Horses to Watch: 3 sophomores to follow in Florida
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.
Upcoming Entries
Just four weeks after dominating his debut, Dean’s List is back in the entries as a formidable 1-1 morning line favorite in Saturday’s fifth race at Gulfstream Park, a $75,000 allowance optional claimer (post time 1:57 p.m. EST).
Dean’s List couldn’t have been much flashier in his debut sprinting six furlongs at Gulfstream last month. After pressing (and then setting) hot fractions of 21.70 and 44.36 seconds, Dean’s List kicked away to score by 5 1/2 lengths in the snappy time of 1:09.92 seconds.
If Dean’s List repeats this effort while sticking to the same track and distance on Saturday, he can keep his unbeaten record intact for the ultra-hot jockey and trainer duo of Luis Saez and Todd Pletcher. Over the last two months, Saez and Pletcher have won at a 40 percent rate.
Emmanuel (SCRATCHED)
Looking to bet a near-certain winner this week? I recommend checking out Emmanuel, the heavy favorite to win Friday’s second race at Tampa Bay Downs, a $75,000 allowance optional claimer (post time 1:09 p.m.).
This one-mile and 40-yard contest appears ripe for conquest by Emmanuel.
The Todd Pletcher trainee is already proven running long, dominating his debut racing one mile at Gulfstream by 6 3/4 lengths. In terms of Brisnet Speed ratings, Emmanuel is the fastest horse in Friday’s small field, and he should be quick enough to secure another pacesetting trip.
In short, what’s not to like? Emmanuel looks capable of cruising to another easy victory under Luis Saez. Keep in mind, Pletcher has won at a 38 percent rate when saddling 3-year-old males at Tampa since 2017, a lofty success rate highlighted by a maiden victory from 2017 Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming.
Touch Code
From top to bottom, Touch Code has the pedigree of a champion. His sire, Honor Code, was voted Champion Older Dirt Male in 2015. His dam, Caressing, was voted Champion 2-year-old filly of 2000. And Caressing’s most accomplished foal to date, West Coast, earned Champion 3-year-old male honors in 2017.
In no small part because of his pedigree, I expect Touch Code to produce a competitive effort in Saturday’s seventh race at Gulfstream Park, a one-mile maiden special weight (post time 3:05 p.m.). Touch Code ran strongly in his debut over this track, distance and class level on Dec. 11, rallying from seventh place to finish second behind Emmanuel.
I’m optimistic Touch Code can take a step forward while adding Lasix in his second start for trainer Bill Mott. After all, his pedigree hints he’ll improve with maturity.
Off the Watch List
Beau Liam
The Ack Ack (G3) runner-up has been retired to stud for 2022. Beau Liam might be leaving my racing watch list, but he’ll definitely be joining my stallion watch list—his stunning debut victory at Churchill Downs and subsequent allowance scores at Saratoga were achieved in fast times, suggesting he has the sprinter and miler speed so often necessary for success in the U.S. stallion ranks.
Rombauer
The versatile 2021 Preakness winner has been retired due to ankle issues, canceling a planned 2022 campaign. Here’s hoping Rombauer passes on his multi-surface versatility at stud; as a winner on dirt, turf and synthetic, Rombauer never met a racing surface he couldn’t handle.
Which horses do you have your eyes on this week?