Betfair Hollywood: Closer Looks for December 15, 2013

Race 1

Bridle Plan

Seems the one to catch but likely has Coconut Cream Pie breathing down her neck from the outset; her career-best Beyer speed figure was in a turf Mile at SA so cutting back in distance off latest adds to the appeal; any runner loose on an easy lead is dangerous and she hopes that scenario pans out for this.

Coconut Cream Pie

51 days since her 2nd straight dull effort since blinkers were added; the runner-up and 6th-place finishers from last Beyered 62-61 in next-out BHP-MSW wins; 3-back is a career-best Beyer performance without the hood and blinkers are removed for this; figures to race on or near the lead with Bridle Plan although the rider of her best race lands on Lil Swiss Echo.

Kana Flavor

Needed last start dueling for the front off the 48-day layoff posting her lowest Beyer since the debut loss on BHP turf; her best game has been racing off the pace so expect to see her to change tactics and rate just off the pace set by Bridle Plan-Coconut Cream Pie today; 2nd-time Long can be an improvement angle and has every right to move forward 2nd-time off the bench; the 2-back winner repeated in an SA-optional claimer with a 76 Beyer.

Lil Swiss Echo

Did not show a lot of run in latest 6 weeks ago on SA grass but in the other sprints during career she acted like a runner who wanted to go added yardage; could have bounced in latest after posting a fresh-Beyer Top 2-back; her close defeat 3 back vs. the winner who Beyered 75 then 89 taking a GG-100K event; her barn yields just 6% winners sprint-to-route since 2012; gets on BHP green for the time; she is the one they all must hold off late.

Little Unusual

Hopes to fare a lot better than 2-back against this group when the race was taken off the grass; turf is clearly her best surface although latest was not very enticing when off slowly then never making any impact; her last exacta finish was in a maiden claimer so may need a class drop to finally graduate.

Warren's Cracker

The long layoff seems like the lone issue but a great sign that sizzling-BHP Bejarano who seemingly had other options lands here to ride; has had issues getting out of the gate at times and hopes not to break too far back here; the debut show runner Beyered 54 in her next-out TUP-20K-maiden-claiming win.

Sidepocket Run

4-0-1-0 record since the near-miss DMR-July field-best Beyer when rallying well at longer; rider from her best number sides with Warren's Cracker; getting up in time seems to be the main issue but has 3 speedsters inside to set a strong pace; the 2-back winner repeated with an 80 speed figure taking a BHP allowance; - Art Gropper

Race 2

Mechaya

Was overly keen in that Nov. 22 comeback, perhaps being just so fresh, and ended up tiring to second in a relatively slow race; needs to control her speed more to be effective; kept some very good company as a juvenile - horses such as Executiveprivilege and Beholder; faces pace pressure to her outside - a clear disadvantage.

Key Vista

Settled much better on the lead Nov. 21 than she did previously at SA and responded with another fast win; Garcia is 2 for 2 riding this horse; he has a choice to make - either simply let her do her thing on the lead and roll, or ride her with patience, knowing it might mean coming from off the pace; given Baffert's M.O. of taking the race to his rivals, presuming the former strategy; choice.

Rhodium

Doesn't seem as classy as others, but did show a new dimension in coming from off the pace last time out; the blinkers off may have helped her to settle; not as quick as others in the lineup; she hasn't run better than a 72 Beyer on synthetic.

Small Moves

Yet another speed horse, she's one of at least 3 that seem most comfortable racing on the lead; she is drawn outside most of the other speed, which may allow her a better opportunity to rate, even if it is only a length or two off the pace.

Pearl de Vere

Didn't respond on the grass last time but has good form on dirt and synthetic; is also reunited with Talamo, who was up for the maiden win at SA; has a stalking style that looks perfectly suited to all the speed in this race; expecting a minor award.

Peppy Bolly

Deep closer rallied to win a Cal-bred race Oct. 5, though in a contest in which the pace was hot and the speed fell apart; was hindered a bit by a slow start last time, though this horse does that on occasion; even so, the pace was so hot, the race set up for her; could get a piece if the leaders fly. - Byron King

Race 3

Shoer Hugh

Ridgling makes turf debut for a winning stallion who is getting 25 percent winners from his first-time turfers, and 13 percent winners overall on the grass; both stats are derived from a small sample of turf starters; cuts back to one turn and note both of his wins have come in sprints; can share.

