HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

SARATOGA-BELMONT

ANCIENT GODDESS: Two year old filly shipped in from France for her last start in the P G Johnson Stakes, was very rank after breaking from the rail post, moved up to get into second on the turn but didn’t have any kick when it counted checking in third at 3-1; should be tough right back.

ESCAPE TO MALIBU: Three year old filly made her career debut last out going 1 and 1/16^th miles over the turf, hesitated at the start and then raced near the back of the pack and never really did much running after that checking in 8^th, a move to the dirt is in order.

FIRST CHARMER: Two year old filly tried the turf in his second career start, came out running for the lead battling through a very sharp half mile in 44:4 and hung on well to finish fourth outlasting all the other pace rivals.

GRACEFUL GAL: Three year old filly by Curlin made her debut last out in a 5 and ½ turf sprint, was outrun early on racing in 8^th, was still near the back of the pack into the lane before closing well to finish fourth at 16-1; is bred to want more ground, follow.

LAKEVIEW LADY: Came out running for the lead last out when setting the pace against NW1X allowance company for statebreds, set the pace into the lane but tired to finish sixth at 65-1 losing by less than five lengths, a slight drop into a NW2L claimer might do the trick.

MARBLE FALLS: Well bred four year old colt was making his career debut last out going seven furlongs over the dirt, came out running in 8^th early on when sent off at 41-1 and was only able to pass just one rival checking in seventh, should improve off that effort and turf may be in his future.

PERSNICKITY: Was claimed four back for $25k, moved up to face $40k claimers and got the job done and then finished a solid second for $50k claimers just getting beat a neck, put in a huge effort last out against optional $62.5k claimers last out and was a hard luck second, very sharp.

PUCA: Moved to the turf for her second career start last out, raced in ninth early on behind some moderate fractions and closed well to finish third at 8-1; should move forward again next out.

STARS ABOVE ME: Was real good in her North America debut easily scoring two back, was sent off as the slight favorite last out but didn’t get the best of trips as she was extremely rank en route to a ninth place finish, look for a better price next out.

THNXTOMYUNCLE: Four year old gelding was outrun early on racing in sixth after being bumped hard from both sides at the start and then was checked, raced in sixth and last to the top of the lane and passed one rival checking in fifth at 29-1; must respect at a big price right back.

BEST BET: LADY LUCIANO: Ran a good fourth in her first try over the turf two back against a very sharp field of statebreds, was turned back in distance last out, got away near the back of the pack, made a good run around the turn but couldn’t finish it off checking in sixth, was claimed and should be followed right back.

LONGSHOT: BALDERDASH: Had a good two year old year last out but has not been very good as a three year old, was sent off at 37-1 last out, raced in ninth early on, made a big move to get into second at the top of the lane but flattened out a bit late checking in fourth, could be all set now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MONMOUTH

BLACK ANA SPLASH: Scored by over 23 lengths two back on June the 20^th, was claimed by the Navarro barn, returned on the turf versus $12.5k claimers, set the pace but backed up badly checking in 11^th and last, follow with drop back on the dirt.

IMA WILDCAT: Has plenty of talent but has been caught up in two wicked speed duels in both of his starts and held on for third last out, a pair of blinkers may do the trick, follow.

JR.’S CHILI PEPPER: Was an easy maiden winner two back, moved up to face winners in a NW2L statebred $7.5k claiming event, got to the lead after the ¼ mile, set the pace into the lane and held on late for the win, can get by the next level right back.

MIAMI MUSIC: Was a big winner two against conditioned $5k claimers scoring by over four lengths at 36-1; returned at the same level and again was an easy winner at 15-1; will need to move up a bit next out but is in career form.

QUEPOS: Was claimed for $5k two back by the Navarro barn, moved up into a optional claimer/starter allowance race, battled on the lead throughout when stretching out in distance but tired to finish sixth in the lane, follow this one on the turnback.

BEST BET: RIGBY: Hard hitting seven year old got a good spot out of the gate sitting behind the speeds up front, was put in behind horses around the turn and he seemed to resent that, throwing his head and running awkwardly, straightened up in the lane but could only manage an 8^th place finish, offers better value right back.

LONGSHOT: GRAEME BAY: Was outrun early on when trying winners for the first time last out, trailed the field around the turn but then was basically eased checking in a well beaten seventh, give this one another look for a shrewd barn, tab.