In this biweekly series, racing analyst Keeler Johnson shares promising horses from his handicapping watch list, reviewing runners who have recently caught his eye and previewing horses scheduled to run back in the near future.

Unleashing Untapped Potential: Horses to Watch as They Return to the Track

Bishops Bay's Triumphant Comeback

Bishops Bay, the 2023 Peter Pan (G3) and Ohio Derby (G3) runner-up, made a triumphant return to the racetrack after a 16 1/2-month layoff. The Brad Cox-trained 4-year-old colt, favored at 1-2, settled in third place behind quick early fractions before gradually advancing and taking command to win by two lengths in a one-mile and 70-yard, $50,000 allowance optional claimer at Horseshoe Indianapolis. His final time of 1:39.98 seconds missed a 13-year-old track record by only 0.73 seconds, showcasing his impressive form and fitness after the extended break.This fine comeback victory has undoubtedly put Bishops Bay back on the radar for stakes competition in the near future. Fans and connections alike will be eager to see what the talented colt can accomplish as he continues his journey back to the top levels of the sport.

Tamara's Highly Anticipated Return

Bishops Bay isn't the only horse making a long-awaited comeback this week. On Friday at Del Mar, last year's Del Mar Debutante (G1) winner Tamara will make her return to the races in a six-furlong, $100,000 allowance optional claimer for fillies and mares.Tamara, a daughter of Bolt d'Oro out of four-time champion Beholder, hasn't raced since exiting a seventh-place finish in the 2023 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies with a splint injury. However, the good news is that she has been cranking out fast workouts in preparation for her comeback. Trainer Richard Mandella, known for his success with horses returning from layoffs of 90 days or more, will be looking to guide Tamara to a strong showing in her belated 3-year-old debut.Fans and bettors alike will be eager to see if Tamara can recapture the form that propelled her to victory in the prestigious Del Mar Debutante last year. Her return to the racetrack is sure to be a highly anticipated event.

Silent Law's Stretch-Out Test

Another horse to keep an eye on is the Bob Baffert-trained 2-year-old filly Silent Law, who has yet to be challenged in her young career. After opening her career with a dominant 10-length romp in a five-furlong maiden special weight at Los Alamitos, Silent Law followed up with a 3 1/2-length victory in the six-furlong Anoakia Stakes at Santa Anita.Now, Silent Law will face her toughest test to date as she stretches out to seven furlongs for the Desi Arnaz Stakes at Del Mar. Baffert has won this race four times in the last seven years, and Silent Law will be up against some talented rivals, including her Del Mar Debutante-winning stablemate Tenma. However, Silent Law's abundant early speed may prove to be the key factor in her quest for a third consecutive victory.Bettors and racing enthusiasts will be eager to see if Silent Law can maintain her impressive form and extend her winning streak as she takes on the added distance challenge.

Paramount Prince Seeks Redemption

The Autumn (G2) at Woodbine, originally scheduled for last Saturday, was postponed by a week due to safety concerns with the Tapeta track. This delay has provided Paramount Prince with a chance to rebound from a surprising last-place finish in the Durham Cup (G3) on the same surface.Prior to that unexpected defeat, the 4-year-old gelding trained by Mark Casse had been in excellent form, winning the Dominion Day (G3) and Seagram Cup (G2) at Woodbine by daylight margins. His consistent performances over the Woodbine Tapeta, including a victory in the 2023 King's Plate, had made him a logical contender in the Durham Cup.However, Paramount Prince's last-out disappointment has raised some questions. Was he compromised by setting the pace on a day when no horse could win in gate-to-wire fashion on Tapeta? Or did he simply have an off day? Regardless, the Autumn (G2) presents Paramount Prince with an opportunity to bounce back and reclaim his status as a top contender on the Woodbine Tapeta.Bettors and racing enthusiasts will be closely watching to see if Paramount Prince can shrug off his last-out defeat and return to the winner's circle in the Autumn (G2).

McKinzie Street Drops in Class and Distance

Lastly, McKinzie Street, who has faced some tough competition in his young career, will be looking to capitalize on a class drop and distance reduction in the seven-furlong Bob Hope (G3) at Del Mar.In the seven-furlong Del Mar Futurity (G1), McKinzie Street finished second behind next-out Breeders' Cup Juvenile runner-up Gaming, while beating future Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Citizen Bull. He then placed third in the 1 1/16-mile American Pharoah (G1) behind Citizen Bull and Best Pal (G3) winner Getaway Car.Now, as McKinzie Street drops down in class and distance, his experience at the Grade 1 level should prove to be a significant advantage over his rivals in the Bob Hope (G3). While he'll be facing a promising field, his proven ability to compete at the highest level could be the key to his success in this upcoming race.Bettors and racing enthusiasts will be eager to see if McKinzie Street can capitalize on the class drop and distance reduction to secure a victory in the Bob Hope (G3).