King: Churchill Downs horses to watch for week of Nov. 14
TAPANNA
Trainer: Mike Maker
Last race: Nov. 9, 3rd
Finish: 2nd by 3 3/4
Beyer: 70
Kicked into gear to grab second against $7,500 claimers on the dirt, but he never seemed quite as comfortable racing on the dirt as he has often looked on synthetic. Expect a far better performance from him over the Polytrack at Turfway after the Churchill meet concludes.
CRONINTHEBARBARIAN
Trainer: Gary Simms
Last race: Nov. 9, 9th
Finish: 7th by 2
Beyer: 81
Away poorly in a second-level allowance, he saved ground around both turns but never found room in the stretch in a congested race and was never able to uncork his best finish.
LOGAN CREEK
Trainer: Aaron West
Last race: Nov. 11, 7th
Finish: 10th by 13 3/4
Beyer: 61
Already ambitiously spotted in a starter $20,000 allowance on turf, he went out and engaged in a taxing speed duel that knocked him out and contributed to him beating just a single foe. This poor effort will darken his form and potentially create value on him in an easier race next out. He is a proven competitor over Turfway’s Polytrack. Look for him there.
MISS ANN CAN
Trainer: Bernie Flint
Last race: Nov. 11, 9th
Finish: 3rd by 5
Beyer: 68
She got cooked in a blistering pace battle with victorious Touch of Bling, and did well to hold third under the circumstances. She fits against a first-level allowance foes sprinting on the turf at Fair Grounds over the winter.
BARRY’S SWING
Trainer: Mike Maker
Last race: Nov. 13, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 2
Beyer: 66
Off slowly in his debut for maiden $30,000, he got in gear on the turn and finished powerfully. He galloped out well, suggesting more distance should suit him. Claimed out of the race, he now joins the winning barn of trainer Mike Maker.