Here are some of the horses worth watching by handicapper/racing writer Greg Melikov who has won six races and finished second four times since Dec. 3.
AQUEDUCTLord Snowdon: Trailed by more than 4.5 lengths after a half-mile, rallied four wide to sixth in stretch, made up two lengths and lost by a half-length on Dec. 30; ran final quarter in 24.
Mariano: Raced seventh more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up on the turn, rallied outside from fifth to make up four lengths in stretch and finished third, a length behind at six furlongs on Dec. 16.
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FAIR GROUNDS
M Ray J: Broke last, trailed early, inched up to sixth more than 3.5 lengths after a half-mile, advanced around rivals on far turn, rallied from fourth in stretch, closed late to make up nearly four lengths and lost by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Dec. 31.
Randall's Cool: Raced fourth early, lost ground to fifth more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out to split foes midway on turn, advanced to third in stretch, made up nearly 5.5 lengths and lost by a neck at six furlongs on Dec. 14.
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LAUREL
Icy Lady: Trailed early, advanced to eighth 19 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in four path between rivals from fifth in stretch, closed fast to make up nearly 4.5 lengths and lost by a nose at a mile on Dec. 29.
Slew City Light: Broke from outside post, raced 12th more than 25 lengths behind after a half-mile, swung six wide entering stretch, rallied from sixth to make up eight lengths and lost by 1.5 lengths at seven furlongs on Dec. 15.
PHILADELPHIA PARK
Lucky Memento: Raced fifth early just off rail, lost ground to sixth more than 5.5 lengths behind after a half-mile, closed strongly from fourth in stretch to make up 3.5 lengths in stretch and lost by a half-length at a mile on Dec. 17; ran final quarter in 24 2/5.
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SANTA ANITA
Hendrix: Raced three lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, lost ground to fifth after six furlongs, boxed in along rail from mid-stretch to sixteenth pole, came out late closing gamely, made up more than two lengths and finished third, beaten 1.5 lengths at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Dec. 31.
Big Jon: Raced eighth more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, came out entering stretch, rallied from fifth to make up nearly four lengths and lost by a head and a half-length at a mile on the turf Dec. 30.
TURFWAY PARKMatty Junior: Trailed early, moved up to 11th more than 8.5 lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for drive, rallied to seventh in upper stretch, steadied in deep stretch to avoid fallen horse, made up more than 2.5 lengths and lost by a length at 6.5 furlongs on Dec. 30; ran final 2.5 furlongs in 19 3/5