Mr. Ornery

He exits a quick race in which he finished behind one he again meets in this spot, Bro's Bro; was turning back from a mile for the out and could be closer to the pace here in his second straight sprint start; one of just three in the field who has won over the turf course at BHP; dam was a multiple stakes winner of $258K; another who can share.

Free Time

Barn changes things up and removes blinkers and note his last three wins on form came without the equipment; was a close-up fourth in his first start in two months last out and would seem to have reason to move forward for the race; a drawback is that he must again face one who finished in front of him, Bro's Bro; win candidate.

Fonz

He's stepping up in class from the claiming ranks, but as a trade off gets the chance to race with statebreds for the first time in a long while; broke on top last out and showed more speed than ever before, and note the race was his first in blinkers; could again be prominent in this spot, perhaps tracking Free Time and Bro's Bro under '10-pound' apprentice Vandyke; yet another who could share.

Exotic Slew

He has speed, but did not get the break last time and ran an even kind of race in a sprint that went quick; must again face two who finished in front of him in that spot, Bro's Bro and Mr. Ornery; could be closer with some better racing luck at the start, and like a number of these he is one who can share.

Bro's Bro

He looks like the one to beat; he was edged in a quick race in his most recent start and for the effort earned what ranks as this field's best last-race Beyer Speed Figure; looking for him to either show the way in this spot, or perhaps track Free Time; is a full brother to Bro Lo, a stakes winner at 2 and an earner of $228K; choice.

Candy's Sunrise

He was meant for turf last out, but his race came off the grass and he ran a close-up second against $32K claiming rivals; the race was against open company and now he returns to the statebred ranks; a drawback is that he must again face one who finished in front of him two back, Bro's Bro; dam was a multiple stakes winner of $257K; can share. - Mary Rampellini

Race 4

Reps and Warrants

Sluggish to start but he still got a slice; stakes placed 5 for 19 dam earned over $230K, didn't race at 2; 5 of 6 siblings won; one raced at 2; top kin One Chin Again earned over $200K; a clean start and it could be a whole new ballgame.

Fourth Generation

Educated in debut when possibly just overmatched; dam was third in best moment; lone half bro lost only start at 2, took 2 of 24, earned over a grand a start; rates legit look on the drop alone.

Awesome T

Only a brief threat when hung wide; 1 for 7 dam did win at 2; family is solid; all 5 siblings won; 2 cashed at 2, none were monsters; must pick it up.

Zackos My Man

A clear winner did beat homebred; dam out of the money in only out; this is her first to race; at least he has a race over the surface; could need easier to shine.

Pathway to Yes

Homebred was close up just briefly; place horse in the debut graduated next out by over 5 in a MSW with a 75 Beyer; stakes placed 2 for 4 dam took the debut at 2, banked over $70K; 4 of 5 siblings won; none won at 2 but kin Pretty Cozzy took a stakes, earned over $200K; trainer has spotted them just fine this year; expect a move forward.

Scamalot

Back at claimed level and gelding could be more focused with the blinks; dam lost 8 times at 2 and was one for 17 on the track; 5 of 7 siblings won; one cashed at 2, one banked almost $50K; spotted for action.

Steppingood

Hung wide from marooned slot in last; can never dismiss sub :22 speed and note winner of the 9/8 race repeated in a $40K starter; Group 3 placed 3 for 14 dam banked $90K, won her juvenile debut going 7 furlongs on grass in the bushes in England over a dozen foes; this is her first to race; look for bug to send hard and try to steal it.

Jackhammer

Stormy Jack 2 for 40 with first-time juveniles; sire took debut at 2, earned nearly $600K; SP 3 for 19 dam banked over $100K, didn t race at 2; all 3 siblings won, none at 2, one banked over $60K; drills ideally spaced. - Brian Mulligan

Race 5

Golden Dynamo

It's interesting to see that he showed up with an improved performance in his first start without blinkers two races ago, and he was obviously in too tough in his latest outing, and maybe he deserves a chance to see what he can do over turf without blinkers.

