Horse Racing 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 nine races, ran second four times and finished third twice times since Dec. 26.

AQUEDUCT

Martha’s Mandate: Raced seven lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for drive, rallied from fourth to make up 4 ½ lengths in stretch and lost by a neck at six furlongs on Jan. 25; ran final quarter in 24 2/5.

FAIR GROUNDS

Iron Works Pike: Brushed on both sides at break, raced third early, dropped to fourth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied outside from third in stretch, made up three lengths and finished second by five lengths at six furlongs on Jan. 21.

GULFSTREAM PARK

Heavenly Answer: Raced more than four lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, steadied on far turn to avoid fading rival and rallied to finish third by a neck at 1 1/6 miles on Jan. 25; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 30.

LAUREL PARK

Coal Valley: Trailed early in seventh, advanced to sixth more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, made up more than 6 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second by a neck at six furlongs on Jan. 24; ran final quarter in 24 2/5.OAKLAWN PARK

Chin High: Broke 11th and last, trailed by more than 16 lengths after a half-mile, rallied four wide into the lane, made up 4 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/6 miles on Jan. 21.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Jorkat Slew: Broke 10th and last, raced ninth early, dropped to 10th more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground advancing to fourth in stretch, closed with good energy inside to make up 7 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 23.

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Spending Time: Bumped at break, checked early, advanced from 12th and last to eighth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, raced very wide on turn, rallied to make up 3 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Jan. 20.

SANTA ANITA

Smart Hit: Raced eighth more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came out on turn, rallied from sixth to second in stretch, made up three lengths and gained second by a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 21.

TURFWAY PARK

Pennyroyal: Sprinted clear by five lengths after a half-mile, set pace, drew off in stretch under mild urging and won by 10 lengths ridden out at six furlongs on Jan. 18.

TURF PARADISE

David’s Pride: Raced 4 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eights of a mile, saved ground entering stretch, finished well making up more than 4 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on Jan. 23.