Three juveniles to watch from last weekend's action

A sensational weekend of graded racing concluded with some standout winners. And while it's easy to recognize their respective efforts, I took notice of three juveniles who left an impression on me in defeat.

CHOCOLATE KISSES

Candy Ride filly drew the impossible 13 post in the Alcibiades (G1) at Keeneland on Friday. Mark Casse pupil was exiting a third-place finish in the P.G. Johnson on the yielding turf at Saratoga.

$410,000 yearling purchase was last early in the Alcibiades but impressed with her movement on the backside. Approaching the turn for home, the chestnut was picking off runners with ease before flattening out a bit inside the final furlong.

The fourth-place effort by Chocolate Kisses is much better than it might appear on paper and is worth watching again. She has a very bright future, on any surface.

STANDARD DEVIATION

Chad Brown charge made his second lifetime run in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland on Saturday. Also saddled with the 13 post, the Chad Brown trainee was well back early on behind a moderate early pace.

Bay colt made a visually impressive move on the back side but appeared to idle some nearing the top of the lane, but the Kentucky-bred came again inside the final furlong to be a fine third under the wire.

Standard Deviation was wide every step of the Breeders' Futurity when making his two-turn debut. I love his running style and pedigree to run much longer distances. Standard Deviation is, in my humble opinion, a superb prospect who is poised to be a presence on the Triple Crown trail in 2019.