Brad Free's Horses to Watch for March 16
BLUEGRASS REWARD
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: March 12, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 4 3/4
Beyer: 81
Though disappointing as the favorite, he had excuses. He washed out, raced wide, and went evenly in a race dominated by forwardly placed runners. A 10-time winner, he was claimed by O’Neill from Dean Pederson. He can make amends vs. similar.
PERFECTLY MAJESTIC
Trainer: Bob Hess Jr.
Last race: March 13, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 1
Beyer: 70
Favored first time out in a maiden-75, he steadied and lost position at the break, raced in traffic, and made it respectable. With a clean trip, he probably would have won.
COMIN’OFFTHEBENCH
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro
Last race: March 13, 3r
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 67
First start in more than three months, this lightly raced 6-year-old mare did everything but win. She was sandwiched in a pace duel, and finished more than seven lengths clear of third. Next time out in a similar N2L claiming race, make her the one to catch.
GLOBAL VIEW
Trainer: Tom Proctor
Last race: March 13, 7th
Finish: 6th by 3 3/4
Beyer: 82
A graded winner at age 2 and 3, this Galileo 4-year-old had no shot in his sprint comeback. The pace was slow, the winner led gate to wire, and he merely went evenly. It is unsure if he will regain top form, but he gets a pass for this prep.
EASTER LILLIAN
Trainer: Blake Heap
Last race: March 14, 2nd
Finish: 4th by 4 3/4
Beyer: 41
Off slowly again in her second career start, this maiden-30 made an extended run, finished well, and galloped out with run. She deserves one more chance.