Greg Melikov’s Horses to Watch

Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov, should do well next time out. These thoroughbreds won six times, finished second five times and ran third five times since June 1. They’re worth considering when developing your wagering strategy for online betting or at your favorite track.

ARLINGTON PARK

Outlaw Man: Raced more than nine lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, swung four wide for the drive, rallied in stretch to make up more than 6 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 4; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 29 2/5.

Yankee Injunuity:  Tracked pace in tight quarters four lengths behind in fourth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied in stretch to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at five furlongs on the turf July 4.

CALDER

Imperial Strike: Raced seventh more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied from fifth between horses in stretch to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and a head at a mile on the turf July 4.

COLONIAL DOWNS

Fancy Attitude: Tracked pace six lengths behind in third after three-eighths of a mile, rallied outside in stretch to make up 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at five furlongs on June 30.

DELAWARE PARK

Kindergarten Kid: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth five lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up in traffic for the drive and rallied in stretch to gain third beaten a neck for second at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 4.

ELLIS PARK

Stormin Bandini: Raced sixth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, boxed in on far turn, dropped to eighth after six furlongs, steadied lacking room entering stretch, angled outward, rallied late to make up nearly 2 ¼ lengths and finished fourth beaten a neck for third at a mile on the turf July 6.

LOUISIANA DOWNS

Butter Brown: Raced sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, moved outside for drive, brushed with winner and rallied from fourth in stretch to finish second beaten a neck at six furlongs on July 4.

MONMOUTH PARK

Ambit: Bumped and stumbled at start, raced 11th and last more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied from  fifth in stretch and gained second by a nose at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 4.

PARX (PHILADELPHIA PARK)

Hessonite: Raced more than four lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, rallied outside in stretch to make up three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 3.

SUFFOLK DOWNS

Akickintheface: Moved clear early, led by four lengths after a half-mile, increased lead unchallenged to seven lengths in stretch and cruised to easy victory by 11 ¾ lengths covering six furlongs at 1:12 3/5 on July 2.

WOODBINE

Hathaway: Raced between rivals more than 2 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground going three wide into stretch, rallied to make up more than 5 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten two necks at seven furlongs on July 2.

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