Horses to Watch – Ed Meyer

There are only five days until we see the kickoff for the 32nd edition of the Breeders’ Cup. – The Kentucky Derby is for the masses who enjoy the finery of the day, and take part in the spectacle that captures the attention of the sporting world. The Breeders’ Cup has always been a time where gamblers, punters, and anyone who enjoys a good wager has the opportunity to watch and wager on the world’s best. – This year may be the great crossover for the melting pot of racing fans as Keeneland has taken over the reins this year. You will see every type of fan under the sun, and there are accommodations that are sure to please fans from all walks. To say I’m excited is like saying a young child wants to sleep in on Christmas morning with a bevy of gifts under the tree. – As we focus on the greatest weekend to be a horse player, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these runners and their next start at the races. – Best of luck this weekend !

Parx – 10/20/15 – Race #4 – #5 – 5f on the turf

#5 – Merry’s Honor = Joshua Navarro had the mount, and was begging out for running room down the lane. When you are sprinting a quick distance it only takes a momentary check along the rail or running up on heels to keep you out of the winner’s circle. – He was held up under stout restraint and once he had a path it was a quick turn of foot and a dirty nose short of getting the job done. – Look for this runner next up as he had handfuls of runner down the stretch.

Keeneland – 10/21/15 – Race #4 – #3 – 1 1/8 on the turf

#3 – Hunter O’Riley = The hot hand of Corey Lanerie had the call for Joe Sharp, and this runner did everything but win. He started rolling like a down bound train and shifted out for clear sailing. He was bested by Dissident who exited the (G-3) Pilgrim and came back into the maiden ranks. The winner ran against three runners who you’ll see this weekend, and to only lose by a nose gives us no excuse, but a great deal of hope when you see him at Churchill Downs.

Keeneland -10/21/15 – Race #6 – #1 – 1 1/16 on the dirt

#1 – Cold Dish = This filly had the services of Calvin Borel, and with his new agent of Larry Melancon aboard. I am looking forward to seeing “Calvin Bo-Rail” bring this gal right back at CD. He broke from the 1 post and shifted into the three path for a better run. He had the lead for a brief second or two at (8-1), and was beaten in a tough photo by a nose. – Look for a return to the Twin Spires where Calvin has done very well in past meets.

Keeneland – 10/22/15 – Race #5 – #4 – 7f on the dirt

#4 – Vanity Feature = Marcelino Pedroza had the call for the red-hot Tom Drury barn winning (31%). – He broke a bit slow, and was tussled around leaving the gate. Once he regained composure he took over the lead and looked like a winner nearing the 1/4 pole. He was eventually wore down under the salty fractions of 110.1. – Team Drury is one to keep your eye on and you can bet dollars to donuts he’ll have all the screws tightened down for the Turfway Park meet.

Keeneland- 10/21/15 – Race #7 – #9 – 1 3/16 on the turf

#9 – Bullard’s Alley = This 35-1 shot was handled by Marcelino Pedroza and gave his backers something to root for down the lane. His trainer Tim Glyshaw was happy with the run, but actually thought he could win despite being dismissed by the public. – He swung out wide to make his rally and bumped and bothered his foes a few times. He’ll be a handful down the long stretch at Churchill Downs.

Belmont Park – 10/24/15 – Race 10- #5 – 1 1/16 on the dirt

#5 – Temper Mint Patty = Luis Saez had the call for Todd Pletcher, and was forced to go four wide around the turn, and had to go out even farther to find her best stride. Once she had her mind on business, she leveled out nicely and made a solid move to be second. – I think with a little kinder trip she’ll give them fits down the lane.

Belmont Park – 10/24/15 – Race #11 -#2 – 1 1/16 on the turf

#2 – Neck of the Moon = Irad Ortiz at the controls for Chad Brown, and this mare broke outward when the gates sprang open and he was forced to take up his mount just a bit. Once she got moving all was looking well and shifted out four wide and settled down for the stretch run. – She was motoring late for the red-hot connections, and give this race a pass as she compromised quite bit from post #9 in a full field, and this leaves little to no room for any added pressure. – She’ll circle the field next out, and be on the lookout for this runner from the Chad Brown barn.