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 five races, ran second twice and finished third two times since Feb. 14.

AQUEDUCT

Charlie Caliente: Broke slowly sixth and last, trailed inside by more than seven lengths after a half-mile, advanced to third in stretch, angled out, made up more than 6 ½ lengths and finished a game second beaten 1 ½ lengths at a mile on March 28.

GULFSTREAM PARK

Manhasset Indian: Raced more than seven lengths behind in eighth after three-eighths of a mile, eased out in stretch, rallied from sixth to make up more than 5 ¼ lengths and finished second full of run beaten 1 ¼ lengths at five furlongs on the turf March 28.

HAWTHORNE

Open Bar: Raced 10 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, swung out seven wide into stretch, closed from fifth to make up 1 ¾ lengths and finished second by a half-length at six furlongs March 22.

LAUREL PARK

Take a Check: Raced five lengths behind in third after a half-mile, launched rally near five-sixteenths pole, lost ground into stretch, closed steadily to make up 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on March 27.OAKLAWN PARK

Lord’s View: Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, roused for drive, made up three lengths in stretch and gained second by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on March 27.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

De Fearless One: Raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in seventh after three-eighths of a mile, rallied extremely wide from fourth in stretch, made up more than 3 ¾ lengths and closed with good energy to finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 5 ½ furlongs on March 25.

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

La Estrellita: Raced sixth more than 11 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied from fifth five wide into stretch, closed fast to make up 4 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile and 70 yards on March 28.

SANTA ANITA

River Echo: Crowded after breaking seventh and last, raced 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, came out four wide into stretch, made up four lengths and finished well in second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on March 27; ran final quarter in 23 1/5.

TURF PARADISE

Sharpster: Raced more than four lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, came six wide into stretch, rallied to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at mile on March 28.

TURFWAY PARK

Why Yield: Raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in 10th after a half-mile, closed fast outside from fifth in stretch and gained second by a nose at 6 ½ furlongs on March 27.