Horses to Watch – Ed Meyer
Mother Nature is still blazing away in parts of the country, but on occasion still shows us a glimpse of all the beauty summer has to showcase. – Saratoga was the main focus this past weekend as Frosted put on a show that has us thinking bigger and bigger races down the road. By all accounts, Frosted returned from a hand-ride in the (G-1) Whitney in good order. He is the second runner in a row to sweep the Met Mile and The Whitney following Honor Code last year. – Here are some runners who had a bad day at the office, or deserve an immediate playback. Just keep your eyes peeled and your bankrolls handy. – Best of luck from your friends at BetPTC.com !
Saratoga
8/6/16
Race #1 – #1 – Brooklyn Bobby – 1 1/16 on the turf
This son of Frankel shied inward at the start and was checked up sharply. Good works and great connections with Joel Rosario and Brian Lynch have us looking forward. – This two-year-old has the makings of something very good as his sire wins 64% with his first time turfers. We’ll toss this one and file it under being a youngster. – This guy has something special and needs to be followed right back.
Race #5 – #5 – Sport – 1 1/16 on the turf
Irad Ortiz in the irons with a freshened son of Hard Spun. He had been away from the races for 55 days and has solid works to signal his readiness. – He bumped around leaving the gate and stuck behind a wall of horses under a hammer-lock waiting for room. He was full of run and had no place to go. He has the look of a runner who may wheel right back and score.
Race #10 – #2 – Comfort – (G-1) Whitney – 1 1/8
Johnny V and Pletcher brought this son of Indian Charlie to the paddock. He was facing a monster in Frosted but what he showed gives me great hope moving forward. He checked leaving the starting gate and while in the two path he showed great late acceleration. Maybe facing anyone but Frosted would be a blessing or could he be that upset runner in the wings ? – Time will tell and he’ll give em’ fits next with a clean trip.
Mountaineer
8/6/16
Race #1 – #8 Moonshine Promise – 6f on the main track
DeShawn Parker had the Cleveland invader in the catbird seat and rated well. He fanned out six wide making a late bid and his late turn of foot is what caught my eye. – He may pop up at Thistledown, or right back Mountaineer. I’m looking for a mid-range stake that will have him in the right place ready to roll.
Belterra Park
8/7/16
Race #3 – #2B Include Love – 6f on the main
Ricardo Mejias in town and he was aboard a very fast filly who deserves respect. His mount was for the red-hot Shane Meyers barn and they won by a widening 9 3/4 going away easily. – This gal is a playback who will do well moving up the ladder.
Race #4 – #1 – Pepite – 1 1/16 on the turf
Fresh off the claim for “Chip” Brownfield, and for a turf course that plays kind to speed. This son of Pulpit was fanned eight wide at the top of the short stretch and got up in the shadow of the wire. They haven’t gotten to the bottom of this guy yet, and he looks like a turf runner that has the ability to move up in class. – For what its worth. The same winning connections claimed Aesop from the race who had a bad day and turned in a lackluster performance. His barn is on a mission and after talking with him last night there might be some more claims to come.
Race #7 – #6 – Hope’s Frog Song – 1 1/16 on the turf
This mare took a big step forward and grabbed the lead a jump or two as they entered the stretch. She looked as game as they come and was gunned down in a four horse blanket photo by School Board Prez facing older for the first time and is a perfect 4/4 at BtP. – She is getting better with every effort, and is one to follow right back to the windows.