Horses to Watch: 1 new name and 2 in the entries
In this biweekly series, racing analyst Keeler Johnson shares promising horses from his handicapping watch list, reviewing runners who have recently caught his eye and previewing horses scheduled to run back in the near future.
New to the Watch List
The well-bred colt No Nay Hudson left no doubt about his superiority in a 4 1/2-furlong maiden special weight for juveniles on Thursday at Keeneland.
The son of Group 1 winner and Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint runner-up No Nay Never was quick into stride under jockey John Velazquez, dashing to the lead through an opening quarter-mile in 23.29 seconds. He picked up the pace through a second quarter-mile in 22.69 seconds and pulled clear readily down the homestretch to win by four lengths in the solid time of 51.92 seconds.
Produced by Sands Point (G2) winner Raw Silk, No Nay Hudson is bred top and bottom to thrive on turf, so the fact he broke his maiden on dirt is a sign of talent and potential. I wouldn’t be surprised to see No Nay Hudson travel abroad for a start at England’s prestigious Royal Ascot meeting in June.
Upcoming Entries
Can Shaaz keep his undefeated record intact while stepping up against tougher competition? We’ll find out when the talented 4-year-old squares off against a small field in Saturday’s sixth race at Santa Anita, the Californian (G2) (post time 6:33 p.m. EDT).
Sold for $1.1 million as a yearling, Shaaz is 3-for-3 so far and thrived in his two-turn debut at Santa Anita four weeks ago, leading all the way to easily win a $100,000 allowance optional claimer racing one mile. The son of Uncle Mo was produced by a Mineshaft mare and is bred top and bottom to relish stretching out over 1 1/8 miles in the Californian.
Securing victory on Saturday won’t necessarily be easy. Santa Anita Handicap (G1) winner Express Train looms as the 4-5 morning line favorite after rattling off three consecutive graded stakes triumphs, and Stilleto Boy is a formidable second choice after placing four times at the Grade 1 level. But Shaaz still has upside, and I’m excited to see how he performs while stepping up in class and distance.
War Like Goddess was among the most accomplished horses to compete in 2021. During a memorable six-race campaign, the stoutly bred daughter of English Channel rattled off victories in the Orchid (G3), Bewitch (G3), Glens Falls (G2), and Flower Bowl (G1) before placing third by just half a length in a deep renewal of the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
War Like Goddess will kick off her 5-year-old campaign in Friday’s eighth race at Keeneland, the Bewitch (G3) (post time 4:07 p.m.). War Like Goddess smashed this race by 3 3/4 lengths last year and boasts a perfect 2-for-2 record over this 1 1/2-mile distance, so even off the layoff, the Bill Mott trainee looks tough to beat. War Like Goddess is a late runner with a terrific turn of foot, and I expect her trademark burst of acceleration to produce a season-opening victory on Friday.
Which horses do you have your eyes on this week?