Belmont: Closer Looks for May 31, 2014

Race 2

Lubash

Grade three winner has two seconds and a third in this event and he commands a good deal of respect against these after a sharp winning performance to begin his 7-year-old season; he's proven that he can adapt to any early pace scenario and he should have every opportunity to negotiate a comfortable trip after breaking from the rail.

Hidden Vow

He's the only one in here with just a single win next to his name and he's never run a race that is fast enough to suggest that he can compete with these on his best day; he has the look of an outsider.

Hear the Footsteps

Multiple stakes placed veteran saw his game improve during his 6-year-old campaign, and he appears to be well meant while going sprint-to-route for his second start of 2014; this is a tough test for him but his best effort gives him a chance to get into the mix.

Kharafa

He finished second in this event in 2013 and he finished right behind Lubash in his latest start after giving that one a tactical advantage in a paceless race; he's done some very nice work over the Belmont Park turf course in the past and he has to be considered a legitimate threat to walk away with top honors while being reunited with Castellano.

Sir Leslie

This race will likely fall apart if it has to be taken off the turf and this gelding will find himself in a good spot to go after a large purse if it does; with the possible exception of Notacatbutallama, his recent form racing over dirt has been stronger than what any of his rivals in here have shown to be capable of.

Special Selection

He has just two wins after 36 career starts and this has to be considered an extremly difficult assignment for him while stretching out in distance for his second start after a layoff; winner two back returned to take an N1X alw. event at Aqu on 2/9 going 6f with a 96 Beyer.

Compliance Officer

He won this race as a 6-year-old and it was encouraging to see him regain some of his better form in his final two starts as a 7-year-old; the way that this barn has been firing lately, it's probably a good idea to look for this gelding to return to action running, and the winner from his latest race returned to win next out at FG on 1/18 going 1 1/16m over turf in a G3 with a 95 Beyer.

Notacatbutallama

Multiple graded stakes winner shows up for Repole and Pletcher, and this gelding enters this race after earning a career best Beyer Speed Figure in his first start as a 4-year-old; he was beaten by a couple of these in his latest outing, but wouldn't be shocked if he was able to turn the tables on those foes in this one.

Street Game

Don't care to see that his previous connections saw fit to drop him in with a 35k tag attached, but this G3 winner has some back class to call upon, and this outfit has done well with horses making their first start for them after a claim; winner from latest won next out at Aqu on 4/12 going 1m over turf vs. N1X rivals with an 89 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 3

Flipcup

Made a strong, sweeping move to command earlier this month only to tire in the final yards; the return to the sprint setting can prove ideal if an honest pace unfolds (which figures to be the case if all runners go); difficult inside slot at this distance may not matter if she is reserved for one late charge.

Isabelle

Blitzed her maiden field while favored 3 weeks ago earning one of the best Beyers in this field; the subsequent training track breeze is one of her sharpest and she might be able to dictate the tempo here with an alert getaway (another off track would help the cause as well).

Elmra

Took a while to get into gear last out but then unleashed a solid run to live up to her heavy backing; stabled here, the grey can improve even further this afternoon as the May workout regimen shows progression; winning trainer/jockey combo is just another plus factor.

Irish Sweepstakes

Might be a bit slower than her entrymate (judging by the workout cross-reference) but she has been a consistent check earner since day one; turned in a fine placing in her maiden voyage at this oval and has upgraded steadily in this her sophomore season; completes an entry which should offer betting value.

Prairie Stone

Maturing lady has won twice in straightaway routes over different types of footing and, just as important, the trainer has been on fire since the beginning of the meet; decent maintenance breeze only 6 days ago implies she is ready for this distance cutback, likely to be positioned within close striking range of the early leaders.

Henry's Gal

One of the speeds to consider but she is a newcomer to this course; lost to Irish Sweepstakes 3 starts back but in that event, she was taken out of her game by a bumpy beginning and failing to make the lead; dangerous now if getting away free and clear.

Ms. Sylvia A.

