Gierkink: Woodbine horses to watch for week of Oct. 3

ESCONDERA
Trainer: Roger Attfield
Last race: Oct. 2, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 68
While in the midst of his rally, he awaited room late on the far turn before closing for second behind a more experienced rival when stretching out in his second start. The Ontario-bred 2-year-old by Eskendereya could have stakes potential.

CRUSHIN IT
Trainer: Reade Baker
Last race: Oct. 1, 10th
Finish: 2nd by nose
Beyer: 71
He battled up front along the rail with three rivals, put them all away, and then got nailed on the wire by a deep closer in a $20,000 claimer for non-winners of two. He shouldn’t have a problem clearing that condition by the end of the meet.

PRINCESS BULLET
Trainer: Krista Cole
Last race: Oct. 1, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 1/2
Beyer: 60
Off an impressive debut score, she was bet down to even-money in the restricted South Ocean Stakes. Her rider probably moved sooner than he wanted to in order to get through an opening along the rail on the far turn, and she gave way late after hitting the front in the stretch.