HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

BELMONT

BENNY’S BULLET: Was coming off a solid win two back against $40k claimers, moved to the turf, battled through some solid fractions but couldn’t finish it off checking in a close-up fifth, a move back to the dirt is an option.

BIG HOUSE: Three year old gelding was making his debut last out against $30k maiden claimers, got off slowly, moved up down the backside to get into contention while racing very wide but tired in the lane to finish sixth, may want more ground and should be all set now, tab.

FLASHLIGHT: Five year old stayed in an off the turf event last out while making his first start over conventional dirt, got away in fifth, moved into contention on the turn but had to settle for fourth late, I would give this runner another try over that surface.

FURYOFTHENORSEMEN: Three year old was making his seasonal debut, chased the odds-on favorite from the start, was still right there into the lane before tiring to finish sixth at 13-1; all set now.

HOWL: Never seemed to like it wet, pressed the pace from the start but both pacesetters tired to finish last and next to last, would like to give this one another try over a fast surface.

JAN’S RESERVE: Was making his debut last out in an off the turf event, got away in fourth, moved into second at the top of the lane but couldn’t go with the leaders tiring to finish fourth at 12-1; should improve and turf is an option as well.

KITAI: Was making just his second start since April and going turf to dirt, sent off at 54-1 last out, came out running for the lead pressing the pace from the start and into the lane before tiring to finish fourth, a slight drop into maiden claimers gets the job done.

MEDIA’S DELITE: Shipped in from Delaware park off a wire to wire win while setting solid fractions, lunged at the break and was squeezed and was forced to come from off the pace closing well to finish third, give him another shot especially with a better break.

PRIVATE SHOW: Showed some ability last year, was making his first start since October and his first as a gelding, pressed the pace from the start while racing outside but couldn’t finish it off checking in seventh, may have needed that race and should offer a square price right back.

RACE AND SHINE: Got a good spot early on but was taken back giving up some valuable positioning, came wide into the lane but couldn’t get the job done checking in a close-up fourth at 6-1; one more shot, follow.

BEST BET: STRIKE TONE: Got a good spot early on over a sloppy/sealed track, couldn’t go with the leaders when it counted and tired to finish fourth at 5-1; is 1 for 1 over the turf and it may be the time to get back on that surface.

LONGSHOT: RISKY SOUR: Was sent off at 25-1 last out in a six horse field that came off the turf, was outrun badly and didn’t make up any ground checking in fifth, that finish can just add to the odds next out when back on the turf, follow with maiden claimers.

 

 

 

 

MONMOUTH

CHISELED: Four year old gelding was sent off as the longest shot in the race at 37-1 last out, was outrun over a sloppy track, made a good move to get into third and stayed on well behind the even money favorite; follow at a price.

COLONEL JORDAN: Is a bad gate horse always getting away slowly, however, was able to get a good spot early on but couldn’t make up any ground checking in fifth late over a speed favoring track, give him another shot with similar.

NINEINTHENINE: Was coming off a December layoff last out and stayed in an off the turf event to get some conditioning but trailed throughout finishing well behind the leader, a move back to the turf is in order and could offer some value, tab.

SCUBA SUE: Came out running last out pressing the favored leader from the start, took over after a ¼ mile and opened up into the lane going away to score by more than four lengths, was claimed back by a previous trainer and can put a few in a row now, tab.

UPTOWN BOY: Came out running for the lead last out, set some solid fractions getting a half mile in 44:1, held that lead into the lane but couldn’t hold off the odds-on favorite checking in a clear second at 20-1; can prove tough right back.

BEST BET: BAT CAVE: Five year old gelding was making his fourth start of the year and had been running sneakily good prior to his last start, was outrun again early on, started to move into the lane, altered course and got up to finish second at 32-1; fits nicely $5k beaten claimers, follow.

LONGSHOT: SPEED RUNNING WILD: Five year old gelding was coming off a September layoff last out, was outrun racing in seventh and last for more than a half mile, started to gain into the lane and finished well for third at 36-1; should move forward off that effort and fits with NW2L $12.5k claimers.