HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

BELMONT

THOMAS HILL: Was coming off a December layoff last out, had plenty of run but no room at the top of the lane, was still in traffic in the lane and split horses late to finish third at 12-1; fits well over the turf and handles multiple distances, follow.

SACRED GROUND: Got away in sixth last out behind a solid early pace but didn’t make up any ground in the lane and checked in seventh over a track where it was hard to make up ground, give this one a look right back at a better price with similar.

FILE GUMBO: Has been up against it over her last few tries, most recently closing wide to finish third over a track that wasn’t helping the closers, was claimed by the Jamie Ness barn and is sitting on a win at a square price.

J W BLUE: Had some breeding for the turf heading into his last start, his first try over that surface, was a bit rank early on, dropped back some on the turf but then came running again to finish a decent fourth behind a much the best wire to wire winner, should improve second time over the turf and can expect a decent price right back.

UNDERAGE: Ran a much improved sixth last out after laying close-up to a sharp pace over the turf in just her second career start when sent off at 89-1; fits with $20k maiden claimers right back and the price will still be there, stay close.

BUCKEYE HEART: Has been in good form over the last few months but only has one win to show for it, finished third last out despite having to check in deep stretch, fits nicely with $20k claimers and the value is there, take it.

ROMANSH: Chased the pace last out in his second career start but could do no better than third in a five horse field, well bred runner and high priced yearling is all set now for a move to the turf, follow right back.

EAST COAST EXPRESS: Took some money for her debut early on, drifted up to 14-1 at post time and closed some ground in the lane to finish fourth behind the three favorites, should improve off that effort and fits well sprinting on the lawn.

ORINO: Three year old gelding was sent off at 10-1 for his debut which came at six furlongs over the turf, got away in fourth behind a solid early pace and couldn’t do any better than an even fourth behind a solid time, must respect this runner for the H. James Bond barn and can only improve going forward.

HULETT: Three year old came out running last out, set some very solid fractions to the top of the lane but tired to finish seventh at 9-1; may need a drop in class but a move to the turf could also be in order; follow for the solid Bruce Levine barn, tab.

YOU YOU: Moved up into a maiden special weight race, chased early on and was still there on the far turn but couldn’t go with the leaders tiring to finish 8^th at 31-1; a drop back into a maiden claimer and a move to a sprint can be the key to a big mutuel.

BEST BET: WISE GUIDE: Moved back to the dirt after a failed try over the turf when trying winners two back, made a good move to go from sixth into second, was still there in mid-stretch but couldn’t finish it off checking in a close-up third, sitting on a win with NW1X statebred allowance foes.

LONGSHOT: STAR BLACK: Three year old filly has now had three starts over the turf, finished a good fourth in her turf debut, her saddle slipped in her second start and then came with a very wide run to finish a well beaten fifth at 37-1 last, can run over the lawn and a drop into a claimer can key a big mutuel.

 

 

 

 

WOODBINE

ROYAL SLAM: Ended 2012 in sharp form with a second and a win, returned last out against NW1X allowance company, got away in fifth, made a good move to take over the lead into the lane but had to settle for second late; all set right back.

DANCE TO THE MOON: Six year old mare returned from a November layoff last out, was sent right to the lead, set the pace into the lane but couldn’t hold off the favorite late setting for second at 8-1; wires similar right back.

I WANT YOU TO KNOW: Left here last winter in good form, shipped to Laurel, won two in a row, shipped back here for his most recent start, chased the pace early on, was still in contention at the top of the lane but tired to finish fifth late as the pace was heating up, give him another show and turf could be an option.

MEDIDOCIHOSPISURG: Added the blinkers back for his last start, raced well back early on, was hard ridden on the turn and did pass a few rivals in the lane to finish fifth, may have needed that race and should be tighter next out.

DELEGATION: Got back to Woodbine last out, a track he was undefeated on coming into the race, was sent right to the lead, set moderate splits and drew away into the lane to score easily by 3 ½ lengths as the 2-1 choice, is ready for bigger and better things; turf is an option as well follow.

BEST BET: PHIL THE FOX: Was coming off his maiden win back in February at Parx, was making his first try over this track, got away in 8^th early on behind sharp fractions, steadied in upper stretch and finished well for third behind the two favorites; improves with that race under his belt, solid.

LONGSHOT: GOLDEN ABBY: Was returning from a November layoff last out, had two poor efforts over this track last year but put in a much improved effort, chasing the early pace, taking over into the lane and holding well for second to the favorite at 46-1; respect right back.