After a dull local debut last season, this late foal suddenly accelerated in her Big A campaign beginning in early March; she showed different running styles in her last 2 scores and is well-posted here right outside the likely pacesetter; must tackle a new distance but so does most of this line-up.

Storied Lady

No match for some of these same ladies recently but she will more than likely will receive a much swifter early pace today and that can work in her favor; despite the presence of a top rider, she may be overlooked in the wagering once again; worth inclusion if that is the case.

Champagne Ruby

Game in defeat last month, her only start of the year; has the most overnight stakes experience in the field and this comfortable outside post, and that tightener, should work to her advantage; legit money chances this afternoon but far less appealing odds than in the last venture. - Jim Kachulis

Race 4

Joy Seeker

Last summer's maiden breaker was right on the lead; expecting her to show good gate today however could not beat Roses for Romney out of the gate in last then faded at longer; she's won fresh before which is why we expected more from latest which was the 2nd time in 3 races she's lost when favored; view as a pace presence for part.

Mah Jong Maddnes

Drilled a new-career Top Beyer when rallying wildly in a sprint; have to be concerned if she will fire another new Top back in just 20 days after posting latest with nearly 6 months freshened; she's won at longer and hopes Roses for Romney gets pace pressure to help the closers like her as she saves all the ground for this.

Frosty Bay

The best news is Castellano who is 2-for-2 riding her reunites for this; trainer yields just 5% fresh winners since 2013 while willing to excuse latest on dirt which accounts for her lowest Beyer since April, 2013; gets the Effie Trinket rematch from the 3-back fresh loss at longer.

Lady's Lunar Luck

27 last-out GP starters have won at the current BEL meet through May 26; off the bench to get back in with NY-breds however Effie Trinket dominated her when they matched up to end 2013; reunites with the SAR-win rider after being troubled in the pre-rest loss.

Effie Trinket

Owns the numbers' edge on these exiting a best-last-race Beyer speed figure while 2 races back is a field-best number; through May 26 had just one last-out CD runner win at BEL this meet; all 4 wins since 2013 were all accompished from off the pace which coincides with the winning profile of BEL-1Mile Widener Turf winners this meet; the pick.

Dreaming of Cara

Winless since scoring 3 in a row culminating April, 2012, which was 24 races ago racing at 1M and 1-16th on AQU grass; her last start on BEL WIdener turf was a 4th-place stakes loss and during career is 5-0-0-0 racing over today's course; would be a shocker if she ended the drought at today's advanced level.

Roses for Romney

Owns good-gate speed but rated nicely in last to win; projects to race on or near the lead today in a paceless event; deep closers' have been winning the 1-Mile-Widener turf races this meet which doesn't help; if she competes Friday this New York bred would have been tested by tougher-open company as this is a NY-bred event; switched from Pletcher to the Clement barn then drilled a new-career best Beyer speed figure; hopes to avoid a bounce with 37 days away after drilling that new Top which occurred followng more than a 5-month layoff.

Miz Owell

1st-time Espinoza riding who is being primed locally for next Saturday's Triple Crown attempt; have to go back to September to see a bad race on her form; versatile sort showing her closing kick to win over both firm and wet turf courses in recent starts; 1 Mile is the lone issue to get up in time as she exits a career-best Beyer at longer; this turf is favoring closers but she makes her stakes debut so would probably need another Beyer Top for any chance of repeating.

Stock Fund

Took 22 races to earn her 1st victory then won 2 in a row but is shooting high here; cutting back in distance after rallying too late vs Roses for Romney does not help the cause; the pace scenario helps her main adversary as she could be loose on the lead; 1-Mile Widener turf races have been won mostly won by closers; have her ranked a notch below the top contenders. - Art Gropper

Race 5

Empire Dreams

Split a couple of today's foes when second at a slightly shorter trip in her second start of the season across town last month; his pilot goes elsewhere but he'll get the services of a top rider for this and he's already shown he's capable of being competitive from the inside slot; expect he'll be able to sit just off the pacesetters in a heat that doesn't contain a ton of early foot and could prove a threat from there; consider.

