Top Horses from the Top Racetracks in the Country

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 six times, ran second four times and finished third three times since Sept. 10. These thoroughbreds are worth considering when developing your horse betting strategy.

AQUEDUCT

Kissa Melissa: Bloke slowly, raced seventh and last 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, split rivals at the quarter pole, rallied belatedly from third in stretch to make up 4 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on a sealed muddy surface Oct. 29; ran final quarter in 24 seconds.

Saginaw: Sprinted clear on rail, led by two lengths after a half-mile, steadily increased margin to six lengths in stretch and cruised in hand to win by 11 ½ lengths at a mile on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 28.

CALDER

Ms. N. Tarsia: Broke poorly, raced 12th and last early, advanced to 11th more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied between rivals from fourth to make up more than three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 25.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Apple Charlotte: Raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, blocked and steadied in upper stretch, dropped to 11th, recovered quickly, closed like a rocket to make up more than 10 ¼ lengths and gained second by a nose at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 1.

HAWTHORNE

Country Zip: Raced more than 12 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, angled in for stretch run, made up nearly three lengths and finished third beaten a neck and a length at 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 22.

MEADOWLANDS

Most Wanted Affair: Raced fifth and last more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied three wide to third in stretch, finished well outside making up nearly 3 ½ lengths and ran second beaten a head at a mile on Oct. 20.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Cherokee Champion: Raced more than three lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground entering stretch, split rivals, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 18.

TURF PARADISE

Taint That a Cat: Raced fifth more than 6 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, angled five wide for the drive, made up nearly 3 ½ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a head and a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 26.

Stressless: Raced seventh and last early, moved to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied outside to make up more than 2 ½ lengths in the stretch and finished second beaten a nose at five furlongs on Oct. 25.

WOODBINE

Honour Fulfilled: Raced 13th early, dropped to 14th and last more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, blocked in 12th by rival at top of the stretch, angled out at eighth pole, finished full of run making up more than two lengths and ran second nosed out at 6 ½ furlongs Oct. 21.