Greg Melikov’s Horses to Watch September 2nd
by BetUS Staff
Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should do well or improve significantly next time out, won three races, ran second five times and finished third three times since July 17. These thoroughbreds are worth considering no matter your racebook.
ARLINGTON PARK
Heza Flamer: Broke outward, raced more than 13 lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied six wide to make up 6 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a length at a mile on Aug. 30.
Eve’s Apple: Broke a step slow, raced eighth and last more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to third in stretch, made up nearly two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Aug. 29; ran final quarter in 24 seconds.
CALDER
Amazo’n: Raced more than 11 ½ lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, advanced outside to fifth in stretch, closed to make up 4 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length and a neck at a mile and 70 yards on a wet fast surface Aug. 29.
Tidal Dance: Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, angled three wide on far turn, took over in stretch, drew off and won by 13 lengths under a hand ride at 1 1/16 miles on Aug. 28; disqualified for impeding rivals on first turn and placed fourth.
LOUISIANA DOWNS
Wise Charge: Raced more than a length behind after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground to fourth coming wide out of the turn, made up 4 ¼ lengths in stretch and gained second by a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Aug. 24.
MONMOUTH
Finance Master: Pinched back to 10th and last at break, raced ninth more than nine lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, closed willingly from fifth in stretch, bumped with rival, recovered to make up nearly 4 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten 1 ¼ lengths and a nose at six furlongs on Aug. 29.
PHILADELPHIA PARK
Absolved: Raced 3 ½ lengths behind in fourth after three-eighths of a mile, closed well in final furlong, made up two lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on Aug. 25.
RETAMA PARK
City Academy: Carried in at start, raced 10th and last early, advanced to ninth more than six lengths back after three-eighths of a mile, steadied when blocked entering final furlong, rallied from seventh to make up 5 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second by a nose on Aug. 30.
Every Three Days: Bumped at break, raced 10 lengths behind in 10th after a half-mile, went wide on turn, rallied to make up three lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Aug. 29; ran final quarter in 24 1/5.
