Horses to Watch: Promising Runners from the Racing Analyst’s Handicapping List
New to the Watch List:
- Barksdale: This talented sprinter didn’t get a fair chance in the Grade 1 Woody Stephens at Saratoga, as he dueled through blazing fractions of 21.37 and 43.08 seconds. Despite the blistering pace, Barksdale held on for a 10th-place finish and should rebound nicely when given an easier tempo.
- Midnight Dajoey: Debuting at Presque Isle Downs, this 5-year-old gelding was utterly impressive, rocketing home to win by nine lengths after a swift closing quarter-mile. With ample talent on display, Midnight Dajoey is one to follow going forward.
- Mysterious Night: The Summer (G1) winner at Woodbine ran well in the Poker (G3) at Saratoga, finishing second after being boxed in during the stretch run. Given a clean trip, this talented turf runner could have captured the victory.
Recent Watch List Winners:
- Arthur’s Ride: Stretching out to 1 1/4 miles, this 4-year-old Tapit colt dominated an allowance race at Saratoga, cruising to a 12 3/4-length triumph and earning a massive 111 Beyer Speed Figure. A graded stakes assignment seems likely next for this promising prospect.
- Cogburn: Blazing to victory in the Jaipur (G1) at Saratoga, this speedster set a North American record time of 59.80 seconds and earned a 111 Beyer, establishing him as an early Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint favorite.
- Chili Flag: The nation’s leading female turf miler added another graded triumph, rallying from last to first in the Just a Game (G1) at Saratoga.
- Didia: The consistent mare picked up her first U.S. Grade 1 win in the New York Stakes at Saratoga, closing strongly to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths.
- General Partner: Making his first start since the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, last year’s Champagne (G1) runner-up returned a winner in a Saratoga allowance, displaying impressive late speed.
- Jefferson Street: Trained by Bill Mott, this 3-year-old son of Street Sense dominated a 6 1/2-furlong allowance at Saratoga, earning a career-best 102 Beyer and looking poised for stakes competition.
- Parenting: The Bob Baffert-trained colt by Justify impressed in the Affirmed Stakes at Santa Anita, dueling on the lead before drawing clear by 7 1/2 lengths.
- Thorpedo Anna: The Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner continued her stellar 2024 campaign, romping in the Acorn (G1) at Saratoga to cement her status as the leading 3-year-old filly.
Ones to Watch Next Time:
Although a few horses on the list, including Carl Spackler, El Capi, and Idiomatic, came up short in their most recent starts, the analyst believes they deserve another chance to prove their abilities in upcoming races.
Stay tuned for the next edition of Horses to Watch, where J. Keeler Johnson will provide additional insights on rising stars and handicapping prospects in the world of Thoroughbred racing.
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