Horse Betting - Horses to Watch

Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should do well next time out or improve considerably, won five races, ran second three times and finished third once since Nov. 8.

AQUEDUCT

Borrowing Base: Broke awkwardly, bumped, trailed by more than 10 lengths after a half-mile, advanced from ninth to fifth in stretch, altered course, made up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished a game third beaten two necks at 1 1/8 miles on Nov. 25.

CALDER

Teddy Ballgame: Steadied on first turn, raced eighth after a half-mile, swung out for stretch run, closed well from fifth to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 25.

FAIR GROUNDS

Our Dancing Babe: Trailed early, advanced to 11th more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied midway on far turn when bothered and dropped to 12th and last, rallied in traffic to seventh in stretch, angled out to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a about a mile on the turf on Nov. 24; ran final quarter in 24 flat.

Thataboyandrew: Raced sixth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, went outside for the drive, rallied from fourth in stretch to make up more than 5 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on Nov. 23; ran final quarter in 23 2/5.

HAWTHORNE

Convairman: Raced seventh more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to fifth in stretch, rallied late to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 24; ran final quarter in 24 4/5. HOLLYWOOD PARK

Banner Lodge: raced ninth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, came out leaving turn, forced five wide by runner-up into stretch, rallied from seventh making up more than 4 ½ lengths, finished third beaten a neck and a nose, but was moved up to second on an interference disqualification; ran final quarter in 23 2/5.

HOOSIER PARK

Dixie Obsession: Stumbled at start, raced eighth early, moved to seventh more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to fourth in stretch, made up three lengths and finished third beaten a length at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface on Nov. 21.

LAUREL PARK

Casual: Caught in traffic early, raced seventh more than 4 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, swung five wide advancing to fourth in stretch, rallied to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 23.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Lover Nekia: Raced three lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, weaved between rivals on far turn to fifth while losing ground, advanced to third in stretch, finished well making up five lengths and finished second beaten a length at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 23.

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Tejas Cat: Broke seventh and last, raced five lengths behind in sixth after three-eighths of a mile, swung six wide for drive, advanced to fourth in stretch, closed willingly to make up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on a good surface Nov. 24.

Distorted Cat: Broke eighth and last, raced seventh more than 7 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, swung five wide to sixth in stretch, closed fast to make up more than 5 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at five furlongs on a good surface Nov. 24.

TURF PARADISE

Crazy Girl: Bobbled leaving gate, raced eighth and last more than 12 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to seventh in stretch, closed fast to make up more than 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on Nov. 19; ran final quarter in 23 1/5.