"Problem Ponies" - Horses to Watch

We see runners who get shut off and have to take up during the course of a race. Handicappers try to document as many as possible and some even subscribe to a "horse watch" service where runners are emailed to you allowing you to make plans to follow them back. - Winning Ponies would like to offer you a few runners who need to be on the watch list the next time they hit the track. - Once you see them in the entries, be sure to see where they measure up on the E-Z Win Forms before pulling the trigger.

Belmont Park

5/14/16 - Race #3 - 1 1/16 on the main

#3 -Miles of Humor = John Velasquez aboard and his mount was bumped soundly at the start and pinched between foes.

5/14/16 - Race #8 - 1 1/16 on the turf

#1 - Recepta = Johnny V aboard for James Toner, and his mare was in tight after the break and clipped heels shortly after. Once the smoke cleared, she put it all together to run a solid third place effort.

Churchill Downs

5/14/16 - Race #3 - 1 1/16 on the turf

#7 - Daddy's Boo = She broke through the gate prior to the race, and this can take a bit of the edge right off a runner. Robby Albarado did an excellent job sending her to the front and was the bridesmaid on this day. A clean trip may be the answer.

5/14/16 - Race #7 - One mile on the main

#5 - Conspired = Robby A in the irons and his mount broke through the gate prior to the start. She chased the pace setter and finished a dismal 5th.

Gulfstream Park

5/14/16 - Race #4 - 6f on the main

#3 - Poda = She was bumped repeatedly at the start and still managed to shake free and set the pace down the backstretch. - Let her catch a clean start and it may be lights out !

5/14/16 - Race #6 - 6 1/2f on the main

#2 - Cat's Warrior = He was forced to steady all the way down the lane and never had a shot to uncork a rally. A better trip may be just what the doctor ordered.

That should get you started compiling a list of runners who need a good look next time to the races. - In my opinion, there is no substitute for going back and watching the races. Trip handicapping has been around since binoculars were invented, and for this handicapper there is no substitute in spending a little time going back and taking a closer look. - Keep and open mind and you may be surprised what you'll see.