HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

BELMONT

PUZZLING: Five year old mare has a solid kick over the turf and was coming into her last race with two solid second place finishes, got away in sixth last out behind a half mile in 49 flat but just couldn’t make up any ground through a solid last part of the race checking in a close-up fifth, stay close.

SHKSPEARE SHALIYAH: Always thought this horse had some ability but he has been in over his head for the better part of his career, was outrun some early on last out and never got out of sixth only losing by a little more than two lengths, must respect right back with a pace up front and the right price.

MAD BOMBER: Was back on the turf last out, his first start since February, showed good early speed pressing the pace through a half mile in 47 flat before tiring badly to finish a well beaten seventh at 81-1; needs a drop in class and a moved back to the dirt, can be a key to a huge mutuel.

LOVE STANZA CHANCE: Five year old mare was making just her second start off a November layoff, got away in fourth, moved into a contending position at the top of the lane but tired some late to finish third at 14-1, could be all set right back.

BOBBY FLAY: Moved back to the turf last out, showed good early speed but did get away with a moderate half mile, couldn’t go with the leaders when the running counted but did finish a decent fifth at 33-1; should be followed back on either surface; especially at a square price.

FREIGHT: Showed good early speed last out when moved to the turf for the first time, battled on the lead through a half in 45:2 but tired when it counted to finish sixth, gained plenty of conditioning from that effort and could be set for a win versus maiden $25k claimers on either surface.

PLEASURE PRINCIPLE: Was returning from a February layoff last out and was trying the turf for the first time, showed good speed pressing the pace through a 44:1 half mile but tired to finish 10^th, should be ready to roll with a move back to the main track.

YOUR LION EYES: Was off to a slow start last out in her debut going six furlongs over the turf, got a spot along the inside until the top of the lane, came very wide into the lane and finished well for sixth, should improve off that effort and fits right back with $25k maiden claimers.

POWER WORLD: Ran like he was in need of his last race, his first in 11 months, chased the leaders from fourth along the inside but couldn’t only manage an even fourth late in a sharp final time, should be all set right back.

BEST BET: DIVINE MUSIC: Speedy but unsound five year old gelding made his first start off a year layoff last out, showed blazing early speed getting hooked in a duel, was overtaken in the lane but did run on well just missing by about a length and a half, was claimed by the Jacobson barn and should be tough right back.

LONGSHOT: LUIGI P: Took the blinkers off for his last try against $25k claimers over the turf, was still outrun early on but came with a wide run to finish third despite having to try and close in a the quickest part of the race, sitting on a win at long odds.

 

 

 

MONMOUTH PARK

CIRCULAR RAINBOW: Was coming off a win heading into her last race when she was claimed by the Jorge Navarro barn, got away in fourth behind a sharp early pace and finished up well to just miss by a head, very tough right back with similar.

MY GUARDIAN ANGEL: Four year old filly came out running from the inside last out, set a pressured pace to the top of the lane but tired when it counted to finish fifth at 6-1; fits with conditioned $5k claimers right back.

PORVOO: Was back on the turf last out and was sent right to the lead, set a solid pace from the start and into the lane but just couldn’t hold on late checking in second by just a neck, all set now.

PRO PROSPECT: Speedy three year old came out running last out, set a half in 44:4 and was still right there until deep stretch before tiring late to finish a close-up fourth, will prove tough right back with similar.

DIDN’T TAKE IT: Was outrun throughout most recently behind a solid pace while sprinting over the dirt, never got out of last and is now 0 for 8 over the main track, was claimed by the sharp Moya barn and will prove tough right back with a move back to the lawn.

BEST BET: MASS DESTRUCTION: Ended 2012 on a high note with a big win on December 19^th, returned to the races off a six month layoff last out, chased from third throughout and stayed on well for a clear third at 10-1; six year old gelding should be all set right back.

LONGSHOT: FINANCIAL MISSION: Was sent off as the longest shot in the race last out at 31-1, was outrun early on racing in seventh and last, started to move into the lane and finished well for third; offers value right back with similar.