Harbaugh

Sire wins with approximately 5% of his turf starters and dam won 2 of 11 starts for 23k, and she didn't make a turf start; like to see the way that his form has improved from start-to-start to begin his career, and this looks like a favorable spot to find out what he can do over turf.

Beautiful Mine

He showed up with an improved performance in his turf debut when breaking his maiden in his latest outing, and even though that was against 20-18k MCL's at GG, this really doesn't look like a bad spot for him to meet up with winners for the first time.

Water Issues

Sire has won with 3 of 14 (21%) turf starters and stakes placed dam won 13 of 46 starts for 383k, including 4 of 18 turf starts for 150k; the addition of blinkers seems to have helped him and he has a little bit of turf in his pedigree.

Stop the Clock

Son of fine turf influence Artie Schiller hasn't run a bad race from four starts over turf, and he finished right behind today's rival Beutiful Mine two races ago; Talamo has won with 4 of 6 (66%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Shopping Savannah

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and stakes placed dam won 3 of 15 starts for 110k, including 1 of 3 turf starts for 21k; his pedigree suggests that the possibility of an improved performance with a move to turf exists.

Clouds Clearing

Sire has won with 2 of 16 (13%) turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won 2 of 10 starts for 42k, including 1 of 5 turf starts for 21k; third finisher from latest won next out here on 12/1 going 6f vs. starter alw. rivals with a 70 Beyer.

Lieutenant Seany O

He didn't run poorly in his only turf start in his career debut and it wouldn't be a shock to see him improve over that performance now that he has more experience to draw from; feel that he can be added to the list of contenders in here.

Cajun Hippie

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; third finisher from latest won next out at SA on 10/18 going 6f vs. 25-22.5k claimers with a 52 Beyer and then moved on to beat a field of 32-28k claimers here with a 65 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 6

Rich in Tradition

A steady check earner, she has suffered through some bad post position and wide trips in recent starts; may be able to work out an ideal inside trip and land a share; switches to apprentice handling for the first time.

Marina Martini

Gets equipment change and Lasix addition in search of a wake-up after that bumpy debut in July; her sire won 3 of 16 and 294K; the dam won 1 of 18 and 34K; there are no winning siblings to mention.

Amina Perfect

Newcomer was sired by multiple G2 victor Benchmark who netted 636K and whose offspring have won 68 out of 503 initial starts; the dam was without victory in 5 attempts; winning sibs include 94K bankroller amina.

Charliana's Secret

Was cooked in a multiple speed duel first time out before tiring; her sire won a G2 and 155K; the mom won 4 of 22 and 106K; winning siblings include 91K earner Secret Genius; workout pattern of late is slightly above average.

Full of Spice

Did not show her usual early speed last time when the blinkers were removal; goes back to the hood today and can be an early presence at the very least; may fly under the betting value and is worth some consideration.

Sugar High Kaylin

Game in defeat first time out when losing by a mere length; her sire was undefeated, a multiple G1 winner who captured 749K; the dam won 2 of 12 and 101K; among the winning siblings is 24K earner Meadowood.

Square Girl

Firster hails from Domestic Dispute who won a pair of G2 stakes and 703K overall (his progeny have won nearly 9 percent of their debuts); the dam won 1 of 8 and 14K; sib to 108K earner Lady Circle.

Music and Me

Decent route try 2 back was followed by a disappoint effort at nine furlongs; on the plus side of the ledger is a vastly improved blowout on the morning of 12/9; very puzzling item on this dramatic turnback in distance.

Teasing Moment

Goes back to blinks after hurt by an extra-wide trip in the last assignment; she is much quicker than that run implies but does not exactly draw ideally today; cuts back a sixteenth of a mile today but may need some key late scratches in order to contend.

Bab's Rules

Failed to recover from a slow break first time out but that was in January and against much better stock; her sire won 2 of 4 and 77K; the dam won 2 of 6 and 86K; sib to 244K earner Babs Moosa; modest workout regimen on display.

