HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

AQUEDUCT

BID FOR SILVER: Needed the drop into maiden claimers to get the

 job done but looked good stalking the pace and taking over for the score;

 stay close if properly placed.

C. L. RIB: Has been up against the bias of late but has never really lifted a

 hoof; a drop down the claiming ladder should do the trick.

ENSENADA: Extremely well bred filly has not yet lived up to her potential

 but her most recent second was solid. The battle for the early lead probably

 cost her but she is in sharp form, tab.

FLINT RIDGE: Really turned the tables on the heavy favorite last

out when she scored a comfortable victory; improving three-year-old.

FREAKY FAST: Dug in nicely last out scoring by a neck after battling for

 the lead throughout; can score with better.

GIVE FAITH: Unleashed a huge late rally to get up for the win with NW2L

claimers and should be respected with unrestricted claimers if the price is right.

JULIAMS JADE: Continues to improve with each start and most recent second

 place finish has her in sharp for, tab.

KENT HALL: Chased hard from the inside, gave up the lead, swung out

and closed for the win over allowance foes; taken to repeat versus better.

KINGS EMPRESS: Broke in a tangle, rushed up on the outside to chase

 the pace but could not sustain a rally and tired to fifth; give her another

shot at a price.

MAIDEZ: Was the easiest kind of winner last out, stalking the lead through

 the first quarter, took over and never looked back; scoring by almost six lengths.

SHE IS RAGING: Is a hard hitting filly who can take pace pressure and

 keep going; follow her with optional claimers.

SHORHOUSE: Ran on well to finish second last out to a runaway winner is

 set to move back to New York bred conditions.

TAKEITEASYEDYE: Was easily clear for second last out behind a

 runaway, loose on the lead winner and should be followed with $25k claimers.

UNANIMOUS DECISION: Raced close-up to the pace from the inside post,

 was forced to steady repeatedly while buried inside; better luck next time.

 

4STARSPECIAL: ACCEPTABLE VENTURE: May have needed his last race also

 as he was slow to get into stride chasing a very fast pace; should be set to roll next out.

LONGSHOT: BUSTERSATTORNEY: Made a solid middle move into

contention but flattened out late to finish fourth; must be respected at a price with maidens.

 

FAIR GROUNDS

BELLA BANDIT: Led wide while setting the pace and battled gamely to miss

by only a head when second in latest; steadily improving and lightly raced 4YO

gets money in next.

CONTESSA SLANEY: Split rivals, rallied, and only managed even late pace

 in latest; prior races suggest she can do better, as she typically lands a check.

FIRE IT UP: Made it two straight wins since returned from brief break when a

game winner by a head in his latest; 3YO packs late punch on turf and brings potential.

GOLDEN WELL: Returned from September-layoff for latest, and loomed boldly

outside only to stay on fairly well for an even fourth in crowded group; primed now.

HUNT FOR HEAVEN: Has improved with racing experience, and while he has

 shown better speed of late he also displayed a fondness for turf in latest;

maiden win past due.

LOVELY BONITA: Went in fairly even order for third in latest, but can do

 better going forward especially given fact she was claimed by winning

 Asmussen barn.

MO GATER: Took the turn four wide and gained for second in latest; current

 form certainly seems to be headed the right way – overdue to take NW2L.

ROCK HARBOR: Returned from brief break for latest, and showed improved

 early speed and staying power to finish third; headed in the right direction.

SALAMAAT: Continues to hold sharp form while showing his early lick

again in recent starts; Stidham barn has done great job bringing Mott-castoff

 back to his best game.

SARAH CAN RUN: Has run similar races through two career starts, first on

 turf then on dirt, showing potential along the way; gives best in third attempt.

 

4STARSPECIAL: SPACE SHOT: Took drop to appropriate NW2L race for

latest, but got off to rocky start before giving chase and fading; early shake does

 the trick.

LONGSHOT: SANDYS GOLD: Now has a pair of starts under his belt, and gained

valuable racing experience in latest when racing wide and from behind foes; graduates.