Horse Racing Picks: Key Horses To Watch from North American Tracks

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 eight times, ran second four times and finished third twice since June 18. These thoroughbreds are worth considering when developing your horse betting strategy. Click here to bet on horse racing at BetUS online racebook

ARLINGTON PARK
Crater Maker: Raced six lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, swung widest on far turn, lost ground in stretch, closed with a rush to make up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a neck at a mile on a good turf course July 24.

CALDER
Midnight Scrimmage: Broke slowly, raced five lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, came three wide into stretch, closed well to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a head at a mile on July 18.

DELAWARE PARK
Harlequin Sky: Raced 6 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, closed well outside into the stretch, made up four lengths and finished third beaten a half-length and a neck at a mile and 70 yards on the turf July 21.

DEL MAR
Tallahsocean: Broke a bit slowly, raced 11th early, advanced to ninth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up outside on turn, rallied from sixth in stretch to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on July 23; ran final quarter in 23 4/5.

Itsnotjustagame: Stalked pace two lengths back in third after a half-mile, lost ground swinging wide on far turn, closed willingly from fifth to make up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a nose at 1 3/8 miles on the turf July 23.

ELLIS PARK
My Rocket Man: Raced more than four lengths behind in sixth after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground moving five wide on turn, closed well late from fifth to make up nearly five lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on soft turf July 24.)

Ponticiello: Raced ninth early, dropped to 10th more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, launched six wide bid into stretch, closed fast from sixth to make up more than 5 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and a neck at a mile on soft turf July 24; ran final quarter in 24 ¾.)

MONMOUTH PARK
Brotherly Love: Stalked pace three wide two lengths back in third after a half-mile, lost ground in stretch angling inward, made up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on July 19.

PHILADELPHIA PARK
Cuvee Rouge: Bumped, bobbled soon after break in brutal trip, steadied again in tight quarters during opening quarter-mile, raced sixth more than two behind after a half-mile, blocked between rivals trying to find opening in upper stretch, steered out wider and closed well late to gain second by a neck at 6 ½ furlongs on July 18; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 30 3/5.

Prime Delivery: Raced ninth and last more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lacked room on far turn, and eight wide into stretch and closed steadily from seventh to finish second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 18; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 30 2/5.

WOODBINE
Lucky Lulu: Broke 11th, dropped to 12th and last 13 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out in upper stretch, closed fast from 10th to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a half-length at seven furlongs on the turf July 15; ran final three quarters in 33 2/5.