Hersh: Fair Grounds horses to watch for week of Jan. 4
Flashlight
Trainer: Tim Glyshaw
Last race: Dec. 29, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 4
Beyer: 87
This is a 6-year-old with plenty of racing, but man was he keyed up in this race. Pulled very, very hard while locked in behind talented, slow-pacesetting leader (and winner) December Seven much of the trip. The race was run in negative splits, and after his early exertions, he did well to finish better than will immediately be apparent from his form.
Summertime Sky
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last race: Dec. 31, 4th
Finish: 1st by 1 1/2
Beyer: 76
Won debut in a turf sprint that got a low number because Believe in Bertie broke the clock going a turf mile later on this card, suggesting the course was extremely fast. I think the filly might be better than the figure, however. She finished very strongly between horses to win going away in what seemed like deep field. Had worked fast on dirt and has pedigree suggesting main track could be an option, too.