Belmont: Closer Looks for June 1, 2014

Race 1

Dads Little Girls

Moderate breeze pattern for this lass whose sire won multiple G3 stakes and 461K (offspring of Istan are only 1 for 48 as far as winning their first race); the dam won 2 of 30 attempts and 41K; winning siblings include 73K earner Frenemy.

Daredevil

Vast improvement to the latest training track breeze; his sire was a G1 sprinter who banked 1.02 million; progeny of More Than Ready have scored in 87 out of 705 initial starts; the dam won 3 of 9 and 95K; sib to Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile victor Albertus Maximus, winner of 1.3 million.

Francis Freud

Improved in the most recent gate breeze; his sire won 1 of 12 attempts and 44K; descendants of Freud have won 11 percent of their first outings; the mom won 4 of 21 and 36K; winning siblings include 686K earner Fanny Freud.

Richie's Trix

Kentucky invader was sired by Majestic Warrior who captured 239K including G1 success; his offspring have won 9 percent of their debuts; the dam won 4 of 15 races and 93K; among the winning sibs is 209K earner Second Street City.

Alramz

She was sired by multiple G1 star Invasor who captured 7.8 million and whose descendants are 2 for 56 in the first time victorious department; the dam was zero for 7 lifetime; sib to 32K earner Daar Rashid.

Big Trouble

Progeny of Tiz Wonderful, winner of a G2 and 254K, have done extremely well first time out (winning 28 out of 122); the dam won 2 of 6 and 34K; winning siblings include 100K earner Silver Lining.

Julie's Indy

She gets weight from the field but sports only an ordinary work tab; her sire won multiple G2s and 548K; descendants of A.P. Warrior have won 8 out of 101 initial attempts; the dam won 1 of 13 and 26K; there are no winning sibs to mention. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Distorted Dream

This gelding flashed some real ability once upon a time and it was nice to see him get things turned around a little bit in his latest outing when breaking his maiden over the Pimlico turf course, but this does have a chance to prove to be a tough spot for him to make his first start against winners; intrigued by the presence of Castellano, but others entice more.

Loveisheartandsoul

He put together a couple of nice performances over turf to close out his 3-year-old season and this does appear to be a reasonable spot for his first start as a 4-year-old; he deserves to be listed among the top contenders while going out for a barn and rider that team up with success.

Northern Tripp

Not wild about his 1-for-18 race record, or that he's winless in his last nine starts going back through 2013, but his latest start after a layoff sprinting can serve as a useful conditioner for this, and wouldn't be totally shocked if this stone-cold closer snuck his way into the exotics mix.

Hot Sand

With a pedigree like this, it's a concern to see how willing his connections have been to offer him up for a tag in his first four starts, but he has shown a little bit of ability; he's out of a G1 winning dam who won 9 of 26 turf starts for $1.2 million, and he's a 1/2 to stakes winner Our Entourage (5-20, 209k, including 2 of 7 turf starts for 74k).

Toy Cannon

Late running type usually shows up and runs his race and on his best day he is capable of producing a pretty solid stretch punch; he has struggled to get himself over the top through the lane, but he fits right in with competition of this caliber.

Vona

This has a chance to be a favorable spot for this gelding to meet up with winners for the first time if this race has to be taken off the turf, but he might be hoping to see some of the early speed in here scratch; he'll merit contender status if he gets to go.

Smokey Brown

Like to see the improvement he demonstrated in his first start as a 4-year-old in his latest outing, and it looks like that level of performance can get him into the mix against these; he's another late running option to consider in here.

Old Upstart

He's another in here signed on Main Track Only who will command plenty of respect if this race has to be taken off the turf, but he is an early speed type who will need to be careful to avoid an early pace confrontation; note the improvement he's shown since moving into this barn with the addition of Lasix and blinkers, and the runner up from his latest race returned to win next out here on 5/24 going 1m vs. starter alw. rivals with an 82 Beyer.

Best Play

Of the horses in the main body of this race, he sports the best last race Beyer Speed Figure, and it's worth noting that was his first start for the Jacobson barn; he's out of a G2 winning dam who won 4 of 21 starts for 244k, including 3 of 14 turf starts for 212k; C.V. has won with 6 of 13 (46%) mounts for this outfit at the current meeting.

