HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

PHILADELPHIA PARK

WHERE IS WILDER: Showed speed and weakened to third behind blowout winner when after repeat score on class rise and stretch out in distance most recently; next time.

MISS ROCKPORT: Chased winner throughout and finished a game second, 3 ½ lengths clear of third finisher, in her racing debut; T.B. Houghton barn going well this year (26% wins).

BELVEDERE ROAD: Gained and finished a trouble second under the wire – placed first via DQ of rival – in his latest; proves worthy $7,5k-claim for trainer K. Nations (24% wins with limited starters this year).

INDIAN DEFENCE: Rallied through trouble for third in three-horse photo finish in his racing debut; plenty of upside for 3YO son of Indian Ocean and trainer K. Demasi.

PISTORIA: Got back to better form with wide run for second in her latest; solid sort has been in the exacta in nine of 19 lifetime starts.

4*SPECIAL: MAJESTIC KAZ: Raced further back than accustomed in early stages of her latest, then finished wide with some late interest for fourth; primed for third start back from lengthy break.

LONGSHOT: SEVEN STORMS: Has finished fifth and then sixth in a pair of starts since claimed by A. Velazquez barn that has shown confidence in placement; scores at square ticket.

 

ELLIS PARK

CAR FIFTY FOUR: Showed some late interest following a slow break and picked up third in a field of five when back from a November-layoff; moves forward.

IVAN’S JOY: Chased the pace and settled for third behind blowout winner when in from AP most recently; more speed and staying power in upcoming third start back from December-layoff.

INDIAN FIESTA: Overcame an awkward start to win going away and make it two straight when in with winners for the first time most recently; CD invader stays sharp.

BRIGADE: Made a clear pace and romped as the favorite when in from CD for his latest; son of Tiznow stays sharp for trainer T. Newton (five-for-15 thus far this year).

DR. CALAHAN: Chased from wide spot and weakened to fourth when it counted in his latest when making first start for J. Gammon barn; moves forward.

MAJOR DARBY: Made up a lot of ground to finish a close fourth of 12 when long odds at ALW level most recently; needs pace/race luck to set up his punch, but can maintain good form now.

ALDEAN: Took the turn wide, got to contention, and could only manage an even stretch finish when fifth of nine in a useful racing debut; son of Dunkirk might be meant for races at longer trips.

REASON TO BE PROUD: Has been second in each of his last two – most recently behind a dominant winner – and figures well here in current company; stay on board.

SAHMS SONG: Chased the pace along the inside and weakened to fifth behind a hot tempo in her latest; major player if able to make her way to the front end from the bell.

4*SPECIAL: RIGHT SASSY: Showed some life with return to turf, but weakened to fourth after showing some early speed in her first start since March; capable of more.

LONGSHOT: HOW BOUT THAT: Chased the pace and weakened to seventh when tried on turf for the first time most recently; rebounds.