Horses to Watch – Ed Meyer

The early autumn wind was blowing gently through the trees as I took the dog outside. My coffee steam rose from my mug greeting me with the drifting warmth of fall racing just around the corner. Funny how the smallest things can bring about thoughts of big times to come. – But I digress. As thoughts of upcoming events had me thinking, it was an introspective morning about the last six to nine months.

The Triple Crown puzzle was finally solved; and would the sport capitalize on the rejuvenating energy of another name added to the pantheon of the greats ? – The summer time sweltering heat at Saratoga was not in full-effect this year. But the “Spa” did not disappoint giving us some of the best summertime moments in years. As the summer ovals close one-by-one, you start thinking of the abbreviated Churchill race meet, the Kentucky Downs undulating turf course closing the curtain for another year, and the arrival of Keeneland and what’s to come with their Brigadoon-like boutique meet. But this year offers up the question of what will the Breeders’ Cup look like at the gem of central Kentucky racing. – As the dog barks to go back in, I finished my coffee and got ready to start another day. – Before you go, here are some runners that deserve a very good look for the next effort to the track.

Parx – 9/19/15 – Race #2 – #3 – 1 1/16 on the turf

Screwgie = John Velasquez in the irons and this filly broke awkwardly from the starting gate, and was forced to race wide between runners down the backstretch. She started getting her “A” game together and finished a solid effort running out of real estate. – Looks good, and should be one you’ll have on the list of runners who will score next out.

Parx – 9/19/15 – Race #8 -#3 –  6f on the dirt

Limousine = Irad Ortiz in the saddle, and every time he gets a leg up you can expect something magical. He didn’t get away from the gate the cleanest, but eased back and found himself settling out his runner for a stretch run. His being close to the pace was showing he had a clock in his head to stay within the leader. He made a run and just missed down the lane.

Parx – 9/19/15 – Race #8 – #8 – 1 1/16 on the dirt

I’m a Chatterbox = Florent Geroux put on a clinic at Kentucky Downs taking down the swelled purses to become the leading rider. This filly received the best ride known to horse players from all walks. – Geroux made a well-timed ride to hold off the cavalry down the lane, and this runner needs a eye kept out for the Breeder’s Cup if she chooses this path. I think were about to see her biggest effort yet, and it may be worth noting the time off should have her fresh and ready.

Belterra Park – 9/19/15 – Race #4 – #3 – 6f on the dirt

Skymistress = Cory Orm aboard for Mark Thomas. His filly came to the paddock on her toes, and was jumping around with enthusiasm. She took off from her stall and tried to run right through the rail. Luckily she was corralled quickly by the crack-staff of outriders. She had to re-shod in the paddock, and that usually unnerves a runner a little right before heading to the track. The race was delayed ten minutes, and when she made it to the starting gate she was pinched back at the start. She settled out nicely, and made a sweeping move on the far turn but was no threat to the speedster winner. – I think if we have a little more normal time before the races, she’ll keep her composure. This is one for the betting windows.

Churchill Downs – 9/19/15 – Race #6 – #8- 1 1/16 on the turf

C’est Bon = Robby Albarado in the saddle and this filly ran a very game effort. She broke alertly and found herself in a perfect stalking trip, and her game effort had her take the lead about the 1/8th pole only to bested by fast closing Legendofthekitten. – There was very little done wrong on this trip, and I call it running a winner’s race and finishing second. – Come right back with confidence.

Churchill Downs – 9/19/15 – Race #9 – #4 – 7f on the dirt

Chide = Shaun Bridgmohan in the irons and this runner from the Al Stall camp fell back early in the running. Once this filly got her engine gearing up, she was a four-five wide approaching the stretch and came flying like her tail was on fire. She made up a heap load of ground and should be a factor with a solid pace in front of her. – We’ll see her colors rolling down the lane next effort out.

RETURNS OCT. 3RD AT BETPTC.COM