In this insightful series, racing analyst J. Keeler Johnson highlights promising equine athletes that have recently caught his attention. The article reviews past performances and previews upcoming races for these horses, providing a comprehensive look at their potential. Johnson focuses on several key contenders, including Kinetic, Gunmetal, Prime Power, Booth, and Momad, offering detailed analysis of their recent races and future prospects.

Young Guns Making Waves

This section delves into the impressive performances of emerging 3-year-old horses that have shown significant promise. These young athletes have demonstrated remarkable improvement and potential for future success, particularly in stakes races and beyond. Their trainers and pedigrees add to the excitement surrounding their careers.

Kinetic, a Godolphin homebred trained by Brad Cox, has been making steady progress since August. After winning a maiden special weight race at Ellis Park, he continued his upward trajectory with two consecutive victories at Churchill Downs. His most recent performance in the Tenacious Stakes at Fair Grounds was particularly noteworthy. Although finishing second, Kinetic earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure, indicating his potential for further improvement as a 4-year-old in 2025. Another standout is Gunmetal, who won a six-furlong sprint at Fair Grounds. Acquired for $410,000 as a yearling, Gunmetal showed impressive speed and finished with a strong time, earning a 96 Beyer Speed Figure. Both horses are poised to make significant strides in their careers, potentially qualifying for prestigious events like the Kentucky Derby.

Prospects to Watch

Beyond the young guns, this section explores other notable horses that have recently competed or will soon return to the track. These athletes offer varying levels of promise, from first-time starters to experienced runners, each contributing unique elements to the racing landscape. Their performances provide valuable insights into their potential for future success.

Prime Power, a first-time starter from Steve Asmussen's barn, also caught Johnson’s eye. Purchased for $500,000 as a yearling, Prime Power led the race and finished strongly, pulling ahead of the third-place finisher by over seven lengths. This performance suggests that Prime Power could graduate next time out and join the road to the Kentucky Derby. Meanwhile, Booth faced challenges in a recent race at Oaklawn Park but still managed to place fourth despite being hindered by tight quarters in the homestretch. Johnson believes Booth would have performed better with more room to maneuver and remains optimistic about his future. On the other hand, Momad's performance in his return from a layoff was less impressive, leading Johnson to remove him from the watch list until he shows stronger results. Overall, these horses represent a diverse group of prospects, each with its own story and potential for success.