HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

THISTLEDOWN

BY THE SWORD: Needs pace and racing luck on his side, but can work his way into exotics quite often even without the help; use in gimmicks.

CHO CHANG: Gained wide and picked up a close fourth in intimate group most recently; 3YO filly with nice overall mark is always on our tickets.

POOLHALL: Battled on early pace and couldn’t match runaway winner through the stretch but did stay on for second; his turn next time.

PROUD OF PYRITE: Rated, rallied, and drew out to lengthy score as much the best as a winning favorite in latest; very strong overall record, so stay on board.

SEEYA TROUBLE: Rated, ran into trouble, and then rallied for third in game try making his first start off claim by trainer Bourke; next time.

SHADES OF TIME: Brings high early speed and a nose for the wire to any party; may not offer value, but will offer positive results.

THIRTY SIX KINGS: Now has a pair of pacesetting efforts since return from brief break in which he only weakened late, and can move forward in a hurry.

TOUCH IT UP: Failed as the favorite most recently, but did rear at the start and still managed fourth; maiden win awaits now.

 

4STARSPECIAL: CALL LEADER: Has been stuck in second gear over the course of his last two starts following prior pair of consecutive wins; in sharp form.

LONGSHOT: KNOWMEE: Failed to get on track in latest, a departure from previously sharp form over the course of a few races; bounces back in a hurry with late rally for score.

 

 

LAUREL

ACROSS THE SKY: Gave chase and settled for third behind clear-cut winner in his latest; very dangerous if able to make the pace versus similar.

BUFFY BABE: Brings plenty of early speed, as evidenced by latest in which she sped clear and held to finish a narrowly beaten second; next time.

ENSEE: Hasn’t gotten on track in a pair of starts thus far, but is a juvenile son of Concern likely to improve with racing experience and/or at greater distances.

FIRE HERO: Was outrun in his first start back from a February-layoff, and can move forward in a hurry now; Dale Capuano barn gets it done.

LA LUZ: Now has a pair of starts under her saddle since return from August-break; can surprise with late-season turf score.

NUMBERS DON’T LIE: Chased and gave way in ambitious stakes bid most recently; Grove barn finds right spot to get filly back on winning track.

SHARPS ISLAND: Showed some early interest and raced wide in career debut when a useful third; must follow son of Deputy Minister.

SPRING RUSH: Made it two consecutive wire-to-wire wins with clear-cut score in latest; Gill/Shuman production holds raging form.

W AND L: Overcame trailing early spot and muddy track to rally for a nose victory over maidens in his latest; son of Red Ransom primed to advance well.

WHITEFACE: Rallied for a game second when switched back to the main track for latest; don’t rule out a late-season turf score or another big effort on dirt.

 

4STARSPECIAL: SPECIAL CHARADE: Broke 11th of 12 from the gate over muddy ground as tepid favorite in latest, and probably didn’t have best chance in fifth-place effort; first try with winners helps.

LONGSHOT: PRINCE HAROLD: Never really got on track when fifth in his latest, but barn showed confidence in spotting him with allowance company in first start since May; stay on board.