HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

PIMLICO

DUAL EXHAUZT: Capitalized on class relief when able to secure a spot on the pace and remain clear for latest score; proven veteran capable of repeat in current form.

BOXFORD BELLE: Gave a more than acceptable account when a narrowly beaten fifth at long odds when tried on the turf for the first time in her latest; very well-bred maiden gets one more shot.

DO IT FOR DON: Managed third of five in his first start since last-November, and didn’t have the best of racing luck with an awkward start and wide move; moves forward quickly.

SANDBAG: Set the pace and stayed on gamely to finish second when beaten as the favorite in her latest; chance to atone and notch third career score.

JUST A WILDFLOWER: Steadied at the half-mile pole, but put in a fair rally for fourth under five-pound “bug” in her first start since last-November; horse and rider C. Keiser benefit for next time.

READ ALL ABOUT IT: Dueled inside under early pressure, shook free thereafter, and failed to last but stayed on gamely for third in her latest; another shot at current level.

4*SPECIAL: INSPIRED BY GRACE: Very well-bred filly gained to finish a narrowly beaten second in turf dash at first asking; options for John Servis barn (25% wins this year).

LONGSHOT: MR. HANDSOME: Lacked bid and settled for fourth when back on turf for his latest, but has never done best running on turf; conditioning gained helps for return to dirt.

 

KEENELAND/CHURCHILL DOWNS

BARZINI: Stepped well up class ladder when in off a GP turf win and transferred form nicely to synthetic ground with second-place finish; plenty of options for top M. Maker barn.

EMPIRE KNIGHT: Made up minor ground without much impact when seventh in his latest, but was making return from November-layoff; move back to turf likely to produce best result.

STRONG STIPULATION: Improved to gain third in solid heat when making his first career non-dirt start on KEE main most recently; son of Lemon Drop Kid takes further needed jump on CD sod.

COZZE UP LADY: Gave chase and weakened to sixth when behind always strong Judy the Beauty in Grade 1 Madison; daughter of Cozzene a proven commodity over CD turf.

NORTH STAR BOY (IRE): Showed improved early and overall interest when back at allowance level and finished third in blanket finish off brief respite; next time.

WILD TARGET: Raced wide and could only manage a fair fourth of seven when in from TAM for his first career synthetic try most recently; has won over CD dirt already.

FRIVOLOUS: Returned running as the favorite and easily scored on drop to allowance level for her first try since last-November; well-bred 4YO filly with upside.

UTLEY: Gained third late when beaten as the choice for his first start since mid-January; perfect allowance tune-up for classy J. Sheppard trainee.

BILLY TWO HATS: Offered only brief interest and gave out when under the gun from rail post and finished distant seventh at KEE most recently; turf or dirt sprint options at CD.

4*SPECIAL: ANNA PAVLOVA: Tuned up with good fourth-place sprint try over KEE synthetic track in her first start since late-January, and should now be set for CD turf.

LONGSHOT: HANDMADE: Didn’t get much pace to come after and had to settle for sixth of 11 from wide spot when in from FG and tried on synthetic ground for the first time; seems a natural for CD dirt.