Uncle Sigh

Takes a big drop in company after chasing the better runners of his generation on the Triple Crown trail and he'll get a new pilot for his return to this circuit; colt was quite game going long on the inner track this winter and he owns the best numbers in the field, including one that game while tackling one turn in his career debut; he'll turn back to 7 panels today so maybe his early interest is dulled a bit and he'll get hit hard at the windows, but he's been working well of late and looks to be in a good spot to get some confidence back.

Eye Luv Lulu

Gets back in with statebreds after failing to go with stakes sprinters in his local return; gelding did win by open lengths at the trip 2 starts back but that one - and all 3 of his career wins - came across town; he'll switch back to the pilot aboard for that last win today, but prefer to side with others on the win end.

Double Gold

Took a big step forward on the figure scale when stepped up for his first off this outfit's claim; he didn't run so well over the track last year and neither the barn or the new pilot named wins often, but this guy has had some time to get over his last and maybe he's again able to get in the mix for a share.

Deceived

Fresh colt worked a sharp half mile for his return from 3 months on the shelf after showing little behind one of these from a wide spot; maybe the return to statebred competition helps and he did run well in longer one turn heats last fall; price should be right to try and get him into the exotics mix.

John's Island

Tries the stakes ranks for the initial time while seeking his third straight score after twice besting older rivals; gelding gets off the fence which could help and he did make an impressive move late to take his first local spin; others have run faster, but in his current form he can't be overlooked.

Swell

Lightly raced colt was coming as the wire approached while making his first start of the year at a shorter trip than he'll tackle here; he's been working quite well at his upstate base in the interim for his stakes debut and tighter with his last behind him, maybe he'll have enough racetrack to get to the foe who beat him home last time.

Freddie G

Beat older as the chalk when shades were added last time, pairing up career best numbers; slight cut back shouldn't bother him, but he does face a decent bunch of fellow sophomores in this spot and his pilot opts to side elsewhere; have to side elsewhere.

Loki's Vengeance

Beat some of these at a pretty short price in his cross town finale and now he'll tackle a slightly longer trip; barn is profitable with its runners off this short freshening and this guy is well drawn to sit another pace tracking trip today; dangerous foe.

Captain Serious

Undefeated colt tries straight sophomore stakes runners for the first time after scoring at odds on in his initial crack with winners; he'll try 7/8s for the first time here but he gives every indication the trip will be within his scope and the number he earned last time plays out quite well in here; contender. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

Orino

Stakes placed 4-year-old has finished first or second in five of seven turf starts and like the idea of him getting back over turf for his first start of the year; like to see that he has run well off of a layoff in the past, and the winner from his latest race returned to win next out at Aqu on 12/28 going 1 1/16m in a 100k stakes with a 94 Beyer.

Sneaky Kitten

He carries a stakes placed credential with him as well and he's consistently performed at a level that is strong enough to give him the look of a top contender against these; he's tough to ignore in this spot while going out for Ramsey and Maker.

Powerful Instinct

Like what he did in his two starts after moving into this barn and he's eligible to be ready to give a good account of himself while showing up for an outfit that can have one ready for a top try after a layoff like this; late running type loses the services of Castellano, but Ortiz has won with 6 of 19 (32%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Hyman Roth

He's by a top turf sire and his form has taken a noticeable turn for the better since being placed over turf five starts ago; he has to be careful to avoid an early pace dispute, but he's an interesting option to consider in his first start as a 4-year-old.

Rocky F

Tough to have confidence in this lightly raced 7-year-old when taking into account his three most recent races, so even though his first few starts were encouraging, he looks like more of an outsider.

So Lonesome

The first time he raced over turf he recorded a stakes win and his only other turf try was in a tough G3 event at Gulfstream Park; feel that he's eligible to be ready for his sharpest performance to date while being reunited with Rosario.

Captain Gaughen

He really looked like he was on his way up after a sharp maiden score and a runner-up finish against stakes competition last year, but his form seemed to really level off after that; his big maiden win was after a layoff at this time last year and maybe that's a reason to look for him to be cranked up for this.

