Horses to watch are never automatic bet-backs.
Hawthorne
SHREWD OPERATOR (Race 2@HAW, April 9, 2014, 5 ½ furlongs, Claiming $5,000) The fourth choice stumbled at the gate and was at the back of the pack early. He made progress down the backstretch and eventually moved into third while going widest of all throughout the turn, when arriving at the top of the stretch and still making progress, he was forced to check and slightly leap over a fallen opponent. Finished fourth after the eventful trip.
Keeneland
GETTEM UP GIRL (Race 9@KEE, April 9, 2014, 6 furlongs, Starter $7,500) The second choice was mugged at the gate and began last. Was next to last when the field entered the far turn and was far back. She traveled wide into the turn when, making her rally and was widest and far back when entering the stretch. Rallied with determination and passed many in the stretch to get up and win. An impressive effort.
SIMILU (Race 7@KEE, April 10, 2014, 6 ½ furlongs, Allowance 1x) The second choice was off slow and last and remained in the rear for the opening furlong and was next to last after the initial half mile. Was forced to circle 7-8 wide when entering the stretch, had to wait momentarily and was blocked by the eventual for a few strides before making a good rally to run second.
PARX
WISE REMARK (Race 3@PRX, April 8, 2014, 6 furlongs, Maiden Claiming $15,000) The longest shot on the board, the only debut runner in the field and on a muddy track, stalked the early leaders and followed instructions to move forward while in the turn. Still a couple lengths behind the front runner at the quarter pole, the debut runner responded to urging, felt the stick on both sides and widened with every command to win by a dozen lengths and embarrass his opponents.
Pimlico
PUSHIN ON (Race 6@PIM, April 10, 2014, 6 furlongs, Claiming $15,000) The second choice engaged early and secured the lead after the opening 1/16th, was challenged going into the turn but when the button was pushed he scooted away, and the margin widened greatly under a hand ride once into the stretch and won by nearly 10 lengths.