Scare City

He's the third Main Track Only entered runner in this race, and even though it's a positive to see the improvement he showed in his first start wearing blinkers in his latest outing, this looks like a can prove to be a tough spot for him to take on winners for the first time.

Madam I'm Adam

He's consistently produced performances that are strong enough to suggest that he can put in a serious bid for the top prize against these, and this looks like a decent spot for him to take a shot at securing his first turf victory; that said, it might be worth noting the presence of Velasquez aboard another in here.

Prophet's Cat

Sire wins with approximately 8% of his turf starters and dam won 6 of 46 starts for 146k, including 3 of 32 turf starts for 83k; this gelding will really need to improve over what he's shown in his first six starts over dirt in order to threaten the top contenders in here. - Brian Pochman

Race 3

Silver Union

Goes first time for a new barn while returning to dirt off a weak try from the Keeneland fence 6 weeks back; she's been training upstate for a barn that does pretty nice work with this type and it's nice to see a top pilot take interest, but she hasn't shown much speed and she'll need to be more alert early to threaten here.

Thirteen Arrows

Found herself fighting for the top when stretched out in her second career start after a big placing right out of the box in Florida; filly has been working pretty well at Saratoga for her return from the brief break and this barn does excellent work with this type; her G1 SW dam was a 864K earner who dropped G1 SW and 687K earner Stop Traffic; looks to be the one to beat.

Royalty

Makes his first start since the summer for a new barn that has gotten off to a great start here; filly didn't do much running upstate but she did show a little bit of lick first out in Jersey and she's worked well of late for the comebacker; she's kin to 5 winners including multiple G1 SW router and 2.3 million Summer Bird so wouldn't be surprised if she were to offer her best when stretched out.

Candy Portena

Switches surfaces while cutting back to sprint for a barn that's winless on the year; her effort 2 back at the trip across town wasn't bad though she did get a nice clip in front of her in that one; she's had her share of chances so we'll side with others on the win end today; maybe for a minor award.

Revise

Four year old is working well for her return for a barn that does pretty good work with this type; she took her share of money in that small Gulfstream field and did show sharp early foot before backing out of it; she's kin to SP, 281K earner First Word who won 3 sprints; gets another top pilot for this one.

Galroyale

Sire gets about 12% first out winners and the multiple SW dam won 4 times (1 main track sprint) while banking 302K; lone sib was a limited sprint winner; worktab is light but her recent gate breeze wasn't bad; barn's been on a poor run with it newcomers.

Predicate

Nosed out one of these when well off the winner in her return from the short break across town; she's hit the board in each of her local spins but she's also had more than her share of tries; another who may be best used underneath in exotics.

Miss Lauren Ann

Runner up in 3 straight makes her first start since the inner track season and has been breezing sharply at her Finger Lakes base in the interim; filly has the speed to be prominent from the bell and note that she did split next out winners when last sighted a few months back; expect her fresh lick will make her a threat from the bell in this heat.

Player to Be Named

Debut with a green effort on the local sod and now she'll add the hood for her first crack on the main track; her interim breeze was pretty solid and the dam's 4 wins did all come sprinting on the main track so maybe she takes to the new footing; don't know much about the barn, but it is encouraging to see them return her at this level.

Hijaab

Sire hits with 7% of his debut runners and the unraced dam's lone foal to race was winless from 3 starts; 400K yearling buy doesn't look to face a very tough field for the level and the outside draw should help keep her out of trouble; a top pilot is named for a barn that boasts excellent first out numbers. - Steve Grabowski

Race 4

Kilnockagain

Midas Eyes 1 for 27 with first-time turfers; sire won at 2, took a G1, banked over $600K taking 5 of 14, never turfed; 4 for 22 dam earned over $100K, was turf only; several multiple race winners in the family and Please Impress won on grass once and earned over $250K; she has shown she can be placed anywhere and still fire; respect everything from this barn.

Old Harbor

Wonder if the maiden breaker just zapped her?; she had to take the time off and has been on the dull side since; she did catch the off going 2 back and may have wanted no part of the turf in last; she does have a chance to have a useful career as kin Shipwreckstreasure banked over $250K; must display more.

