HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

SARATOGA

MAGNIFICENT SHIRL: Three year old filly turned back in distance last out, trailed the field of six behind moderate splits for this class and distance, came wide into the lane, shifted in, and then was changing her leads multiple times racing greenly to the wire just missing the show spot, will offer value right back versus similar, follow.

MY BELLA BEAUTY: Tried the turf for the first time last out, got away in third from her outside post 7, moved up to the leaders at the top of the lane, took over the lead and drew away smartly, must respect this runner next out versus better.

UNCLE SMOKEY: Was making his return from over a year layoff, was outrun early on behind some very sharp early fractions, moved into second at the top of the lane and held on well for second behind a runaway 10 length winner in 1:09:3, fits with NW2L $15k claimers, respect.

PRAETEREO: Five year old was coming off a September layoff last out, was away in sixth of 6 right from the start, moved up around the turn to get into contention, took over into the lane and then battled to the wire to hold on by a nose, was claimed by David Jacobson and should be all set for the Saratoga meeting.

MAXANA: Was claimed out of a statebred $20k claimer two back, moved up to face against open, conditioned $30k claimers, was outrun racing in 8^th but closed well in the drive to finish third at 29-1; respect right back at a price.

YOU SO SMART: Tried the turf for the first time last out when making her second start off a 15 month layoff, was bumped hard at the start, was taken a hold of to avoid more trouble, was wide into the lane and checked in an improved fifth, follow right back over the lawn in her third start back off the layoff.

SUPREME COMMANDER: Well bred three year old colt was sent off at 13-1 for his debut run, was outrun early on racing in 8^th, moved wide on the turn and passed a few rivals in the lane to finish fourth, is bred top and bottom for the lawn and should be all set for a move to that surface.

VALID: Think this three year old has ability, lost all chance two back in the Withers back in February, was sent off the favorite last out, raced wide and checked in an even fourth, look for a stretchout to two turns at Saratoga and should be all set right back off that effort.

PERFECT DANGER: Showed good speed two back and held on well for fourth in a solid time, showed good speed again last out through some very solid fractions and against stayed on well for fourth just missing the show spot in a final time of 1:15:1; a drop into a $50k maiden claimer will get the job done.

COLLABORATOR: Made his first start since August last out, added blinkers for that start while trying the turf for the first time, set a moderate pace from the start and into the lane before tiring some late to finish seventh at 11-1; will give this one another shot at long odds over the lawn right back.

BEST BET: MOP HEAD: Was coming off a January layoff last out and trying conventional dirt for the first time, was away in sixth early on, moved to chase the leaders from third and stayed on well for second, top connections have plenty of options now, turf, dirt, long, short, etc.

LONGSHOT: CASHLEIGH: Three year old was claimed three back, put in a solid effort to finish third two back, was up close to a very slow pace last out but didn’t go on with it when it counted checking in fourth at 11-1; is better from off the pace and could be tough with a pace up front, follow.

 

 

 

MONMOUTH PARK

STAFF SARGEANT: Was coming off an October layoff last out, was outrun behind a very sharp early pace over the turf and did close some ground late to finish a close-up fourth at 11-1; fits with restricted claimers and should be all set right back.

ALEX INC: Two year old by Afleet Alex was making his debut last out, he was sent off at 18-1 as part of an entry, was outrun early on racing in seventh, came three wide into the lane and finished well for fifth, needed the race after some slow a.m. works and the more ground the better.

RICHIEFROMSHOPRITE: Was coming off a wire to wire win in a Jersey Bred stakes two back, tried open company NW2X optional claimers, chased the pace from third but tired in the drive when it counted to finish fifth at 5-1; is in good form now and handles all surfaces.

INSOLVENT: Three year old filly was making her first start since September, was bumped at the start coming out of the rail spot, chased the pace from fourth but couldn’t do any better than fourth late, needed that race and a move to the turf should be in order.

CARSON BANDIT: Was making his first start since September last out, set the pace right from the start over the turf, was still there into the lane but just couldn’t hold on late tiring to finish third at 14-1; New York bred could show up in the entries either here or in New York, handles multiple distances so follow closely.

BEST BET: LAVENDE: Added blinkers for her last start, her first since August, was outrun some early on racing in sixth, came wide into the lane and finished well for second behind the sharp runaway winner, should be all set now next out in her third start back from the layoff.

LONGSHOT: BAT CAVE: Three year old gelding was claimed two back for $10k, moved into a NW1X Jersey bred allowance field, was sent off at 31-1, chased a very sharp pace into the turn but couldn’t go on with it and tired some late to finish fifth, can pop at a price right back.