Giant Finish

He's G3 stakes placed racing over the syntheitc surface at Keeneland, but that was for the Dutrow barn, and his recent form hasn't been strong enough to help give him a competitive look against these; it would have been nice to have seen him show more in his turf debut in his latest outing.

Goodtolook

He's shown a little something in his three starts over turf and he's also shown the ability to step up with a pretty sharp run on his best day; don't want to ignore the presence of Saez aboard another in here, but he loses nothing with John V. taking over.

Go Get the Basil

Sire wins with approximately 7% of his turf starters and dam won 5 of 32 starts for 118k, including 0-for-1 over turf; Grade 2 stakes placed colt will have the look of a top contender if this race has to be moved to the main track, but he is a question mark racing over turf.

I Got Id

He's looked good winning two of his first three starts, and he earned a stakes placing in his only defeat; lightly raced colt is elifible to have more to show us but he wiill need his sharpest performance to date to get the job done against these.

Breathaway

Not sure that his best effort is quite strong enough to get the job done against these and he's eligible to need a race while making his first start of 2014; note that he's been beaten by today's rival Powerful Instinct in two of his last three starts.

Jonrah

He ran some nice races over turf during his 4-year-old season, and his recent form has been clouded a bit by a couple of dirt starts and a start after a layoff; feel that he's worth keeping an eye out for in the event that he draws in.

Cousin Michael

It's going to be tough to look past Go Get the Basil if this race has to be taken off the turf, but this will still be a favorable spot for this gelding to land in; he's run well in all three of his starts since moving into this barn and he can be involved in the running throughout.

Socialsaul

Stakes winning veteran has seen faster days and he will need to improve over his recent form if he's planning on landing something more than a minor award in here; he's had some good moments racing over the main track here, but going to give the nod to others.

Tug of War

His career beset Beyer Speed Figurew was earned over the main track here, but this is a runner who hasn't posted a win in his last 12 starts going back through 2013, and this looks like a tough spot for him to try to snap his current losing skid. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Sunny Desert

Repeatedly proven off the pine, mare may have just hated the off going in last; note she won from the Big A rail three back and she is a distance specialist; that's the good news, the bad news is she has to find a way to turn the tables on the Rice monster.

Hot Stones

Game in the win last time but they were all together on the line, sometimes a sign of just an ordinary race; this rider won the other aloft on this charge and she should sit a nice stalk and pounce trip; this is her first foray into stakes company and that is something she has to prove she can handle.

Miss Da Point

Nice earner, she likes to win races and she fires more often than not; in her lone stakes win she tracked a moderate pace and the splits figure faster this time; would not want to jump on too short a price here.

Macha

The fact she won her debut gives her a shot to fire fresh; Grade 2 placed last year and last race came back okay; the 5th finisher took an N1X next out, 6th finisher won the G2 Runner and the show horse was third in the G1 Apple Blossom; don't ignore interloper.

La Verdad

Bothered early in the only poor effort; the class is there, she invents ways to win and last race came back live; 5th finisher in last took a $100K PIM stakes next out and the 7th finisher took a $75K Philly stakes; threepeat well within the realm.

Lady Gracenote

She at least has the 2 races to draw from now; Lezcano got a chance to figure her out but miss lost ground late; note runners in the company line were clear; another slice?

Carameaway

Out to snap seconditis and she has never been a win machine; check out the 8 slices; she has never won a stakes and this race comes up pretty dicey; can't boost on the top end, could slip in for a section.

Tahoe Tigress

Reformed claimer is a nice story; freshened for this, she was inching toward the winner last time and it was her best stakes effort; drills this month decent and the last move was an improved effort; can't be counted out.

Princess Mara

Hot claim box item loves this distance; she had to be used from the fence last time but she enjoyed gunning and will likely be sent along right back; valid excuse in the last defeat as she caught the mud; far too sharp not to take seriously. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Can't Catch Me Now

Returns to the lawn over which he hasn't done much in a limited number of tries; gelding will also get back in with statebreds after a couple of weak main track sprint tries; tough to make much of a case for this longshot off what he's shown of late.

