Posted on 12/10/2007 3:29:50 PM

Off Track Horse Betting Trends - Horses to Watch

By Greg Melikov

Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should do well next time out or improve considerably, won seven races and ran second four times since Nov. 23.

AQUEDUCT

Press Only: Raced fifth inside more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out in stretch losing ground, finished gamely to make up more than 4 ¾ lengths and ran third beaten 1 ¼ lengths at a mile and 70 yards on Dec. 7.

In for a Dime: Trailed by more than seven lengths after a half-mile, rallied three wide on far turn to third in stretch, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on Nov. 28; ran final quarter in 24 4/5.

CALDER

Straight Blues: Raced seven lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, dropped back to eighth in traffic midway on far turn, circled five wide for drive, rallied belatedly to make up more than three lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on a good turf course Dec. 6; ran final quarter in 22 4/5.

Flight to Eden: Trailed by more than 5 ½ lengths after three-eighths of a mile, swung out for stretch run, advanced from seventh to fifth, made up more than 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 29.

FAIR GROUNDS

Kindling: Raced ninth early, dropped to 10th and last more than 12 lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied late from ninth to make up more than 7 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on the turf Dec. 6.

Corrine: Raced seventh more than 12 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, advanced to sixth in stretch, made up 5 ¼ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 29.

HAWTHORNE

One Perfect Day: Pressed pace in fourth after a half-mile, waited for room on turn and upper stretch, altered course, rallied when clear and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Dec. 5.

Flyabovetherest: Raced ninth more than 14 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, circled field to fifth in stretch, closed fast to make up 8 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Nov. 25; ran final quarter in 23 4/5.

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Too Phar: Broke slowly, advanced from eighth to six more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, split rivals in a bit tight in fourth in mid-stretch, rallied in deep stretch to make up 3 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Nov. 28.

LAUREL PARK

Helen Says: Raced fifth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed willingly in stretch to make up more than four lengths and finished third beaten 1 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Dec. 7.

Grace and Power: Steadied entering first turn, raced fifth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out for drive, advanced to third in stretch, made up 1 ¾ lengths and finished second by 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 24.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Graded by Results: Raced fourth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed fast to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a nose and a neck at six furlongs on Dec. 4.

Secret Time: Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, angled out into stretch, made up nearly two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 24.

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Aledo Monarch: Raced fourth early, steadied on first turn, shuffled back to eighth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, dropped to ninth after six furlongs, swung seven wide for drive, closed fastest of all to make up three lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a head and a neck at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 30.

TURFWAY PARK

Bricks Princess: Raced fourth early, dropped to sixth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, looked for room behind a wall of rivals at the three-sixteenths pole, rallied when clear late and finished second beaten a half-length at a mile on Dec. 7.

Billybob Bly: Broke last, trailed early, moved from 11th to 10th more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, swung widest to fifth in stretch, finished fast to make up four lengths and ran third beaten two necks at six furlongs on Nov. 29; ran final quarter in 23 4/5.

TURF PARADISE

Danceafunnymile: Raced eight lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, eased out in stretch while racing greenly, finished well making up more than 3 ½ lengths and ran second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Dec. 7.

Mo Jo Annie: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung four wide for drive, rallied to third in stretch, made up 2 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a head and three-quarters of a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Nov. 27.

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