HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

CHURCHILL DOWNS

REDLACE AND PEARLS: Remained popular at the claim box most recently, this time going to trainer M. Campbell for $30k following third-place finish in which she was rushed to the pace; follow.

QUIET RY: Chased in third throughout his latest, and figures to improve off the initial experience versus winners; stay with son of Hard Spun for trainer N. Pessin.

J.Z.’S CRAFTY BOY: Didn’t have the cleanest of trips (“off slow, steadied 3/8”) when fifth in his latest, and is capable of more; stay with gelding off $7,5k-claim by trainer G. Garcia.

CURLIN CRUSH: Raced wide and came up empty when sixth behind dominant winner in his return from October-layoff; quick return proves key for 3YO colt who has yet to make starts without break in between.

ROSE TO GLORY: Rated and gained a bit, but never had an impact in fifth-place effort behind blowout winner; late-moving style means she is at mercy of pace/race luck.

COUGAR RIDGE: Rallied to just miss in third-place finish when claimed for $62,5k by trainer R. Morse as a fresh face two back, then ran sixth of nine with wide bid in Alysheba Stakes; try again.

STREETHEART: Moved wide and weakened to seventh in graded attempt when making her second start since last-November; 3YO filly by Street Sense with upside.

KISSED BY A ROSE: Rallied and missed by a neck in solid TAM debut on April 4, then came up empty in ninth-place finish here on May 1; 4YO filly can do better given race over course for trainer G. Aschinger (31% wins this year).

HILLBILLY STYLE: Couldn’t threaten when an even eighth of nine in his first try with winners by way of OP most recently; has run well here before, and can improve.

4*SPECIAL: PLEASANT TALES: Rated, rallied, and weakened a bit late in good effort for fourth as a fresh face getting some needed class relief; next time.

LONGSHOT: WOOD MACHINE: Raced wide and made progress for fourth in his first start since early-March when winning T. Amoss barn showed confidence in placement off DeD maiden win; another shot.

 

PENN NATIONAL

WHEREISTHESURPRISE: Showed needed improvement with renewed late interest for third in his latest; note, gelding added blinkers for his latest, and can continue to move forward.

GREY GATOR: Raced inside and in relatively even fashion for third when trying to make up ground behind soft pace; use in gimmicks, as gelding has finished on the board in nine of 14 lifetime starts.

RISKY GUY: Rated, made the lead in the stretch, and ultimately settled for a close fourth with some trouble along the way in his latest; next time.

A.P. CINO: Rated a touch off the pace, took over, and drew out to nice score when in from PIM for his latest; classy sort can stay sharp and score right back.

THE COUNT: Rated and gained second behind easy winner when in search of repeat score in his latest; can keep currently sharp form.

4*SPECIAL: LITERARY LADY: Shook off pace pressure and drove clear for maiden score as the favorite in her second lifetime start by way of OP; can prove worthy $16k-claim for trainer A. Randolph.

LONGSHOT: ONE DIEGO: Showed the way on the pace and weakened to fifth in his latest; now has three starts since back from brief break, and can offer value for winning T. Shea barn (20% this year).