Sun Worshipper

Four year old was coming as the wire approached in his first start of the year; he'll give the trip and level another crack and he was able to sit much closer to the top early last year than he has of late so maybe a hustling start helps him get back on his best game; consider.

Adams Note

Showed significant improvement when returned on the lawn to try older rivals earlier in the month and now he'll take on winners; top pilot sticks with a colt who did show good speed in a key heat first out at Saratoga so maybe that comes back out in him and allows him to sit closer in this spot; repeat threat.

Slimshady

Found himself in his usual spot well out of it early in his first start of the season but he also had his better kick in gear in that one and wasn't beaten much; his style is a concern in a big field, though, and he doesn't win very often; prefer to limit his use to underneath in exotics.

Sandcat

Draws a better post for his second crack on the green after doing little running in his surface debut a couple of weeks back; sophomore doesn't have much early foot and it's been a while since he's run a number on any footing that would fit here; prefer to back others.

Waterway

Turf debut at the level wasn't bad as he was just a couple of heads of rivals he'll catch again in this spot; colt has been on the improve of late and maybe he has a move forward in him second time on the footing while switch to a journeyman pilot; consider.

Lord of Love

Gelding has been away better than half a year and now he'll get back to the green with a sharp local half mile breeze in tow; he hasn't won over the local sod but he has hit the board a few times here; expect he'll be better with this one behind him.

Sanctify

He's shown he has some ability on dirt and now the Mott barn will move him to the lawn; outfit does ok with runners getting Lasix for the first time and this guy's sire does get 10% winners from his initial surface starters; colt is the first foal to race out of a limited turf winning dam.

Hooked Forever

Gelding gets a top pilot for his first start of the year; he broke his maiden at this trip over the course last summer and he's been working regularly for the comebacker; will likely need some pace help and racing luck in this big field, but he's one to fear in the lane.

Archer Hill

His return to the races off the break across town was pretty poor and now he'll get back to the green; gelding has earned numbers over the footing that fit here and maybe he's better with his last behind him; barn is going well at the stand and with recent runners switching surfaces.

Greeley Pack

Broke his maiden sprinting on the Spa lawn last summer but he's been nowhere in 10 starts with winners since; gelding adds the hood and maybe that improves his early interest, but off what he's shown this year he appears up against it today; long price.

Soul House

Outside drawn returnee was quite good in his lone turf start and now he'll move back to the footing; he's proven he can fire fresh and he doesn't look to face a particularly tough bunch in this spot; giving him the nod to return running and beat them to the wire.

Pegasus Red

AE worked a sharp half mile for his second crack at the level this month; gelding wasn't beaten much at a big price in that last one and maybe he's just a better runner on the green; worth a look if he finds a way to get in.

Station Chief

MTO wasn't having any part of the lawn when tried over it in his first crack against winners; he returned to work quickly and the move back to dirt should help him get back on track; pedigree says wet will be fine with him and his speed figures to carry him a long way if the rains come; one to catch and beat if he meets the starter.

Horatio

MTO finally broke through to score in his 14th career start but he couldn't muster much in his first crack with winners; maybe the move back to statebreds helps as he goes first time for a new outfit if this gets moved off the lawn, but his career slate makes it tough to get behind him on the win end. - Steve Grabowski

Race 9

Prohibition

Likely pacesetter with Smooth Bert; only 6 of the first 34 Mile dirt races at BEL in 2014 were won on the lead; 19 Mile winners were taken by stalkers and 9 by late runners; stakes debut today after exiting a co-best-last-race Beyer speed figure when getting the confidence-building odds-on victory vs. open company; his last New York-bred start was an easy victory over lesser while the return to BEL dirt (2-0-0-0) is a major issue losing a 30K claimer over the track in 2013; the 2-back winner repeated in a BEL-optional claimer with a 90 Beyer.