Silk in Silver

Beginner was sired by Breeders' Cup Sprint champ Silver Train who notched 1.25 million and whose offspring have won 19 out of 220 initial starts; the dam won 7 of 18 and 125K; sib to 24K earner Privately Speaking.

Blazing Dancer

No enthusiasm shown up to now but all of her efforts have been in special weights; perhaps can show more life with this major class relief but the workout activity along the comeback trail does not show much fire; pass for now.

Graduator

Returns from a 14-month vacation and was only 5 to 1 in a big overnight stakes last year; if she can recapture the performance of her last maiden effort, she will prove tough; still believe she is in dire need of a tightening race.

Circular Logic

Beaten chalk will need much luck to get to the starting gate today but should prove a pivotal pace player if drawing in; unfortunately ran into blowout winners in the last pair and races for this price tag for the first time; pay close attention to late scratch info. - Jim Kachulis

Race 7

Mom Nana Petrie

Half-sister to G3 stakes placed Dubai Gold (15-57, 537k, including 2 of 11 turf starts for 79k) looks like a good fit at this level of competition but she will have to show more than she did in her turf debut when last seen to get the job done.

Akiss Forarose

She sports the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here and she has to be viewed in light of a top contender, but before backing her with the win dollar, don't ignore the fact that she has just a single victory after 20 career starts.

Horsesanddivorces

Popular has been a positive influence as a turf sire, and if this filly feels up to one of her better performances, she figures to be involved in the running every step of the way; like the idea of blinkers getting scrapped for this.

Smil'n From Above

Her best effort doesn't appear to be quite up to the level of the top contenders in here and this is a mare who hasn't been shy about settling for minor awards while winning just once from 30 career starts.

Two Blue Hens

Not wild about what this filly has shown in her three turf attempts but she is by a fine turf sire and she's out of a stakes placed dam who won 3 of 13 turf starts for 123k; she has at least mild appeal against these.

Sweetest Secret

She finished behind a couple of today's rivals in her latest outing, and not only is she by a poor turf sire, but she tired badly the only time she tried turf prior to this; prefer to look toward others.

Real Bright Boots

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; she has a lot of early speed to throw at these, something that can be a key in a turf dash like this, and it doesn't hurt her to have Bejarano in the irons.

Kilted Tilt (IRE)

Obviously the sub par performance after a long layoff in her latest outing is a concern, but this is a filly who displayed some talent prior to that long layoff, and not going to be at all surprised if she's ready for better this time around; runner up from latest won next out here on 11/24 going 6f over turf vs. N1X rivals with a 73 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Twitter Pie

The GG victory in latest was solid racing midpack then just getting up in time; overall her Beyer speed figures are light when compared to the others racing here; has plenty to prove on BHP synthetic as she defeated 1 runner combined in a pair of 2012 races over the track; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 77 in her next-out GG-allowance victory.

Teddy's Promise

Speedster's best game is racing on or near the lead; was in tough terrain when fading in the Breeders' Cup in latest noting her co-field-best Beyer occurred in May at 1F shorter on BHP synthetic; she fires best fresh; 43 days since latest loss her last 2 wins occurred with 84 and 56-day absences; she is the one to catch and beat.

Judy In Disguise (GB)

Won her USA debut on a synthetic surface but has not raced on this type of surface since an April Grade 2 loss; troubled in latest when sent long today marks her shortest-distance test since June; last-win rider Bejarano takes Minds Eye for this; the 3-back winner and show finishers Beyered 93-92 in next-out SA-G3 and optional-claiming wins.

Rumor

155 days since unable to get to Teddy's Promise who's she defeated in the past; has won fresh so perhaps all the time off will help her turn the tables; dirt was the surface for her co-field-best Beyer to begin 2012; solid worktab on display for a winning-fresh trainer; has not raced this short since a BHP narrow loss to Teddy's Promise; would have to be ready with very best to topple these.

There Is No Limit

Incredible 4-for-5 BHP-synthetic surface record while she is 0-for-4 competing over all other all-weather ovals; snuck through the claim box in last now seems to be shooting high considering her off-the-board stakes loss 3-back and her 12th-place May stakes defeat; the 2-back winner and runner-up finisher Beyered 83-78 in next-out BHP-GG allowance wins.

