Melikov’s Horses to Watch – Apr 2011 Part 2

by Greg Melikov

posted on April 18, 2011 in Free Picks and Tips, General Discussion, Handicapping, Horse Racing | 1 Comment >>

BinocularsHorses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov, should do well next time out. These thoroughbreds won five times, finished second twice and ran third five times since Jan. 23. They’re worth considering when developing your wagering strategy for online betting or at your favorite track.

Aqueduct

Autumnlady: Raced more than five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied five wide to make up nearly four lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on April 7.

Gulfstream Park

Pico Bolivar: Raced 6 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, lacked room at quarter pole, angled out in stretch, rallied to make up more than four lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at a mile on the turf April 7.

Hawthorne

Loyal Lightfoot: Broke seventh and last, trailed by 20 ½ lengths after a half-mile, closed gap to 14 ½ lengths after six furlongs, swung out six wide in stretch, rallied to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on April 6.

Keeneland

Longhammer: Shuffled back early, raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, blocked inside entering stretch, slipped through, bumped nearing furlong marker, altered course and closed late to gain third by a half-length at a mile on a good turf course April 9.

Parx (Philadelphia Park)

Skattle Band: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up three lengths and finished second beaten a length at a mile and 70 yards on a good surface April 9.

Pimlico

Patrol Leader: Broke 10th and last, moved to fourth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied gamely between rivals to make up four lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a head at six furlongs on April 10; ran final quarter in 24 4/5.

Tampa Bay Downs

Mosquito: Raced more than 9 ½ lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, advanced outside to fifth in stretch, bumped late with rival, made up two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on the turf April 10; ran final quarter in 24 2/5.

Turf Paradise

Brookton: Pressed pace a half-length behind in second after a half-mile, swung four wide to gain lead by a half-length entering stretch and drew off to win by 4 ½ lengths ridden out at six furlongs covered in 1:10 4/5 on April 10.

Woodbine

Church View: Raced seventh and last more than 5 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, angled widest turning for home, rallied to make up 2 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a neck at five furlongs on April 10.