Moneyinyour Pocket

Hard to ignore the barn's 28%-win record with similar-fresh runners since 2013; 1st-time ever with rider Johnny V who has only 1 other ride for his trainer since 2013; clearly losing to a lot of these in recent races and his 2-0-0-1 BEL dirt line does not bolster confidence he can turn the tables off the 108-day absence.

Big Business

Projects to sit just off Prohibition from the gate then get 1st run on the closers; the good news is his field-best Beyer speed figure was posted with 101 days idle and has 65 days absent for this; the bad news is that he has been best sprinting including winning 3 of last 4; has won on BEL dirt at 1 Mile and at longer; of the trainer's 10 BEL wins only 3 have been with runners freshened 30 days or longer.

Smooth Bert

This would be his 1st start of 2014 while in latest faded vs. a sharp winner who repeated in an AQU-100K stakes with a 107 Beyer; he has raced well off previous freshenings but will likely get some pace pressure from Prohibition for this.

Zivo

Exits a co-best-last-race Beyer and is a head away from being on a 6-race streak for this; last looks better since the show finisher posted a 90 speed figure in his next-out BEL-optional-claiming win; graduated at 1 Mile on BEL dirt and has won twice racing at today's distance locally.

Awesome Vision

Of his 3 BEL dirt losses one was an even-finishing loss vs. lesser than this; ended a 5-win season by losing to runners he will face again today; his win riders land on Zivo and Comandante; 8%-winning fresh trainer since 2013 suggests we take a wait and see approach.

Readtheprospectus

The runner-up and 6th-place finishers from last Beyered 92-88 in next-out AQU-100K stakes wins; exits his only loss of 2013; the trainer is incredible with fresh runners scoring 25% with long-layoff runners; his stalking/midpack running style fits the winning profile at 1M at BEL Park; if ready is the one to beat.

Comandante

Won on the lead at longer to end 2013 but in '14 has not been the same sharp runner not even making the lead in last; Zivo is here again while 2nd time off the layoff is a 27% win angle for his trainer; likely stalks Smooth Bert and Prohibition then hopes to come up with his best-ever BEL attempt.

Weekend Hideaway

Has not raced longer than 7F; sire went 0-for-1 in dirt routes finishing 7th in the Mile Gotham; is the 1st foal out of an 0-for-6 dam who went 0-for-3 in races at 1 Mile or longer; exits a career-best Beyer when screaming out for more distance and gets it here; the 3-back show finisher Beyered 81 in a next-out GP-optional-claiming win.

Pinball

He's on a 3-race dirt winning streak and have to love his versatility winning on the lead and from off the pace; 1-for-1 with Rosario who reunites but the riders from last pair side with Big Business and Moneyinyour Pocket; hopes to sit just off the inside speed then get 1st run on the closers.

Bernardo

0-for-9 at one point in career but has won 3 of his next 7 starts with latest being a career-best Beyer; seems to be shooting high here in stakes company while the multiple-win rider takes Zivo; back at BEL where he graduated at today's distance; others appeal more.

This Hard Land

The last time he attempted stakes company was a loss to Zivo and exits a loss to Zivo where he was narrowly defeated by the show finisher who Beyered 90 in a next-out BEL-OPC win; has become a deep closer in recent races while in 2013 over the track he flashed gate speed; would be a shocker.

Crafty Dreamer

Huge race pre-rest when edged by the winner who repeated in a BEL-OPC with a 100 Beyer; this is his longest-distance test at BEL Park; he was screaming out for more yardage when sprinting here in 2013; stakes debut today class test noting the 3-back Mile win where defeating the runner-up and show finishers; they Beyered 92-85 in next-out AQU-OPC and 35K-claiming wins. - Art Gropper

Race 10

Colloquial

Big Brown 9 for 68 with first-time turfers; sire took only start at 2, won first two legs of the Triple Crown, banked over $3.6 million, never turfed; 8 for 35 dam won almost $250K, lost 6 times on grass; this is her first to race; has a right to improve.