Warren's Blossom

Claimed off a runner-up dirt finish 50 days ago her last 2 synthetic-surface losses were 2 of her worst races of career including 3-back over the track; in her DMR August loss she tired behind the show finisher who Beyered 87 taking a BSR-50K stakes next out; would be a surprise.

Minds Eyes

Late runner broke last of 11 in most recent then did not fire when overmatched in a graded event on grass; reunites with the DMR-win rider off the 43-day absence; her 2012 wins both occurred off similar freshenings while recent form suggests she should be better on synthetic surfaces than turf; hopes to break a lot better then for someone to go after Teddy's Promise early to help set up her late punch.

Sky High Gal

What a tough spot to race on a synthetic surface for the 1st time while she has never raced this short of a distance in the career; wish her worktab on synthetic for this sparkled more; she likes to be forwardly placed and figures to be pressing Teddy's Promise to the front; new rider yields 30%-BHP winners for the barn. - Art Gropper

Race 9

Arctic Code

Desert Code 1 for 10 with debuting juveniles, 0 for 1 with first-time turfers; sire won at 2, took multiple Grade 3s and BC Turf Sprint, banked over a million; stakes winning dam won twice at 2, earned over 200K, won twice on grass; several multiple race winners in the family; 3 won at 2 including 2 debut winners 5 tried grass to no avail, one sib banked almost $200K; he looks fit enough.

Bourne Hot

Can never dismiss this kind of speed and he was flattered when the winner of last repeated in the Grade 3 Generous; there is no juvenile or turf success in the tree; the one to beat.

Argentine

Candy Ride about 15% with juvenile debuters in a 200-runner study, about 10% with first-time turfers in a 233-runner sample; sire didn't race at 2, was unbeaten in 6 outs, took G1 Pacific Classic, banked $750K, won thrice on grass; dam won twice at 2, took stakes, handled grass, banked nearly $400K; lone half bro won once routing on dirt at 2; interesting.

Home Run Kitten

Kitten's Joy about 17% with juvenile debuters in a 212-runner study, about 16% with first-time turfers in a 286-runner sample; sire won twice at 2, won multiple G1s on grass, banked over $2 million; dam was 0 for 4; lone full sister cashed twice on grass as older horse; may need one.

Captain Dixie

Henrythenavigator 4 for 27 with debuting juveniles, 2 for 28 with first-time turfers; sire won juvenile debut on grass, took multiple Group 1s on turf, was 2nd in Raven s Pass BC Classic win, banked over $2.3 million; dam took one dirt sprint as older horse; no juvenile winners in the family but 2 of 4 siblings won and one cashed once on turf; drills ideally spaced.

Sams Blue Cat

Bluegrass Cat about 6% with first-time turfers in a 162-runner sample; sire won thrice at 2, took G1 Haskell, was 2nd in the Derby and Belmont, banked over $1.7 million; dam took debut at 2, won thrice on grass, banked nearly $300K; lone half bro took 7 dirt sprints as older horse; could need softer crew.

Frosted Boss

Street Boss 16 for 74 with first-time juveniles, 10 for 45 with first-time turfers; sire didn't run at 2, won debut at 3 with a 86 Beyer, took a Grade 1, banked over $800K; dam third a couple of times at 2 but won stakes on grass and banked over $200K; two of 3 siblings won including double juvenile winner, triple turf winner and over $100K earner Sandy Key Gal; there are some stamina issues.

Geldautomat

Debut okay, he was then overmatched and the show horse in the grass debut graduated next out in a MSW at the beach with a 70 Beyer; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; expect much better effort here.

Polished Silver

Silver Train about 8% with juvenile debuters in a 142-runner study, about 3% with first-time turfers in a 104-runner sample; sire won at 2, took BC Sprint, banked over $1.2 million, never turfed; dam 0 for 3; this is her first to race; lean toward watching one.

Closet E

Decent try on the cut back and he may not have adored the rail; this does seem like his preferred surface; not impossible chore.

Mazanator

See rail for sire stats; dam handled grass, earned over $100K; 5 of 7 siblings won; none won at 2 but one cashed on grass and banked over $50K; could need experience. - Brian Mulligan