Melikov’s Horses to Watch – October 2011

by Greg Melikov

posted on October 8, 2011 in Free Picks and Tips, Handicapping, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | 3 Comments >>

BinocularsHorses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov, should do well next time out. They’re worth considering when developing your wagering strategy for online betting or at your favorite track.

BELMONT

Sunshine Rambler: Raced sixth early, dropped to seventh more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out for the drive, steadied in sixth behind a rival in stretch, lost momentum, altered course and closed late to finish second, beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course Sept. 27.

Apse: Raced more than three lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile and rallied in stretch to finish third, beaten a neck for place at seven furlongs on a good turf course Sept. 11.

CALDER

Saratoga Matt: Raced eighth and last more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung out for stretch run, rallied from fifth to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths and gained second by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course Sept. 23.

Stage Deli: Broke slowly, raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, swung out for stretch run and rallied to gain second by a neck at a mile and 70 yards on Sept. 10. (Raced more than nine lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, advanced four wide to second in stretch, but flattened out and finished third beaten a half-length for place at 1 1/16 miles on a sealed sloppy surface Sept. 25.)

DELAWARE PARK

Bridey’s Frolic: Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, rallied outside in stretch to make up two lengths and finished second, beaten a neck in a mile race taken off the turf at 7 ½ furlongs on Sept. 26.

GOLDEN GATE FIELDS

Sports Edition: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed between horses in stretch to make up nearly two lengths and finished second, beaten a nose at 1 1/16 miles on Sept. 23.

Bits and Bobs: Raced more than 1 ½ lengths behind in fourth after three-eighths of a mile, eased outside nearing stretch, forced to steady sharply off heels of rival, lost ground, recovered, made up 2 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on Sept. 10.

Sunday Seeker: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, circled rivals four wide into stretch, closed steadily to make up three lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Aug. 26.

HOOSIER PARK

Vera G.: Broke eighth and last, raced six lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up more than three lengths and gained second by a neck at six furlongs on Sept. 24.

Yeardley: Broke slowly stumbling at start of rough trip, advanced to fifth early, taken up when stablemate bore out entering turn, dropped to eighth and rallied in stretch to finish second by two lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on a sealed muddy surface Sept. 10. (Went to front early, led by a head after a half-mile, took command in stretch and drew off under brisk handling to win by 7 ½ lengths at six furlongs on a muddy surface Oct. 1.)

LAUREL PARK

Pepper Joann: Broke 11th and last, trailed by more than 8 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced to eighth after six furlongs, rallied from fourth between horses in stretch to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and finished second, beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Sept. 22.

LOUISIANA DOWNS

Tricky Suspect: Broke on top, led by a length after a half-mile, given a breather on turn, increased margin to 4 ½ lengths in stretch and won by 7 ½ lengths ridden out at six furlongs on Aug. 26. (Led by a length after a half-mile, shook clear turning for home, led by 5 ½ lengths in stretch and won by 9 ½ lengths ridden out, covering the six furlongs in 1:10 3/5, on Sept. 24.)

MONMOUTH PARK

Nacho Business: Stalked pace a length and a head behind in third after a half-mile, took command in stretch by three lengths and won in hand by 7 ¾ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Sept. 25.

Valentine Daisy: Broke seventh and last, trailed by 8 ½ lengths after a half-mile, rallied outside from sixth in stretch to make up 2 ¾ lengths and gained second by a neck at six furlongs on Sept. 10.

 

PARX (PHILADELPHIA PARK)

Reason to Drink: Raced sixth and last 5 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground going very wide on turn, rallied in stretch to make up 4 ¾ lengths and finished second by 2 ½ lengths on a sealed muddy surface Sept. 24.

Captain Twitch: Pressed pace a length behind in third early, dropped to fifth very wide on the turn, made up more than two lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on Sept. 12. (Led by a head after a half-mile, dueled with winner in stretch and weakened to finish third at seven furlongs on Sept. 26.)

 

SANTA ANITA

Givine: Raced sixth and last 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide in stretch to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at 6 ½ furlongs on the turf Sept. 30.

SUFFOLK DOWNS

Five Boroughs: Raced four lengths behind in fourth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied in stretch to make up 5 ¼ lengths and finished second by 3 ¼ lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on Sept. 27. (Broke slowly, chased pace three lengths behind in second after a half-mile and weakened in stretch to finish third, beaten a neck for place at six furlongs on Oct. 3.)

Same Day Pleasure: Stumbled at break, raced four lengths behind in fourth after three-eighths of a mile, closed fast in stretch to make up 5 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Sept. 10. (Broke alertly, pressed pace two lengths and a head behind after a half-mile and closed late in stretch to win by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Sept. 24.)

WOODBINE

Kings Parade: Raced seventh and last more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground into stretch, rallied late to make up more than 4 ¾ lengths and finished third, beaten a neck for place at 1 1/16 miles on Sept. 25.

Pit Alley: Raced 12th and last more than 11 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied six wide from eighth in stretch to make up 5 ¼ lengths and finished third, beaten 1 ¼ lengths at seven furlongs on the turf Sept. 11. (Raced four lengths behind in third after a half-mile, dropped to fifth after six furlongs, rallied a bit turning for home and dead-heated for third at 1 1/16 miles taken of the turf Sept. 24.)