Horses-to-Watch
by Ed Meyer for BetPTC.com
The races were solid this past weekend, and the boutique meet at Keeneland continues to move along. New York offers up a solid race meet this time of year, as this is the quiet before the storm. – Well maybe not the storm, but the convergence of the best horses swirling into Keeneland for the Breeders’ Cup at the end of the month. – Think of this time as your last chance to build your bankroll. – As you attempt to build stacks of cash in your wallet, be sure to keep an eye out for these runners next out. I think they could sweeten your bankroll, and start off the big weekend off in fine fashion.
Keeneland – 10/15/15 – Race #7 – #2 – 7f on the dirt
#2 – Sharm = Florent Geroux was in the saddle for this (27-1) trying to chase down the big chalk winner Watershed from the red-hot Kiaran McLaughlin barn. He tracked patiently and made a five-wide move around the far turn to put in a strong bid to wheel in the leader. He did just that but was bested by a monster on this day. Give him a little softer field and it will be lights out down the lane with a quick turn of foot.
Keeneland – 10/17/15 – Race #3 – #7 – 1 1/8 on the dirt
#7 – Ultimatum = Shaun Bridgmohan in the saddle for Wayne Catalano. She was the odds-on favorite, and jumped in the air as the gate broke. This set her back quite a bit, and she made a solid move five-wide to finish an even fourth. – A good gate break and a little racing luck has her right on target.
Keeneland – 10/17/15 – Race #4 – #2 – 7f on the dirt
#2 – See Through = Victor Lebron was in the saddle for Paul McGee. She trailed early on and put in a strong bid around the turn and took over the lead. As she took command her efforts looked good as gold, but was run down by the big chalk Happy to Go with quick fractions to set up the closers. – I think we’ll see her at Churchill for McGee, and he has done good work over the years at his home base.
Keeneland- 10/17/15 – Race #6 – #4 – 5 1/2f on the turf
#4 – Shadow Rock = Florent Geroux in the irons this day, and he attended the pace in an even fashion. When the real running began he was unable to find any way through the traffic. Inside, outside, behind the pack. You name it, it happened. Finally the rider pulled his mount over to the rail and coasted home easily looking forward to the next outing. – There was plenty of gas in the tank, but traffic down the lane can be tougher than a nickel steak. Give him a hole and it may be all over but the crying next time to the races.
Belmont Park – 10/17/15 – Race #6 – #1 – One mile on the turf
#1 – Jax Heritage = Joel Rosario had the call for Mark Hennig, and this guy gave a new name to getting boxed in. Just as Rosario pushed the button, he had to take up off heels to keep from going down and had to restrain his mount strongly. He showed plenty in the tank, but just bad luck on this day. He was the odds-on favorite, and next time he should be just a little higher which is just what the doctor ordered.
