value, so use for trainer D. Miller.

REVENUE: Didn’t offer much in three-race GP campaign with some unlucky trips along the way, but showed life when third on synthetic at KEE most recently; CD turf might produce breakout.

SWEET ON YOU: Raced in range while wide and faded to finish sixth in her latest; 3YO filly seems to be learning on the job type and can improve from here for top C. Clement barn.

TANZSPIEL (IRE): Moved from wide spot, raced in tight, and then hung when it counted to finish a narrowly beaten third in her latest; maiden win in sight in upcoming third start back from January-layoff.

4*SPECIAL: RED STRIKE: Raced in fairly even order and managed third when in to KEE from FG for his latest; quick return at CD can prove pivotal for lightly raced 6YO gelding from M. Pierce barn.

LONGSHOT: WINGS OF FORTUNE: Managed a close sixth from wide spot when thrown to wolves at 20.40-1 price in Grade 3 Lexington switching to synthetic; class relief and move to turf or dirt might work.

 

PENN NATIONAL

MY APPEAL: Battled early and gave way to finish third behind blowout winner in her latest; lightly raced 4YO filly remained popular at the claim box, this time going to J. Conner barn for $10K.

NESHAMINY: Raced with the pace throughout and stayed on to finish a game second in an improved try most recently; 3YO gelding should also benefit from first route attempt in just his fourth career start.

MCKAYLA’S WISH: Had wide journey to nowhere when a fair fourth in his first start off claim/class rise for trainer B. Kravets; in the exacta in 11 of 22 lifetime starts, so worth another shot.

S W LAURIE: Was well supported on tote for her latest, but settled for a distant third behind dominant winner; deserves the chance to bounce back to better form with similar cheap crew.

AMERICAN PLACED: Offered a mild rally, but did make some progress to pick up third over sloppy strip in her latest; can’t ignore mare who has been on the board in 14 of 30 lifetime starts.

4*SPECIAL: REASON TO DRINK: Pressed and couldn’t sustain rally when third as the beaten choice over sloppy ground (zero-for-four on wet tracks now) most recently; clear early shake could help S. Lake trainee.

LONGSHOT: IT’S GOODTOBE DUKE: Never got involved when a distant seventh in his first start with winners after needing 15 tries to graduate; experience counts, so give a shot as value play.