In this biweekly update, racing analyst J. Keeler Johnson highlights noteworthy horses from his handicapping watch list, reviewing promising performers and previewing upcoming races. This edition welcomes juvenile winners Mitty’s Griddy and New Century.
Thursday Highlights
Churchill Downs, Race 5: Mitty’s Griddy made an impressive debut in a six-furlong maiden special weight, overcoming a slow start and trailing by as much as a dozen lengths early on. As the front-runners set a brisk pace, Mitty’s Griddy rallied powerfully, clocking a final quarter in a sharp 23.58 seconds to win by one length. This performance suggests he could be a standout contender.
Saturday Highlights
Woodbine, Race 7: Moira faced a unique race dynamic in the 1 1/4-mile E. P. Taylor (G1). While the eventual winner, Full Count Felicia, built a commanding lead, Moira settled far behind but showed determination, finishing strong with final quarter-mile times of 22.21 and 22.80 seconds, ultimately placing second by 3 1/2 lengths. This effort indicates she should not be overlooked.
Churchill Downs, Race 9: Skelly demonstrated resolve in the six-furlong Louisville Thoroughbred Society, setting fast fractions before narrowly finishing second by a neck. However, due to three consecutive losses, he will be temporarily removed from my watch list, with the possibility of reconsidering once Oaklawn racing resumes, where he boasts an impressive record.
Churchill Downs, Race 10: Owen Almighty faced defeat for the first time in three starts during the Iroquois (G3) but put forth a solid effort, navigating a competitive field and finishing second by 2 3/4 lengths behind gate-to-wire victor Jonathan’s Way. He remains a horse to watch.
Woodbine, Race 9: New Century made a striking debut in North America, winning the Summer (G1) for juveniles over a mile on turf. Positioning himself in eighth during a fast-paced race, he expertly outkicked Al Qudra, winning by 1 1/4 lengths with a final quarter in 22.87 seconds. New Century is set to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf this fall, promising a bright future.
Churchill Downs, Race 11: Trainer Kenny McPeek rarely sends juveniles to victory on debut, but when he does, they often progress into top-stakes contenders. Handsome Pants, a 2-year-old son of Daredevil, debuted with a commendable win in a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight, overcoming expectations at 10-1 odds. His performance signals the potential for further improvement.
Woodbine, Race 10: My Boy Prince struggled against older horses in the Woodbine Mile (G1), finishing sixth but only 4 1/2 lengths back. While he showed some late progress, his recent performances have led to his removal from the watch list.
Upcoming Entries
Churchill Downs, Race 8: The upcoming six-furlong $125,000 allowance optional claimer will reveal which version of Pure Force shows up. Will it be the dominant competitor who won his first two races at Churchill or the one who struggled in the Amsterdam (G2)? Given the challenging circumstances of his last outing, I am optimistic Pure Force will rebound this time around.