Horse to Watch – Ed Meyer

As you watched the last of the turkey scraps turn into doggie treats, you sit back with a grateful smile on your face. Not only will this be the last you’ll see of turkey until Christmas, you had a mega-dose of watching the two-year-olds strut their stuff around the country. It was that kind of weekend where we get a small glimpse of what awaits in 2016. – It won’t be long now until you’ll start hearing the names of your favorite three-year-old stakes start going to post. Now before you start drifting off into your tryptophan-turkey coma, take a gander at the runners listed below. They had a tough day at the races, and need an extra helping of keeping your eyes peeled when they make their way to the starting gate.

Del Mar – 11/27/15 – Race #8 – #4 – 1 1/16 on the turf

#4 – Seek Again = Jose Lezcano aboard for Bill Mott, and these guys know how to get a turf runner to the winner’s circle. In this G-2 affair, Lezcano had to put on the breaks at different times during the race. He is one of the most under-appreciated turf riders in the country and deserves a big time look the next time this runner takes to the greensward.

Aqueduct – 11/28/15 – Race #6 – #1 – Mile on the turf

#1 – Island Therapy = Irad Ortiz had the call for Rudy Rodriguez, and this runner was enjoying a picture perfect ride from Ortiz until the 1/4 pole. – He had to take up and clipped heels as he swung three-wide for the stretch drive. – A little better trip has him right on target.

Churchill Downs – 11/28/15 – Race #11 – #10 – 1 1/16 on the dirt

#10 – Mo Tom = Corey Lanerie in the irons for this son of Uncle Mo. He broke from the outside post and was dead last most of the race. As the field passed the 3/8th’s, he kicked into gear over the sloppy track and was flying along the rail. As they straightened for home he looked in fine shape skimming the paint and hit the rail about the 1/16th pole. – When two-year-olds have a set back like this, you can usually call it a wrap and wait til’ next time. – I can’t wait for Thom Amoss to bring this runner back to the races.

Fair Grounds – 11/28/15 – Race #9 – #2 – One mile and 70 yards

#2 – Red Zone = Leandro Goncalves in the saddle for Jeff Thornbury. He was under a hammer-lock most of the race, and when he worked off the rail he had to take up in hand once again forcing him to slam the brakes on many times while in tight. – Give him half a path and he’ll make a direct path to the winner’s circle next time out.