Missy Bay

Must prove she can win fresh; shades off, like they were for the lone win; and Ortiz familiar with this miss; she'll need help up front to get it done but has a chance to thrive in her lifetime as kin Frosty Bay banked over $225K as a double stakes winner; rates upset glance.

White Crane

She has had her chances in this league but may not have adored the off going in last; show horse last time won next out at this level but with just a 53 Beyer; another slice?

Hot Squeeze

This miss can run; only poor effort came on the synthetic when she was in the 4 path; she did everything but get unsaddled last time when 3 clear and the show horse last time won next out in a $100K stakes with a 91 Beyer; a bit more keen to drill last Sunday; should be right there when the smoke clears.

Fancy Boss

Only one off effort and she was shuffled that day when possibly overmatched; blowout on Tuesday should have her on her toes but she will have to adapt to a tougher potential crew to beat; like the way she did come away late; repeat well within the realm.

Porvoo

One for 27 is a tough number to bet into no matter how you slice it; no speed, no asset and can't be thrilled with the local slate; can't endorse.

Amber Morning

She teased early on in her career and finally got there in last; GP finale came back live as the place horse took a $25K claimer next out and 4th and 5th finishers beat $12.5K foes in next; never simple to beat winners right back.

Chow Fun

A late third in the other sprint; off fence for this but even though she is fresh, she could be left with a ton of work to do turning for home; the hotter the pace the better for this racer.

Aesthetique

She showed ability from Day One; 4th finisher in last took a MSW next out and 6th finisher beat maiden $35K sellers; love the spacing of the return drills and would expect her to be on her toes off the layoff; rates long look in all the slots.

Image of Noon

This is a better trip for her; fact she graduated off the vacation gives her a shot to fire fresh and she has drilled steadily accentuated by the blowout on Monday; could see her sitting a nice stalk and rally trip; don't sell too short. - Brian Mulligan

Race 6

Irish Sweepstakes

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and dam won 2 of 19 starts for 83k, including 1 of 10 turf starts for 63k; this looks like a reasonable spot for this stakes placed to filly to find out what she can do racing over turf.

Keep Bustin

She's the only one in here with five wins next to her name and her best race is clearly fast enough to make her a threat for the top prize against these; third-place finisher from latest returned to win next out here on 5/4 going 6f vs. N1X rivals with an 80 Beyer; obvious threat if this race gets moved to the main track.

Elmra

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and G3 stakes placed dam won once from 14 starts for 50k, including 0-for-6 over turf; have to respect the early speed that she brings with her and she does have a little bit of turf in her pedigree.

Joy Seeker

Heatseeker has proven to be a strong influence as a turf sire and this filly saw her game elevate when she was placed over turf four starts ago; she has been beaten by a couple of these in her recent starts, but if she brings her 'A' game to the table, she'll be tough to tackle.

Selenite

She might need to step it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale to prove to be the one in this spot but two of her three starts over turf have been fine winning performances; she's out of a dam who won 2 of 12 starts for 103k, including 2 of 9 turf starts for 81k.

Freud's Mistress

Today's 1 1/16m distance is a concern for this miss, but she has run some decent races sprinting in her career, and she deserves another chance to see what she can do over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to stakes winner Cat Feathers (2-18, 104k over turf); winner from latest won next out at CD on 5/8 going 1 1/8m over turf vs. starter alw. rivals with a 78 Beyer.

Stock Fund

Stakes placed mare did some nice work racing over turf as a 4-year-old and she's eligible to be ready for a top try while making her second start of the year; however, when considering her for the top spot, she does have to be approached with some caution when seeing all of the minor awards that she's been willing to settle for along the way.

Strike Accord

She beat a couple of today's rivals in her first start of the year in her latest outing and she's another in here who is eligible to be ready to take a step forward while making her second start back from a layoff; she's another who is light on winning form after 20-something starts, but note what she's done over the Belmont Park turf.

