Pocono: Horses to watch from March 18-20

Saturday, March 18

CAPTAIN ROMANCE (NW9000) was used to the lead in first start of year, met pressure twice to the lane, dug in gamely but was nailed by the tripped-out winner. Should be tighter in next.

PARK OFFICIAL (CLAIMS) tucked, brushed and crushed to score third straight in the series.

HARRY KNOWS JR (NW13350) was parked to the lead but that was as far as the excitement went as the front-stepper cruised to the score.

TUXEDO BAY (CLAIMS) pulled to the half and challenged to the end but was second best at 54-1 to the tripped-out odds-on favorite.

HOMESTRETCH WES (CLAIMS) brushed early, yielded, got shuffled, rallied back to the pocket, finished all out and was gaining late.

Sunday, March 19

LAST MACH (CLAIMS) trailed, charged home and was second best at over 40-1.

SORTIE (NW9000) brushed to the lead passing the third call and drew away for a romp.

BRIGHT SIDE UP (NW4) jogged as the prohibitive favorite and will take another.

DLS BIG ELVIS (CLAIMS) was used hard to the lead and faced pressure throughout. Beaten favorite dug in gamely while tiring but was nailed by the late rush of the second favorite.

Monday, March 20

CAVIART REAGAN (NW2500) met pressure twice in front-stepping effort but was second best to the strong-finishing favorite.

PACK YOUR BAGS (CLAIMS) roared home from nowhere to win going away and can take another with same move.

TEST MY WILL (NW1) rallied uncovered at over 40-1, challenged to the lane, tired but could cause some damage if a bit tighter in next race or two.

DONT GET SHOCKED (CLAIMS) shocked foes with big final-turn move to win going away.

HAMMER CREEK (NW2500) was a convincing wire to wire winner in open-length romp last time around.