HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

SARATOGA

BUCK MOUNTAIN: Was too far back last out and was caught very wide when

making his move costing him a piece of the action last out; follow back at a big price.

COMMENDATION: Closed from fifth last out in a field of five to get up for the

 place spot going 5 ½ furlongs on the turf and a stretchout in distance will do the trick.

EL PRADO ROB: Has some backclass to call on and ran on very well for an

easy score last out over the turf; handles both surfaces, tab.

HIGH COTTON: Raced very greenly throughout his debut run when he checked

in third last out and a switch to the turf may bring out his best.

KID CAROUSEL: Was super impressive trying the turf for the first time last out

and never looked back going wire to wire by more than five lengths. He has a future

on the green.

MERRIMACK COUNTY: Showed much improved speed last out with the blinkers

but it may have hurt her as she was involved in a duel and dropped back in the stretch. The price will be right on the turf next out.

NOSE THE TRADE: Dropped down in class last out and was the easiest kind of

winner for the Frankel barn. A slight bump up in class against better claiming

company shouldn’t pose a problem for this former stakes horse.

PAVING THE WAY: Took good money for career debut but trailed

 the field into the top of the stretch but did close some ground to

finish third; the further they go the better.

PLEASANT HOME: Closed good ground to finish third last out going six

furlongs in a quickly run race. Ready for her best now.

SHARK: Broke running from the inside last out, took pressure while

 setting solid fractions and tired late in the drive to finish third. His

connections will benefit from keeping him sprinting, follow.

SOUTH WING: Was beaten a little more than seven lengths last out but

it was an improvement for her over her last few and may be rounding

 back to form for solid barn.

THE END IS CLEAR: Has found a home on the turf as evidenced by

the fact that she stays on very well as the distances get longer. Her

most recent second place finish points her out as the one to beat right back.

WARRIOR SONG: May be another in the long line of Bill Mott turfers as

 this one went wire to wire off over a year layoff while setting very

good fractions, scores with winners.

WILD STORM: Was giving a lot of time off since shipping in from

Chile but disappointed last out when finishing third behind the favorite.

Frankel trainee should benefit from that return run.

 

4STARSPECIAL: TOWERING PALACE: Was sitting with a lot of horse on

 the turn but got blindswitched by the favorite before coming with a solid

 run to just miss; gets there next out with a clean trip.

LONGSHOT: JUMPING JACK LOUIE: Wasn’t that bad in return last out

when finishing fifth while sprinting on the dirt and the switch to the turf

may do the trick.

 

 

LOUISIANA DOWNS

DANSEUR’S GOLD: Rallied from well behind and a wide spot to be

along in time over 10 opponents for debut score; intriguing turf prospect.

GO TEXAN: Won two starts back and tried next step up in class most recently,

 only to chase the pace and fade from contention; benefits.

LOKARI: Was "soundly bumped" at the break in his latest, and still went well

 for fourth; typically offers value and is worth including in NW2L spots.

LOVE’S ILLUSION: Returned from June-layoff and gave chase before tiring

 to fourth in latest effort; note, filly took tote play and figures better for

experience next time.

MILITARY MAJOR: Tried return to ranks of winners following glossy maiden

 score two starts back, and was along for fifth in hot sprint; intriguing.

RUNNERS NAME: Battled on pace and stayed on for a close third in latest; gelding

with plenty of early speed is sharp now, brings back checks, and a must in your gimmicks.

TRIPLE CARD: Pressed the pace throughout and had to settle for second as

the beaten favorite in his latest start; 7YO with solid overall mark atones.

VICTORIOUS HOUR: Chased a very hot pace and tired to fourth in latest, but

 seems to have found appropriate claiming level for top effort; next time.

 

4STARSPECIAL: FROGGY’S MAGIC BOY: Took step up in class for latest, and

overcame some traffic to rally for third; improving sort gets the money next time.

LONGSHOT: ZERAS: Showed speed and tired to fourth when drawn in post

 position 11 of 12 for career debut; juvenile filly with pedigree punch will only improve.