Caribean Beat

Her complete lack of early speed is always a concern, but as long as she can avoid falling too far out of it through the opening stages, she figures to be making some noise in deep stretch; runner-up from latest returned to win next out at Aqu on 12/18 going 1m 70y vs. 16k OPC's with a 75 Beyer; note what she did when returned from a layoff at about this time last year.

Alternative Meds

Her form has taken a noticeable turn for the better since being placed over turf four starts ago, and the only turf performance that might be considered poor was against stakes competition; there is a long layoff in play, but feel that this miss commands respect as a contender. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Lunar Tales

Four year old got his neck down to break his maiden first time over the course a few weeks back and now he'll take on winners from this inside slot; he catches a decent bunch in this spot but he does have a right to improve and the fact that he was able to settle early last time after showing speed at a shorter trip first out does bode well for him; consider.

Harpoon

G3 SP colt tries older and the lawn, both for the first time in this spot; he was in over his head while tackling subsequent Kentucky Derby contenders in his last couple of starts and he should like this level better; sire gets about 9% winners from his initial turf starters but the dam never tried the green nor a winner of the stuff while dropping the likes of G1 SW dirt sprinter Cuvee, a 402K earner and 346K earner Will He Shine, a G2 SW main track sprinter; don't know that he'll love this footing.

Play It Loud

Just missed getting up in his first start of the year in Kentucky while returning from 8 months on the shelf; he's had a full month to get over the effort and now he'll return to the scene of his near miss in a G3 stake on the local lawn around this time last year; he hasn't been able to get back to that effort, but wouldn't be surprised if he took a step forward to contend for an outfit that boasts excellent numbers second back from the break.

McIlroy

Seeks his fourth straight score after beating cheaper in his last 3 spaced starts; he returns more quickly for this one and does own the field's highest last out Beyer, earned over the local course; respect the way she sharp outfit is going at the stand, but don't know if this guy will be able to run back to that last one today; prefer others on the win end.

Kiss of Thunder

Steps up for his first off the claim by an outfit and that hasn't had any recent luck with this type; gelding hasn't won since the fall but he has been reasonably competitive of late with cheaper; gets another new pilot for this, though, and will have to prove he can handle the rise; maybe for a share.

Stableford (GB)

Ran big as a first time import over a local course with some give in it a few weeks back and now he'll get a switch to a pilot seeking Triple Crown glory next week; maybe he's tighter with his first start in 9 months behind him and he clearly likes the lawn; expect they'll have this 4 year old to down today.

Indy's Illusion

MTO hasn't seen the winner's circle in a long time and has been stuck at this level for quite a while now; his one turn effort 2 back wasn't bad, but he hasn't run fast enough of late to step with these; maybe a wet track would help move him up, but he's got his work cut out for him in this spot.

Majestic Jess (IRE)

Fresh gelding makes his first start of the year while seeking his third straight score on the track; these are better than he's used to facing, but he has been on the improve since being taken by this barn last fall and a top pilot sticks with him so he's worth an exotics look.

Los Borrachos

Didn't have much to offer at the level on the main track when dropped out of the G1 stakes ranks and now they'll try him on the lawn; barn doesn't do so well with its initial turf starters but this guy's sire does get about 10% winners with this type; dam was winless in 4 starts over the footing.

Adirondack Dancer

Statebred really took to the law once they put him on the surface and he's since earned several numbers that fit in this spot; he'll make his first start in half a year here, but he did run quite well at the level when last tackling the sod in the fall and he's won twice over the local course; solid fresh runner can get in the mix today.

Deep Speed (IRE)

Import makes his first start for a new barn that hasn't won a race from limited starters this year; colt will get Lasix for the first time here and he's been working steadily at his Fair Hill base for this for a while now, but note that though he's run ok over the footing, he's yet to win on the green; nice to see Rosario climb aboard a colt who makes his first start in nearly 5 months here.

Real Estate Rich

MTO stretches out after holding second money at the level a couple of weeks back; barn boasts nice numbers with its runners trying added ground and this guy does figure to be closer to the top early at this extended trip; wet track also looks to be a plus for him.

