Greg Melikov’s Horses to Watch October 14
by Greg Melikov
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 seven times, ran second five times and finished third three times since Sept. 12. These thoroughbreds are worth considering no matter your betting choice or preferred racebook.
Karakorum Elektra: Broke 11th and last, raced eighth early, shuffled back to last in traffic on turn, taken outside for the drive, rallied with good energy in stretch from seventh to make up 4 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and a neck at six furlongs on Oct. 11; ran final quarter in 22 4/5.
CALDER
Casa Mimaty: Raced third early, dropped to fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied on far turn losing several lengths, dropped to seventh and last, swung out for the drive, closed well from sixth to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at a mile on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 11.
HAWTHORNE
Snoose Goose: Raced sixth early, dropped to seventh more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out in sixth seven wide for the drive, exchanged brushes with winner several times, dropped to seventh in stretch and drifted out while closing fast to finished third beaten a neck and a head at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Oct. 11; ran final three furlongs in 37 2/5.
LAUREL
Rescigno: Raced seventh more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied six wide in stretch, closed willingly despite drifting wide, made up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Oct. 10.
LOUISIANA DOWNS
Sea the Soldier: Broke alertly from post 10, angled inside to press pace early, led by 3 ½ lengths after a half-mile, shook off other speed on turn, increased margin to 13 lengths in stretch and cruised to 18 ½-length victory under token encouragement on Oct. 10; ran half in 46, six furlongs in 1:11 1/5 and the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:18 2/5.
OAK TREE AT SANTA ANITA
Alex’s Wish: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, came three deep into stretch and rallied to second making up more than four lengths and lost by a head at six furlongs on Oct. 9.
PHILADELPHIA PARK
Wildcattwentyfour: Broke 10th and next to last, advanced to ninth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out entering stretch in seventh, closed steadily to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Oct. 6.
RETAMA PARK
Fiesta Margarita: Broke from the outside 10th post, raced 10th and last early, advanced to ninth more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide to fourth in stretch, closed fast to make up 4 ½ lengths and finished second nosed out at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 11
TURF PARADISE
Hills of Roses; Broke from the outside ninth post, raced fourth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, angled in during stretch run, rallied to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at five furlongs on Oct. 10.
WOODBINE
East Face: Raced more than six lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, angled out in final furlong, rallied from fifth in stretch, made up three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Oct. 10.
