Free's Horses to Watch

NIASSA

Trainer: Kathy Walsh
Last race: Sept. 26, 3rd
Finish: 3rd by 4
Beyer: 60

A first-time starter, this 2-year-old California-bred filly by Papa Clem won’t be a maiden for long. She broke from the rail, was uncomfortable eating dirt inside, shuffled on the turn, steadied at the quarter pole, and finished willingly. This was a sharp debut.

ALBERTS HOPE

Trainer: Mike Puype
Last race: Sept. 26, 8th
Finish: 6th by 6 1/2
Beyer: 79

First start in a year, and this gelding needed it. Cold in the betting at 14-1, he raced wide and ran evenly in a N2X sprint. A graded winner at 2, he is held in high regard and should improve a bunch now that he has had a prep race.

FAME AND POWER

Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Sept. 27, 4th
Finish: 6th by 6 3/4
Beyer: 61

Blinkers off did not work for this second-start 2-year-old. He lacked interest, never got into the bit and split the field. Expect him to add blinkers next time and produce an effort closer to his promising debut two back.

OLIVIA’S GREATDANE

Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Sept. 28, 8th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 61

A first-time starter, this Ghostzapper 2-year-old is a stone runner. She broke from the rail, lagged near the back, weaved through traffic, finished full of run and galloped out super. This was a promising debut.

PURE

Trainer: Jim Cassidy
Last race: Sept. 26, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 5 3/4
Beyer: 73

This 2-year-old maiden filly finally had a clear trip in this dirt route. She chased from third position, and finished evenly. She is a major threat next time in a maiden route, and should handle either surface.

ARTEST

Trainer: Kristin Mulhall
Last race: Sept. 26, race 9
Finish: 5th by 2 1/4
Beyer: 87

A blistering pace foiled this gelding’s chances in this turf sprint stakes. He does not need to be as close to the lead. If he rations his energy next time, he surely will improve.