Horses to watch: Idol takes game to new level at Churchill

In this biweekly series, racing analyst Keeler Johnson will share 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

Idol

Based on breeding alone, you have to respect the up-and-coming 3-year-old Idol. His pedigree is absolutely packed with classic stamina – his sire is two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, while his dam is the stakes-winning router Marion Ravenwood, a daughter of Belmont Stakes winner and renowned stamina influence A. P. Indy.

Despite boasting a pedigree geared strongly toward route racing, Idol showed potential in his first two starts sprinting, finishing clearly second-best in a six-furlong dash at Churchill Downs (beaten two lengths in the time of 1:08.80) before stretching out over seven furlongs at Churchill to graduate by 2 1/2 lengths in 1:22.04.

But Idol elevated his game to a new level when tackling a 1 3/16-mile allowance race Sunday at Churchill. Favored at 1-2, the Richard Baltas trainee settled just off the lead through modest splits of :24.31, :48.35, and 1:13.07, then pounced to the front and drew off to beat Rebel (G2) runner-up Excession by 5 3/4 lengths.

Idol reached the finish line in 1:55.97, breaking the track record and posting a 97 Beyer Speed Figure. At this point, the sky is the limit for Idol, who figures to keep improving with experience and maturity. A graded stakes victory should be well within his reach next year.

Laker Mamba

Dirt or turf, Laker Mamba should be able to handle either surface so long as he’s racing around two turns. A stoutly-bred son of 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist out of a mare by Unbridled’s Song, Laker Mamba has shown plenty of promise under the care of Mark Casse and appears poised to join the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Laker Mamba debuted in an off-the-turf maiden race traveling a mile at Churchill Downs, where he trailed the field early before rallying wide to finish third. Notably, he finished just 1 3/4 lengths behind runner-up Keepmeinmind, who returned to place second in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) and third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Laker Mamba subsequently switched to turf for a 1 1/16-mile maiden race Oct. 28 at Churchill, and the result was impressive. After saving ground in fourth place behind slow fractions of :24.49, :50.15, and 1:16.05, Laker Mamba shifted outside and roared to the front with complete authority down the lane, drawing off with impressive power to score by 4 1/4 lengths.

Laker Mamba sprinted the final 5/16ths in :30.93 over a “good” track, a solid fraction. And visually speaking, he looked fantastic, racing professionally while kicking into high gear. I’m excited to see what Laker Mamba can accomplish in 2021 – I think this promising gray 2-year-old has significant talent.

Off the Watch List

Highland Glory

Compromised by a slow pace when rallying to finish second in the June 20 Wonder Again (G3) at Belmont Park, Highland Glory hasn’t posted a timed worked since July 2. Given how long she has been on the sidelines, I’ll want to watch Highland Glory’s return race – whenever and wherever that might be – before betting on her again.