Barrier to Entry

City Zip about 14% with first-time grass runners in a 338-runner sample; sire won 5 times at 2 including G1 Hopeful, was 3rd in best turf result, earned over $800K; dam's lone win was a dirt sprint; both siblings won multiple times and banked 6 figures, one was a double winner on grass; she has some semblance of speed but there are stamina concerns; 2nd and 6th finishers in last won in this league next out and the winner was 2nd a neck in a $75K optional; passing.

Sweethots

She has the 2 races to draw from now; 2 for 13 dam never turfed; lone half bro lost 4 times; she seems to be figuring it out; miss should have her sea legs under her by now; don't ignore.

Freud's Sunset

Soph showed promise last year; she acted up in the debut but the other races were solid; 4th finisher in last took an MSW next out and the 6th finisher beat $35K maiden sellers right back; dam won once, at 2, never turfed; all 3 siblings won; none tried grass; right there with the A game.

Lavender Road

First Defence 3 for 36 with first-time turfers; sire won at 2, took the Grade 1 Forego, won only try on grass; stakes winning 4 for 21 dam earned nearly $200K, won thrice on grass; 3 of 4 siblings won including triple grass winner and over $160K earner Roses for Romney; could see her pushing the splits but has lost ground in the lane every time; place and show horses in last won in this league next out; needs a rebound race.

Winter Wish

Frost Giant 0 for 21 with first-time turfers; sire took a Group 3 at 2, ended up banking over $450K, handled turf; dam was 0 for 5; all 4 siblings won, none tried grass; barn has been firing on all cylinders.

Lakeview Lady

Not thrilled with fact she got beat for a tag; handled pretty easily by the Martin charge; a bit more keen to drill on the 23rd; must be left in the exotic equation.

Jennys Creek

Mare has had her chances and she was handled easily in the last return effort; 11th finisher in last won a MSW next out and the winner repeated in an N1X spot; there is at last a turf winner in the tree; a slice may be the ceiling.

Keen Katana

See Barrier to Entry for sire stats; dam was unraced; lone half bro lost 5 times; hung wide in 2 of 3; place horse in last took a MSW, the winner repeated in a $66K stakes and 3 others ran second; try to get a good look at her on the track.

Midnightatmarions

Disco Rico about 10% with firsters in a 181-runner sample, 10 for 112 with first-time turfers; G3 winning sire won twice at 2, took 9 of 17, banked over $500K, never turfed; 4 for 44 dam won $120K, lost twice on grass; 4 of 5 siblings won, one was a double winner on grass, top kin and full sis Pure Disco earned nearly $500K; could need experience.

Distorted Beauty

Invasor 0 for 25 with first-time turfers; sire didn't race at 2, won first 5 outs, won a ton of Grades 1s including BC Classic, never turfed; dam 0 for 12; lone full sis Invading Humor won once on turf, banked nearly $80K; rates legit look in an absolute scramble.

Royal Jest

Maybe she just needed last and she was hooked wide from the marooned slot; place horse in last won at this level and the 8th finisher took a maiden $15K FL fray; the route could have dulled her speed.

Myfriendthebird

Has not shown much so far; dam's lone win came on grass; several multiple race winners in the family including double Grade 3 winner and unbeaten turf runner Incurable Optimist; would be careful here.

Saharan Serenade

Wild Desert 1 for 22with first-time turfers; sire took the Quee'ns Plate, won twice at 2, banked over a million, won on grass once; dam 0 for 5; this is her first to race; Beyers going in the right direction.

Read It and Weep

Read the Footnotes about 10% with debuters in a 176-starter survey, 6 for 75 with first-time turfers; sire took debut at 2, won multiple Graded stakes, banked $450K, was never on grass; dam 0 for 4; lone half bro lost 3 times; could need experience.

Pretty Like Me

Has some semblance of speed and the show horse in last graduated next out in a maiden $40K seller; 3 for 13 dam banked 2 grand an appearance; both siblings won in the minor leagues; can't be discounted. - Brian Mulligan