HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

THISTLEDOWN

BRITE LASSIE: Gained through stretch from well behind to finish third in

 latest, when making her first start since February; expect more speed and

 overall interest going forward.

CAT IN THE COUNTRY: May be best used underneath in gimmicks as

 evidenced by his career profile, but his latest fourth in which he showed speed

on stretch indicates sharpness.

CURLS: Rallied for second, beaten only a length, when making her first start

 versus winners as a fresh face for latest; headed in right direction.

DARBY’S PRICE: Battled on pace and faded to fifth when beaten at odds-on

 in latest; another chance versus similar stock.

FANCYMANNERS: Chased throughout and simply came up second best behind

clear-cut winner in latest; show of improved early speed was encouraging.

FINAL STEP: Blasted to pace and drew off for dominant six-length score in

 latest, maintaining sharp form; right back.

MIZE: Battled on pace throughout and stayed on to finish a close third in latest;

follow off claim by trainer Cowan.

UNO CUATRO: Never got on track in latest, but prior blowout win clearly

 suggested he’s better than that; solid overall credentials.

 

4STARSPECIAL: M J IN THE MORNING: Came up a touch flat when fourth in

latest, but may have felt effects of prior strong second-place finish in first try

off layoff; bounces back.

LONGSHOT: LEAPIN LYCIUS: Was bumped in latest and still offered some

 interest to rally for fourth – not far from second behind clear winner; can surprise.

 

PIMLICO

A FIRM PROSPECT: Overcame trouble to finish second in latest, when

closing over sloppy ground; gets NW3L types next time.

CAPE BREEZE: Never factored in latest, but likely was in need of her first

start since last-December; should move up for winning Trombetta barn.

COMMENDATION: Chased and tired to third in latest, but raced in sloppy-track,

 off-the-turf race; can’t wait for Motion trainee to get back on grass.

DIAMOND CUTTER: Continues to improve and impress with racing

experience; early speed always puts you in the game, and this colt finished a game

 second meeting winners for the first time.

GOLD MEDAL WINNER: Came up empty in off-the-turf spot most recently, but

 allowance ranks might simply be a bit steep; drops for score.

HIGHER GROUND: Showed belated interest for fourth in latest, when outquicked

behind hot early pace; can do better for dangerous Lake barn.

LOVE THE RAINBOW: Appears headed in right direction, and in spite of two

 recent losses as the favorite; thinking turf for maiden score.

PULPIT HARBOR: Battled gamely on pace for third in latest, and brings

strong overall profile; love veteran mare’s early lick.

REASON’S RAPTURE: Tried distance and winners for the first time most

recently, and while he fell flat he remains an interesting prospect; lightly raced 4YO.

SPEED HUNTER: Brings plenty of back class and seems to be moving forward

 right now; follow off claim by trainer Wolfendale.

 

4STARSPECIAL: FLEET BALLADO: Gained for third in sloppy-track sprint most

 recently, and in spite of being carried wide on turn; likely to appreciate return

 to turf.

LONGSHOT: BAY EAGLE: Got back on track with second-place finish in

latest, and brings plenty of back class to the table; gritty veteran.