Melikov’s Horses to Watch – Feb 2011

by Greg Melikov

posted on February 7, 2011 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 seven times, finished second four times and ran third five times since Jan. 5. They’re worth considering when developing your wagering strategy for online betting or at your favorite track.

Aqueduct

Opus A: Broke alertly, pressed pace early a length behind in second, led by a half-length after a half-mile, increased margin to four lengths in stretch and cruised to victory by six lengths in 1:37 2/5 for a mile on a good surface Jan. 20.

Fair Grounds

Ammaroo: Raced more than 10 lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, closed gap four wide entering stretch, rallied to make up 6 ½ lengths and gained second by a nose at 5 ½ furlongs on Jan. 20

Gulfstream Park

Bad Debt: Steadied in tight quarters shortly after start, raced more than 16 lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, closed gap by six-furlong marker, swung out for the drive, made up 3 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second by 1 ¾ lengths at a mile on a good surface Jan. 28; ran final quarter in 24 seconds.

Silk Route: Raced more than nine lengths behind in ninth after a mile, went six wide on final turn, rallied in stretch to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished third, beaten three-quarters of a length and a nose at 1 ½ miles on Jan. 20; advanced to second when runner-up was disqualified for interference in stretch.

Laurel Park

Reign of Tears: Raced sixth and last more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, angled four wide into stretch, rallied between rivals to make up 4 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Jan. 17.

Oaklawn Park

East Coast: Pinched back at break, raced last and eighth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied from fifth to make up more than four lengths in stretch and finished second, beaten a length at six furlongs on a good surface Jan. 21.

Santa Anita

Suitable Attire: Raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, came out four wide into stretch, rallied to make up 4 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a nose at a mile on Jan. 28.

Crisis of Spirit: Stalked pace more than 1 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, lost ground awaiting room leaving turn, blocked behind rivals to mid-stretch, came out to split foes a sixteenth out, made up more than 1 ¾ lengths and finished third, beaten three-quarters of a length and a head at six furlongs on Jan. 20.

Tampa Bay Downs

Ellis Castle: Raced 12 lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, fanned six wide into stretch, rallied to make up 5 ½ lengths and gained second by a nose at a mile on the turf Jan. 20.

Turf Paradise

Joe Black Sandy: Raced more than 10 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, made big middle move to close gap by six-furlong marker, surged to lead by a half-length, when rider lost whip in upper stretch, and extended margin to win by 7 ¼ lengths, ridden out at about a mile on Jan. 24; ran final quarter in 24 3/5.

Turfway Park

Cool Trick: Raced 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, lost ground five wide on the turn, rallied to make up five lengths in stretch and gained third by a head at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 23.