Horses to Watch from our Expert Handicapper

Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should improve significantly or do well next time out, won twice, ran second twice and finished third four times since March 16. These thoroughbreds are worth considering when developing your betting strategy.

ARLINGTON PARK

Jilly From Philly: Broke seventh and last, trailed by more than six lengths after a half-mile, angled out for the drive, closed with a rush from fifth in stretch, made up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a head at six furlongs on May 3; ran final quarter in 24 seconds.

BELMONT

Refinery Fire: Broke next to last from outside post 9, steadied in tight quarters, raced 10 lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, circled four wide for the drive, rallied from fifth in stretch to make up 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf May 1.

CALDER

Peruano Smoke: Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up 1 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at a mile on May 8.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Cannonball: Bumped at break, recovered quickly, raced more than 2 ½ lengths behind in fourth after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground going wider in stretch, made up three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at five furlongs on a good turf course May 1.

DELAWARE PARK

Gray Might: Broke seventh and last, raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied from third in stretch to make up 2 ¾ lengths and gained second by 4 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface May 4.

EVANGELINE DOWNS

Classic Idle: Broke 13th and last, zipped to second early, lost ground to fourth three lengths behind after a half-mile, moved outside for the drive losing more ground, rallied in stretch to make up nearly four lengths and finished second beaten a neck at seven furlongs on May 6.

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Welkin: Raced 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied from fifth in stretch, split rivals to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at 1 1/16 miles on the turf May 6; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 29 4/5.

LONE STAR PARK

Our Story: Raced more than six lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, swung out in fourth at top of the stretch, closed fast to make up 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at seven furlongs on a muddy surface May 3.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Mr. Congeniality: Raced a length behind in third after a half-mile, advanced on the turn to lead in stretch by four lengths and steadily increased margin under mild handling to win by 10 ½ lengths at seven furlongs on May 5; cruised final three furlongs in 37 4/5.

PIMLICO

Patch of Fire: Raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, saved ground, advanced to fourth in stretch, rallied to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a length at six furlongs on May 2; ran final quarter in 24 3/5.