HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

CHURCHILL DOWNS

CINDY’S HOBBY: Almost pulled off the upset last out just missing

 by a neck but finishing well clear of the third place finisher. Is a good

 fit at the $15k claiming level.

LAST SONG: Three year old showed her class last out (10/24)

getting up to score by a head after trailing the field throughout. Is on

to bigger and better things if she shows up at Churchill Downs.

ORPINGTON: Was coming off a huge effort prior to his most recent start

and may have been up a bit too close; give him another shot.

PAPA M AND M: Veteran 6YO blew away the competition scoring by almost

 eight lengths last out and should be right there with better.

POCO BUENO: Broke midpack from post 10, made a move on the turn only

to run into traffic and never really got going after that. 2YO is well bred

and should be given another shot, turf or dirt.

SHE’S THAT CAT: May have been used up chasing a very quick half mile

 and tired in the drive because of it. A better pace scenario or a drop into

maiden claimers is the key to victory.

SPIT SHINE: Showed some life last out finishing fourth with $7.5k claimers

 and should be used in all exotics next out.

STRATTON: Was well beaten last out by the odds-on choice when finishing

 third but was sent off at 55-1 that day and must be used in all exotics right

 back; improving two year old.

WOULD YOU BE MINE: Could not make an impact last out when

 making a solid move into the place spot and had to settle for second behind

 the loose on the lead favorite; gets there with $35k claimers.

4STARSPECIAL: MONTECASTILLO: Tried allowance company last out

and looked like a winner at the top of the lane before settling for the place spot,

 sharp now.

LONGSHOT: TWO MILE HILL: Was getting a perfect rail trip last out and

came up empty when it counted in the stretch; may find those one turn miles

to her liking at Churchill Downs.

 

SANTA ANITA

BATTLEDRESS: Sped to the early lead but tired on a muddy track on 10/21.

 Can make amends on a fast track.

CALIFORNIA THUNDER: Got squeezed back to last in a nine horse

field but recovered and finished fourth after being sent off at 22-1 odds in

 debut on 10/21. Don’t overlook in subsequent starts.

CHASENTHEBLUESAWAY: Chased a fast pace in an off-the-turf race in return

 from a nine-month layoff. Can improve in second off the layoff.

COMMANDANT: Got caught setting a pressured pace and could not last seven

 furlongs on 10/23. Don’t overlook back in a similar spot.

CYBER CITY SLEW: Got caught in a speed duel in a race that set up for

the closers on 10/21. Must respect back on the lead in next.

DEWEY’S TRICK: Got hooked and cooked in a four-length-gap speed duel

and tired as a result. Worth another shot next time.

EL PRADO IN ACTION: Had his head turned at the break and lost all

 chance at the start on 10/23. Likely overlay next time out.

HUNTLEY’S CREEK: Got KO’d in a three-way, four-length-gap battle for

the lead after a poor break on 10/21. Just needs a clean start.

I THOUGHT U KNEW: Showed some interest both early and late but

could do no better than fourth after dropping back to last on the turn on 10/22.

Try again.

LOS SOLANO: Tried to unleash a rally in upper stretch but could not recover

 from traffic troubles at that point in the race in a tough trip on 10/23. Better luck

 next time.

SPARKLING AVA: Closed ground for fourth and just missed second by

two necks in a race otherwise ruled by front-runners.

SPELLBINDER: Needed a race off a seven-month layoff when sprinting six

furlongs on 10/22. Prepped and ready now.

SPORTY MCGEE: Showed good speed in career debut and settled for third

 after getting hooked in a duel. Got claimed by Sadler out of first start.

TIZAKITTY: Got caught in a four-length-gap duel for the lead and held on for

 a close third. Looms a threat to shake loose up front.

4STARSPECIAL: SALVINO: Got squeezed back at the start to begin last in

an 11-horse field and lose his best chance on 10/23. Can win off the claim by O’Neill.

LONGSHOT: FORGIVING: Got squeezed to the back of a seven horse field at

the start and still outran 10-1 odds for a close fourth at 5 1/2 furlongs. Can

move forward in second career start.