Melikov’s Horses to Watch – Dec 2010 – Part 2

by Greg Melikov

posted on December 15, 2010 in Free Picks and Tips, General Discussion, Handicapping | 1 Comment >>

ChecklistHorses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov, should do well next time out. These thoroughbreds won three times, ran second six times and finished third five times since Oct. 3. They’re worth considering when developing your wagering strategy for online betting or at your favorite track.

Aqueduct

Upper Gulch: Raced more than 12 lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, advanced between rivals into stretch, rallied to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and gained second by a nose at a mile on a good turf course Dec. 10.

Granted Tiger: Raced six lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, came wide into stretch, closed well to make up two lengths and gained second by a neck at six furlongs on Dec. 3; ran final quarter in 24 seconds.

My Honey Laurie: Stumbled breaking ninth and last, almost fell and nearly lost jockey, advanced to fifth nine lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied relentlessly in stretch to make up 5 ½ lengths and won by a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 19. (Raced more than four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied four wide into stretch and won going away by 7 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on Dec. 8.)

Wind in My Sails: Bobbled at break, bumped hard with third-place finisher, swung four wide into stretch, rallied to make up 5 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on a good surface Nov. 6. (Bobbled at break, steadied on first turn, raced more than five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile and rallied mildly in stretch to gain third by a head at a mile on Dec. 2.)

Daveron: Raced 4 ½ lengths behind in fifth after six furlongs, forced to remain on hold behind rivals nearing quarter pole, angled out four wide in stretch and rallied under a vigorous hand ride to win by three lengths at 1 ¼ miles on a good turf course Oct. 20 at Belmont Park. (Broke outward at start, raced three lengths behind in fifth after a mile, rallied in stretch from fourth and gained second by a half-length at 1 ½ miles on Nov. 13.)

I Dreamt I Was: Broke 11th and last, raced 10th more than 13 lengths behind after a half-mile, fanned five wide into stretch, closed fast from sixth to make up more than 4 ¾ lengths at a mile on the turf Sept. 22; ran final half in 46 4/5. (Broke 12th and last, raced 11th more than 14 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled six wide in stretch, rallied from eighth to make up more than 5 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten a head and a half-length at a mile on the turf Oct. 30.)

Calder

Took It From Him: Raced more than six lengths behind in eighth after three-eighths of a mile, swung out for stretch run, rallied to make up more than five lengths and finished second full of run beaten a half-length at five furlongs on the turf Dec. 9.

Mending Hearts: Raced 10 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, angled out through the turn, closed steadily to make up 7 ¾ lengths and gained second by a nose at five furlongs on Nov. 25.

Smurf City: Bumped with winner at break, raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, lost ground going three wide into stretch, rallied to make up more than 5 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten a head and a half-length at a mile on Nov. 19; ran final quarter in 24 2/5.

Super Craft: Raced more than seven lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied four wide in stretch to make up five lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 5.

Duchess of Doom: Raced fifth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced four wide to fourth on far turn, checked at top of the stretch, closed well to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and a neck at a mile and 70 yards on Oct. 23.

He’s Alright: Raced sixth early, dropped to seventh, more than six lengths behind  after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch and rallied from fifth to gain second by a length at seven furlongs on the turf Oct. 21.

Mini Mom: Checked early, raced four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground advancing into stretch, rallied from fourth to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at a mile on the turf Oct. 7.

Fair Grounds

Tribute to Wolf: Bumped with rival after start, raced inside in traffic two lengths behind after a half-mile, came off rail near five-sixteenths pole, lacked room and lost ground, bumped repeatedly at top of the stretch, regained momentum, moved outside, closed from fifth to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a head at six furlongs on Dec. 9.

Sweetsouthernmoon: Raced more than four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, closed fast in stretch to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on Dec. 6; ran final quarter in 24 seconds.

Sherlock: Bumped on both sides at break, raced seventh early, dropped to eighth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch, rallied to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 25; ran final quarter in 24 4/5.

Golden Gate

Legal Separation: Raced sixth and lost more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, awaited room in stretch, split rivals, made up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a head and a nose at six furlongs on Nov. 26. (Raced five lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, swung four wide into stretch and finished second by 1 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Dec. 12.)

Hawthorne

June’s Best: Raced more than 10 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, angled out four wide for drive, rallied in stretch to make up more than five lengths and gained second by a nose at 6 ½ furlongs on Dec. 8.

So Busted: Broke slowly 10th and last, steadied off rival, raced more than 8 ½ lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, shifted out four wide leaving turn and rallied in stretch to finish third beaten a head for second at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 18.

