Horses to Watch – Ed Meyer

Rain, rain, go away was the chant for most of the nation. But as grandma always said, the sun will come out tomorrow. I sure hope she’s right, as this time of year presents some of the very best turf racing. – Now that Labor Day is in the books, and the end of September is coming into view. My thoughts are drifting to the sweeping turns of Belmont, and the boutique meet of Keeneland. Before you know it we’ll all be watching and wagering on the Breeders’ Cup in beautiful Lexington, Kentucky.  – Before I drift into a gambler’s dream of things to come, here are some runners that need some extra special attention when they make their next trip to the track.

Churchill Downs – 9/12/15 – Race #3 – #4 – 6f on the dirt

That’s Why = Brian Hernandez in the saddle for Michelle Lovell, and over the years he has been a good return on investment rider for this gambler. His filly broke away from gate slowly and seemed to have her mind on other things down the backside. – When they arrived at the 3/8th’s pole she wheeled out six wide into the lane and finished with a flourish. I think this she’ll benefit greatly from this race and her second time out should be a good effort.

Churchill Downs – 9/12/15 – Race #4 – #8 – 6f on the dirt

Virtual Machine = Brian Hernandez aboard for the talented Joe Sharp. This was her first effort under the Twin Spires, she was close enough to the early pace and weaken a bit down the lane at 17-1. Sharp is an excellent conditioner, and I feel his runner will benefit greatly with the trip over the deep surface. – Ever since Fair Grounds, he has done quite well with runners on the second time out angle. – I’m looking for a big price coming our way.

Churchill Downs – 9/12/15 – Race #8 – #2 – 1 1/16 on the dirt

Bold Quality = Paco Lopez aboard for Kelly Breen, and this filly showed glimmers of very good things to come. She settled out nicely and stalked just off the pace. She was bottled up behind a wall of runners, and angled out at the 3/16th’s pole bumping Dream Dance and continued on with a sustained rally to come up a little shy nearing the wire. – This two-year-old from the barn of George and Lori Hall has the look of a nice runner as they were shipping in from PrM to run in the Pocahontas. Keep your eyes peeled for her possibly at Keeneland next out.

Belmont Park – 9/12/15 – Race #4 – #1 – One mile on the dirt

Deserved = John Velasquez was in the irons for Bill Mott and they ran a double tough race. This two-year-old tracked the speed and started tipping off the rail for clear sailing. From the 1/8th pole in he duked it out with eventual winner Sail Ahoy down to get bested in the shadow of the wire. – If we can duplicate that last effort you can bet early and often.

Belmont Park – 9/12/15 – Race #5 – #1 – 7f on the turf

McIlroy = Apprentice Eric Cancel had the call for Rudy Rodriguez, and the greensward was a little soft. He veered in at the start and tried to recover and save ground along the inside. Once he worked off of the rail he was forced to swing wide into the lane behind a wall of runners. He had to wait for a seam and took full advantage of jumping the hole and came just a bit shy running out of ground. – Love the young rider, and this guy will get the job done next out.