Hersh: Fair Grounds horses to watch for week of Dec. 28

Jus Kevin

Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last race: Dec. 23, 2nd
Finish: 3rd, beaten 1 1/4
Beyer: 68

Guess things even out since filly who had perfect trip in a comeback win found no luck in running stepping up the Louisiana-bred turf allowance class ladder. Argument could easily be made she was best on the day. Formidable back at same class level.

Proud and Fearless

Trainer: Larry Jones
Last race: Dec. 23, 5th
Finish: 2nd, beaten 1/2
Beyer: 50

Blocked and trapped on the rail through the stretch run when willing and ready to go – by none other than her coupled stablemate, who was fading badly on the lead. Winner came over the top while this filly sat and suffered.

Arklow

Trainer: Brad Cox
Last race: Dec. 26, 9th
Finish: 2nd, beaten 1
Beyer: 78

Three two-turn dirt races for maidens or allowance 2-year-olds on this card, and he probably ran the second-best race among all the horses in them. Might even have run as well as victorious Takeoff, since that horse got a comfortable lead as this one raced from inside stalking position. Made midstretch move on Takeoff and failed to reach him, but this race was pretty fast late, and he was more than six clear of third. Had no chance second time out in route debut. Appealing pedigree, and long odds this start could help price a bit next time.