HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

PHILADELPHIA (PARXRACING)

CHARLIE MURRAY: Was coming offthree straight turf races and was turning back in distance as well, broke fromthe rail, saved ground but was steadying on much of the turn and checked infourth late at 9-1 with NW2L $7.5k claimers; like his chances right back.

JOE BAGADONUTS: Seven year oldgelding was coming off a two month layoff last out when coming off two badefforts, showed improved speed last out, was right there into the lane buttired to finish third behind the odds-on entry at 14-1; respect right back with$5k claimers.

SIBBYS GIRL: Three year oldfilly turned back in distance last out when racing in sixth early on, came witha wide run around the turn to get into contention but had to check in aclose-up fourth at 14-1 with $25k maiden claimers, stay close at a price.

SURPRISE STRIKE: Five year oldgelding was never that far back early on racing in fifth, moved to third at thetop of the lane but couldn’t go with the leaders late checking in third at 7-1;is better than 50% in the money and fits well with $16k claimers.

TURINI: Was turning back indistance last out and moving back to the dirt, got away in eighth, started tomove up in between horses, still gained well in the lane and finished thirdbehind the runaway winner, respect in current form.

BEST BET: ACOPANDPROUDOFIT: Was coming off a win two back when he wasclaimed by the Michael Pino barn, six year old gelding came out of the gaterunning when moved up into a starter allowance, set some solid fractions to thetop of the lane and just tired some late to finish third; sharp now.

LONGSHOT: FIRST LOVE: Was coming off a May 2012layoff last out, ducked out at the start and dropped back after the start,raced very wide throughout and finished well for fourth at 34-1; should moveforward off that effort at a solid price.

 

 

 

 

TURF PARADISE

FINEGAN AGAIN: Four year oldgelding was coming off a June layoff heading into his last start, broke fromthe outside post 8, stalked the leaders from fourth, came very wide into thelane and checked in third behind the two favorites at 14-1; likes this trackand fits well with NW3L $3.5k claimers.

ISLAND SHINE: Six year old marewas coming off an April layoff last out, had been working well coming into therace and dueled from the inside, fell back into the turn but came back again tofinish a close-up third at 39-1; stay close.

NOBLE VISION: Was coming off ayear layoff last out, didn’t run a step in either dirt race at Churchill Downsand moved to the turf for the first time, was away in fourth and checked inevenly late to finish fourth at 7-2; look for an improvement second time turfand second time back off the layoff.

RALPHY GIRL: Four year old fillywas making her first start over this track last out, couldn’t get to the leadbut chased a very sharp early pace off the odds-on choice to the top of thelane but tired late to finish third at 7-2; could be all set right back.

SHE’S COPACETIC: Four year old fillywas making her second start over this turf course in a two week period, hadsome trouble two back, broke cleanly last out, showed good early speed, battledhead to head for ¾’s, took over into the lane but had to settle for second tothe odds-on choice, tab.

BEST BET: PROXYMAN: Three year old gelding was 2for 3 heading into his last start albeit against claimers, shipped in for hisfirst start over this course, came out running for the lead, got away with aneasy opening quarter mile but then picked up the pace from there going wire towire in a very sharp time; can only get better.

LONGSHOT: LEXINGTON PARK: Was off since Augustheading into his last race and was moving back to the turf where he was 0 for5, raced in 8^th early on, started to move into the lane and finishedwell for third at 31-1 behind the favorite, can offer value right back.