HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

AQUEDUCT

AL JOHNSTAN: Had looked like he might turn into a promising two year old last year but it never panned out but looks like he found the right level running with $40k maiden claimers.

CASSETTE CASE: Chased a fleet footed leader on the outside, put that one away but had to settle for the show spot late. Can lead $16k three year old claimers gate to wire.

FACTUAL CONTENDER: Chased the pace from the outside post as the leader opened a long lead down the backside and she tired in the lane. Must respect with slightly lesser at any distance.

GALLOP TO VICTORY: Another one that hails from the potent Dutrow Jr. barn that hasn’t panned out yet but will be tough with mid level claimers with the right pace set-up.

IN COMMAND: Made a switch to the turf last out and ran very well finishing fifth despite some traffic trouble in the lane. Handles both surfaces so stay close.

ISLAND REVERSAL: Chased the pace from the start, battled with the leader, took over the lead but failed late to a deep closer. Follow with straight three year old $40k claimers.

MAKE US HAPPY: Debuted for the Bruce Levine barn but didn’t take much money at 12-1 but did run on well for a solid fourth place finish. Is bred to stretch out and will be tough with that race under her belt.

MISS PARK PLACE: Was claimed a few back by the Richard Dutrow Jr. barn who almost always do well with their claims. Ran an improved fourth last out and may be coming around for top barn.

MISS WEST: Finished third last out in her first start with winners despite the fact that she was beaten by 12 lengths she is continuing to improve. Follow her when she stretches out to two turns, solid.

PRIME HONOR: Showed some speed from the inside last out and was still there at the top of the lane only to tire in the drive to finish last.

SHHH PLEASE: Not sure how long they can stay on the turf in New York but the weather has been good and this one is one to follow back on the green. Made a premature move last out and it cost him, tab at a price.

TURN AROUND TONY: Needed the last race when he closed well to finish fourth after getting off slowly from the rail. Will be set for best with straight three year old claimers.

WING MAN: Ran very well last out to beat the even money favorite down to the wire against $40k claimers and may be finally learning how to win, repeats with better.

 

4STARSPECIAL: GOSPEL SINGER: Broke inward in her career debut, raced towards the back of the pack but did make up good ground in the lane to finish fourth, follow this well bred filly right back.

LONGSHOT: MY RODEO GAL: Ran very well again on the turf, chasing the pace from the far outside post, making the lead but tiring late to finish fifth. A switch back to the dirt may key a large mutuel from the condition gained last out.

 

LAUREL

CAROLINA’S PUNCH: Son of Two Punch brings plenty of early pace to turf dashes and showed improvement in latest fourth-place finish; follow.

CLIPPING COINS: Blasted to the pace and remained clear for third consecutive tally most recently; no reason to jump ship now, is there?

DON’TGETCLOSE: Never got on track when fifth in her career debut, but filly should benefit from experience gained; note, pedigree is there to handle route trips.

DR. DUBAI: Rallied from well back to finish third in blanket finish in hot turf sprint most recently; intriguing son of Red Ransom.

FIVE STEPS: Rallied strongly but hung late and settled for second as the beaten favorite in his latest; puts it all together in upcoming third start of current form cycle.

GYPSY CHIEF: Has disappointed of late but brings early speed that must be respected versus NW2L types on sprint scene; stay close to Feliciano Jr.-trained runner.

LOVE’S STRONG HART: Dueled inside rivals and faded to fifth when asked to stretch his speed seven furlongs in latest; conditioning gained helps for turn back in distance.

MILESTONE VICTORY: Has stalked and faded in each of his latest two starts, but had been absent since September 2004; expect better going forward given back-class.

POWER OF THE PORGI: Blasted clear on early pace and just failed to last when second, beaten only a nose, in his latest start; love improved early zip in routes.

TERRIFIC TOM: Rated just off early pace, took over, and drew out to lengthy score over maidens in latest; tab right back versus winners, as colt is improving.

 

4STARSPECIAL: WORLD CONFLICT: Battled on tough pace from wide spot and then gave way grudgingly to finish second in intimate gathering most recently; next time.

LONGSHOT: DON’T TELL SUSAN: Was encouragingly asked by connections to tackle MSW company following near miss in MCL ranks first time out and managed third; next time.