Risk Management

MTO took a step back when stepped up to this level in his second start off the break; number he earned 2 back across town would play out well in here and this guy has won going long in the past; he's another who doesn't seem to have a problem with some moisture in the footing. - Steve Grabowski

Race 9

Startripenterprise

Sire has won with 2 of 14 (14%) turf starters and multiple stakes placed dam won 3 of 21 starts for 210k, including 0-for-1 over turf; Ortiz has won with 4 of 7 (57%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

It Matters

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and dam was winless from two starts, and she didn't make a turf start; this gelding is a 1/2 to Three Amigos (3-8, 76k over turf) and G3 stakes placed Southern Fiction (6-22, 299k, including 2 of 4 turf starts for 73k); third-place finisher from latest won next out at Aqu on 12/11 going 6f vs. 35k MCL's with a 69 Beyer.

Copper Core

He took a step in the right direction and his turf debut in his latest outing and feel that he's eligible to be ready to move forward while dropping in class and making his second start back from a layoff.

Pretty Nauty

Sire has won with 6 of 31 (19%) turf starters and dam was unraced; Midwest-owned gelding wasn't able to get much going in his career debut but they were looking to get him over turf that day.

Gotham Rising

Sire is 0-for-11 with his turf starters and dam was winless from two starts, including a start over turf; he hasn't run poorly in his first five starts while showing that he has a little bit of early speed and this isn't a bad spot to find out what he can do over turf.

Patrolikeachampion

He hasn't finished better than fifth or within 13 lengths of the winner in his first three starts, and that includes a couple of starts over turf; there is a barn change in play, but he's clearly going to need to produce a much stronger performance if he's to see his number posted on top after this one is run.

My Papa D

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his first-time starters and with approximately 10% of his turf starters, and stakes winning dam won 4 of 26 starts for 246k, and she didn't make a start over turf; this gelding is a 1/2 to Winloc's Saint Ray (1-28, 47k, including 1 of 13 turf starts for 42k).

Channel Boy

Sire wins with approximately 8% of his turf starters and dam won 4 of 16 starts for 81k, including 3 of 7 turf starts for 52k; this gelding is a 1/2 to Channel Lady (5-12, 343k over turf); he gets Lasix for his turf debut and C.V. is a go-to rider for this ouitfit.

Butkennyrun

Sire wins with approximately 7% of his first-time starters and with approximately 8% of his turf starters, and dam won 3 of 24 starts for 175k, including 0-for-2 over turf; this colt is a 1/2 to Professor Chaos (1-22, 59k over turf).

Hard Rumor

His one turf start was his sharpest performance to date, and he's a 1/2 to Motives (3-17, 106k over turf), minor stakes winner Beebe Lake (3-15, 154k over turf), High Cry (10-31, 202k over turf) and multiple stakes placed Elusive Rumour (2-11, 126k over turf); he has a live look to him with Castellano aboard.

Born in Brooklyn

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this runner is a 1/2 to stakes placed Dreaming of Cara (3-34, 233k, including 1 of 18 turf starts for 84k); third finisher from latest own next out here on 5/21 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. MSW rivals with an 86 Beyer.

The Mooche

His second attempt was an improved performance and that really wasn't a bad run for a 2-year-old going 1 1/16m over turf at the end of August; he looks like he's been training right along in preparation for his 3-year-old racing debut and like to see Velazquez show interest.

Baskets

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam won 2 of 12 starts for 15k, including 1 of 2 turf starts for 6k; this gelding is a 1/2 to G3 winner Hey Leroy (5-11, 242k over turf); winner from latest won next out at Bel on 5/17 going 6 1/2f vs. N1X rivals with a 75 Beyer.

The Frood Dude

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and stakes placed dam won 5 of 31 starts for 139k, including 4 of 21 turf starts for 104k; runner up from latest won next out at Aqu on 4/19 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 70 Beyer.

Ride of Your Life

He can be given another chance to see what he can do over turf after having to be eased in his first turf test in his latest outing, and it is interesting to see the wagering support that he attracted that day; this is a very capable turf barn and rider.

King Gettigan

There are a few horses in here that have shown a little something racing over dirt, but if this colt can reproduce his latest performance, he figures to play a major role in the outcome; the 66 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for his latest effort represents the best last race figure in this field. - Brian Pochman