Abounding Attitude: Raced fifth between rivals more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled five wide in upper stretch, rallied to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Oct. 16. (Raced 6 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, split rivals in upper stretch and rallied under steady handling to win by a half-length at 6 ½ furlongs on Nov. 13.)

Littlebrownroad: Raced more than 8 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, gathered momentum leaving turn, angled five wide in stretch, rallied to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Oct. 7; ran final quarter in 24 seconds.

Hollywood Park

Spud Spivens: Raced four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, went four wide entering stretch, rallied late to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 20; ran final quarter in 24 1/5.

Pink Diamond: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, split rivals off the turn and rallied in stretch to gain third by a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 20. (Raced seventh and last more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on the turf Nov. 26; returned $7 for place.)

Laurel Park

Swing Even: Acted up, hesitated at start, raced seventh early, dropped to eighth more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, entered stretch wide, lugged in near eighth pole, rallied late between rivals to make up 5 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at seven furlongs on Nov. 18.

C C’s Little Dream: Bobbled at break, raced eight lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, rallied outside in stretch to make up 5 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Nov. 3.

Court of Nine: Broke slowly, raced more than 10 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, saved ground, split rivals in stretch, closed fast to make up six lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Oct. 19 at Philadelphia Park. (Bobbled after break, stuck a head in front early, pressed pace a half-length behind after a half-mile, gained lead in stretch by 1 ½ lengths and drew off to win by three lengths at a mile on Nov. 6.)

Rocking Valay: Raced seventh early, advanced to fourth 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, circled five wide into stretch, closed willingly to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a length at six furlongs on Oct. 6.

Cray Cray: Broke alertly, went right to the front, led by a half-length after half-mile, repulsed bids through the stretch, dug in gamely and won by a nose at six furlongs on a sloppy surface Nov. 10 at Suffolk Downs. (Raced sixth and last early, advanced to fifth more than 6 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile and rallied in stretch to gain second by a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Dec. 1)

Philadelphia Park (Parx Racing)

I’m Broke: Raced 10th early, dropped to 11th more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed fast from seventh in stretch to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 6.

Shesmyspite: Broke on top, led by a half-length after a half-mile, increased margin to two lengths in stretch and won by 2 ¾ lengths under mild handling at six furlongs on Nov. 21; cruised final quarter in 24 3/5. (Broke on top, led by a length after a half-mile, continued to set pace into stretch, weakened and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Dec. 5.)

Candide: Raced more than eight lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, lacked room in deep stretch, steadied, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths and gained second by a half-length at six furlongs on Oct. 12.

Rathor: Raced third a length and a head behind after a half-mile, circled field leaving the turn, collared leader in mid-stretch and won going away by 2 ¾ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Nov. 22. (Raced more than four lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, rallied wide in stretch to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and gained second by a half-length at six furlongs on Dec. 4.)

Dobra: Tracked pace a length and a head behind in third after a half-mile, moved to rail for drive, led by a head in mid-stretch and won going away by 2 ¾ lengths on a good surface at six furlongs on Oct. 12; returned $17.60 on the front end. (Pressed pace in third a half-length and a head back after a half-mile, failed to close gap in stretch and finished third at six furlongs on Nov. 15)

Tampa Bay Downs

Satisfied Mind: Raced fourth early, dropped to sixth more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied outside from fifth to make up 2 ½ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a neck for second at seven furlongs on Dec. 11.

Turf Paradise

Major Madagan: Broke slowly 10th and last, raced more than seven lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, awaited room entering stretch, closed with a rush from sixth when clear, made up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on Dec. 7.

Snowbound Firegirl: Raced more than 5 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, rallied five wide into stretch to make up more than five lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 6 ½ furlongs on Nov. 19.

Proud Y Bonita: Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a three-eighths of a mile, rallied along rail to second in stretch, but couldn’t close gap and finished second by a half-length at five furlongs on Nov. 17. (Raced more than six lengths behind in seventh after three-eighths of a mile and rallied four wide in stretch to gain third by a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on Dec. 3.)

Ilikechocolatemilk: Broke ninth and last, raced seventh more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, made a big middle move gaining more than 6 ½ lengths five wide into stretch, made up more than 2 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten two noses at about a mile on the turf Oct. 10.

Waltzing With Blue: Broke outward, bumped, raced eighth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, came four wide into the lane and rallied to finish second beaten a nose at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Aug. 27 at Monmouth Park. (Raced more than 8 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, rallied seven wide entering stretch and gain third by a nose at a mile on the turf Oct. 23.)

Turfway Park

Sarkozy: Raced more than six lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, swung wide for stretch run, made up more than two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 10.

Hare Prize: Broke 12th and last, checked sharply after start, advanced to 10th more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, fanned into the eight path for the drive, made up more than three lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Dec. 4.