HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

BELMONT

EGYPTIAN WARRIOR: Got away in fourth last out in a five horse field, made a big move on the turn to get into contention but tired in the lane in a good time, give this one another shot with that race under his belt.

RESERVED QUALITY: Was claimed two back for $35k, was given a few months off, stretched out in distance and wasn’t offered for a claim, was outrun early on and checked in an even fourth late, needed that race and a turnback in distance helps.

BIRD HOUSE: Was outrun last out when in against NW2X statebred allowance company, started to move a bit into the lane but could only manage a fourth place finish at 13-1; a try on the turf could be in order, stay close.

AVENGING SPIRIT: Moved back to the turf last out after a big win two back over a sloppy track, threw his head at the start after stumbling at the start, raced in seventh early on and finished up well in the lane for fourth, a move back to the dirt could be in order.

MARRIEDTOTHEMUSIC: Took a big step up last out when wiring an off the turf field, set very sharp fractions and drew away into the lane and went on to score by three lengths in a final time of 1:08:2, ready for better and turf is an option.

DEAREST DIXIE: Took some money for his debut, chased the pace early on through sharp fractions but couldn’t go with the leaders when it counted checking in sixth at 4-1; statebred could move up off that start and turf is definitely an option.

DEATH STAR: Needed the race last out when returning from an 11 month layoff and making his first start in New York, was away in last behind sharp fractions, raced three wide around the turn and finished seventh at 17-1; needed that race and connections have options.

MONONOKE: Has tried to get on the turf in her last two efforts but both races were rained off, both efforts ended third place finishes after showing good early speed, she is improving with each start and could be tough with a move to the turf.

BERNARDO: Has really turned the corner with a couple of big efforts in his last three tries, was outrun while racing in sixth but was finishing well for a close-up third behind the two speed horses, should break through next out.

TONY D: Was claimed out of his debut for $45k when fourth as the favorite, moved up into a tough maiden special weight race and was run off his feet early on in a race dominated by the speed and checked in a decent fifth at 21-1; must respect right back with a drop back down in class.

BEST BET: TYCOON CAT: Has been in sharp form over the last three months, was claimed by the Jacobson barn two back, moved up in class and turned back in distance, was away badly and never really got into it over a muddy/sealed track, gets it done next out over a fast surface.

LONGSHOT: JEALOUS: Broke her maiden three back by more than eight lengths, albeit against $16k statebred maiden claimers, was hard ridden from the rail, battled for the lead through a 45:1 half mile and tired to finish 9^th at 78-1, needs a drop in class to show her best.

 

 

 

MONMOUTH PARK

SPA SUNRISE: Came off an October layoff last out, showed sharp early speed from the start, was still there into the lane and just got nailed late by a half-length to the favorite, stay close.

TAZER: Three year old gelding came out running, pressed the pace for ¾’s of a mile, took over into the lane and just missed by a head at 35-1, will be very tough right back with a similar effort.

ENGLISH MINISTER: Broke from the rail last  out, saved ground on the inside behind moderate splits, started to gain into the lane while inside and just missed by about a length, likes the turf and can improve with more ground.

R CLEVER CAT: Was making his third start off a year layoff, came out running from the rail, set a sharp pace to the top of the lane and tired to finish a close-up fifth at 12-1; could be all set now, follow.

LADY TERESA: Three year old filly was sent off at 15-1, came out running for the lead, battled head to head to the lead through a half in 45:4 but tired to finish fifth; stay close with statebred maiden $10k claimers, tab.

BEST BET: LOVE THAT KELLY: Jersey bred was coming off an October layoff last out and was making just her second career start, stumbled at the start, saved ground and then finished up well for fourth at 6-1; should be very tough right back in a similar spot.

LONGSHOT: JERSEY BLUE GIANT: Five year old gelding was in over his head last out when trying stakes company sprinting over the turf and finished a decent sixth at 37-1, a drop in class and a stretch out in distance can help the cause.