Melikov’s Horses to Watch – Feb 2011 – Part 2

by Greg Melikov

posted on February 14, 2011 in Free Picks and Tips, General Discussion, Handicapping | No Comments >>

ChecklistHorses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov, should do well next time out. These thoroughbreds won six times, finished second six times and ran third eight times since Jan. 7. They’re worth considering when developing your wagering strategy for online betting or at your favorite track.

Aqueduct

The Fed Eased: Stumbled at start, bumped, recovered in short order to gain lead after quarter-mile, increased margin to seven lengths in stretch and won by 7 ¾ lengths under some hand encouragement, covering six furlongs on a good surface in 1:10 3/5 Jan. 29.

Fair Grounds

Minnirahy: Raced third early, dropped to fifth 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost some ground entering stretch, closed well to make up nearly four lengths and finished second by a head at six furlongs on Jan. 29.

Gulfstream Park

Ashtonofun: Raced 11th early, moved to 10th more than 3 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, swung out for stretch run, rallied from eighth to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and gained second by a head at five furlongs on a good turf course Jan. 28.

Hawthorne

Jingle Jangle: Raced 23 lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, advanced to sixth closing gap 10 lengths by the half-mile pole, rallied in stretch to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on Feb. 11.

Laurel Park

Joann’s Appeal: Shuffled back to 10th and last leaving starting gate, advanced to ninth 9 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground moving to eighth in stretch, angled out in mid-stretch, made up more than 7 ¾ lengths and gained third by three-quarters of a length at five furlongs on a good surface Feb. 3.

Oaklawn Park

Wilson River: Broke alertly, went right to the front, led by a half-length after a half-mile, shook clear leaving turn, increased margin to seven lengths in stretch and won by 14 ¼ lengths, ridden out in 1:11 1/5 at six furlongs on Jan. 27.

Parx Racing

Thornwell: Tracked pace more than a length behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground moving to third after six furlongs, rallied wide in stretch to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a neck at a mile and 70 yards on Jan. 25.

Santa Anita

Ultra Blend: Raced more than five lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, lost ground dropping to ninth and last after six furlongs, closed gamely in stretch to make up more than three lengths and finished third, beaten a half-length and a nose at 1 1/16 miles on Jan. 29.

Tampa Bay Downs

Talk: Raced more than four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied four wide in stretch to make up nearly three lengths and finished second, beaten a neck at six furlongs on Jan. 30.

Turf Paradise

Buds N Roses: Raced 10th and last more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out six wide for drive, rallied from fifth to make up 2 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second, beaten a head at 7 ½ furlongs on the turf Jan. 28.

Turfway Park

Logan’s Lake: Bumped early, raced more than 10 lengths behind in ninth after three-eighths of a mile, circled seven wide into stretch, rallied from sixth to make up nearly 6 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on Jan. 28.