HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

FAIR GROUNDS

CANDY VERSE: Held sharp form as fresh face in northeast most recently; heads

 south for productive winter in current form.

CASMON: Has chased and stayed on fairly well in each of his two career starts;

 from winning barn, diploma can be stamped past due now.

CLASSIC HOUR: Fresh face has been spotted training well over local strip, and went

well here last year in a strong first attempt versus winners; intriguing.

GAYLE’S FAN: Unraced 2YO colt brings plenty of turf pedigree, so stay patient.

GENTLEMEN J J: Threw in a clinker in latest, but is capable of much better for winning

 barn; has gone well locally, and that is a plus.

MAJOR LEAGUER: Fell flat in last couple in New Jersey, but could be an interesting fit

on the local scene, especially if Nov. 16 bullet workout is any indication.

MOUNTAIN GENERAL: Back in town, he’s always one of the best on local scene; atones

 for recent losses as favorite in a hurry.

RICHLY PLEASANT: Unraced juvenile filly shows long string of workouts and should be

set for debut; intriguing pedigree from speed and stamina standpoints.

SEEKING THE SHADOW: Juvenile is yet to start, but pedigree suggests plenty of

speed and win-early tendencies; stay close.

THUNDERDOLL: Drilled a bullet three furlongs over course on Nov. 14; 2YO filly by Thunder

 Gulch bears some watching.

TWICE A DEELITE: Was last seen sour and last raced in mid-September, but back-class

and speed suggest room for turnaround; local Nov. 14 workout says near ready for return.

 

4STARSPECIAL: ACADEMIC ANGEL: Disappointed public in each of her last two starts, but

 is clearly capable of better; worked well here and can fire best in third start of form cycle.

LONGSHOT: FULL TIME DANCER: Fell flat in uncharacteristically dull effort most

recently, but note tempo in turf dash was out of this world; capable of far better.

 

PIMLICO

CASANOVA EXPRESS: Failed in latest, but when taking class hike following prior

encouraging start; drops to score on maiden claiming scene.

CHIP’S DIAMOND: Was off to rough start before having to race wide and ultimately give

 way in latest; likely to rebound.

FLASH CAN DANCE: Blew things open on the front end in his latest, and held in the stretch

 for win at nice ticket; expecting repeat win, maybe not quite as high a mutuel, however.

HIGHER GROUND: Needed 10 tries to leave the maiden world, but latest win in local debut

suggests she is well on her way now; follow.

KISSIN’ JACK: Showed needed improvement in latest, when dueling early and able to stay

 on for a close-up third; gritty colt has speed and gets checks for solid barn.

LOCH NESSIE: Battled on the pace throughout latest, and although she had to settle

 for second as beaten odds-on favorite it was a nice effort; next time.

NEW YORK’S RUDY: Showed mild interest in first start since late-September, and

was claimed by trainer Cox; likely worthwhile investment for $25K sticker price.

PRIVATE GAYLA: Chased and faded when stepping up in class for winning connections;

note, filly was trying to stretch out in distance, and will benefit from experience.

SARACANDU: Chased and gave way in latest, but brings back more than her fair

share of checks; early speed plenty useful in lower-end claiming sprints.

SPEED HUNTER: Has held form well over last couple starts, and brings plenty of back-class

 for winning Lake barn; primed for successful winter.

 

4STARSPECIAL: STORM CROSSING: Opened stretch lead after wide bid, only to be

nailed on the wire and settle for second; next time for overdue second win of his career.

LONGSHOT: RAZOR STUBBLE: Chased and gave way in latest, but when returned from

 lengthy break; plenty of back-class and speed with mare who has winning knack.