In this biweekly series, racing analyst J. 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.

Unveiling the Potential of Comeback Contenders

Touchuponastar's Resilience Tested, but Dominance Looms

Touchuponastar, a consistent performer at Delta Downs, faced a setback in his recent outing, finishing third in the Delta Mile. However, this defeat should not be viewed too harshly. The horse was returning from a nearly 5 1/2-month layoff, and his previous victory in the 2023 Delta Mile was aided by a prep race. Additionally, the Delta Mile is a non-state-restricted race, and Touchuponastar has found much of his success against Louisiana-bred competition.With a comeback effort under his belt, Touchuponastar is poised to resume his dominance in the Louisiana-bred stakes ranks this winter. His ability to adapt and overcome challenges makes him a contender to watch closely in the upcoming season.

Track Phantom's Resurgence: A Promising Return to the Track

Track Phantom, a familiar name on the 2023-24 Road to the Kentucky Derby, has made a strong comeback after a six-month hiatus. The horse enjoyed success earlier in the year, winning the Gun Runner and Lecomte (G3) before finishing second in the Risen Star (G2), where he finished ahead of several notable contenders.In his recent outing at Churchill Downs, Track Phantom showcased his versatility, tracking and dueling with the pacesetter through quick fractions before being narrowly defeated. Despite the loss, he earned a respectable 96 Beyer Speed Figure and is poised to improve upon this comeback effort.Track Phantom's unbeaten record over 1 1/16 miles suggests he may be a formidable contender in graded stakes races this winter, particularly at Fair Grounds and Oaklawn. His ability to adapt to different race scenarios and his proven success at the distance make him a horse to keep an eye on in the coming months.

Bishops Bay's Anticipated Return: A Potential Graded Stakes Contender

After a lengthy 16 1/2-month layoff, the beautifully bred Bishops Bay is set to make his return to the racetrack. Despite not having won a stakes race yet, the son of Uncle Mo has proven to be a stakes-caliber competitor, with impressive performances that include a second-place finish to future Belmont winner Arcangelo in the Peter Pan (G3) and a runner-up effort against Kentucky Derby runner-up Two Phil's in the Ohio Derby (G3).Trainer Brad Cox, known for his success with horses returning from layoffs, will be saddling Bishops Bay in a one-mile and 70-yard $50,000 allowance optional claimer at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The horse's recent bullet workouts, including a five-furlong breeze in 59.8 seconds, suggest he is primed and ready to recapture his strong form.If Bishops Bay can bring his A-game, he could be a formidable contender in graded stakes races this winter. His pedigree, coupled with Cox's training expertise, make him a horse to watch closely as he embarks on his comeback journey.These three horses, each with their own unique stories and potential, represent the excitement and unpredictability of the racing world. As they navigate their respective comebacks, their performances will undoubtedly captivate fans and analysts alike, showcasing the resilience and determination that define the sport of horse racing.