Betfair Hollywood: Closer Looks for December 7, 2013

Race 1

Perfect Jersey

Got a confidence builder in Phoenix, where the Perfect Soul gelding defeated optional maiden claimers at one mile on turf. Second place finisher, Mancala, returned to win. Back in the barn of Matt Chew, who has won five of his last 20 ( 25 per cent) moving from turf to synthetic. Best post and a fit in this league.

Warrens Temptation

Plenty of negative stats. One for 58 lifetime and 0-for-20 on Cushion Track. Triple digit odds in two of his last three and virtually eased in his last four. Has already had several tries at this level. No reason for hope.

Crestatorre

One victory in 25 attempts, and that win was accomplished on a sloppy dirt track in 2012. In his defense, he has two seconds on Cushion Track, which stacks up well in a field without a winner on that surface. Eased against similar most recently when he was sent off his feet. Changed hands from Leonard Powell to Jorge Periban since last.

Warren's Joe T.

In the money his last four, including a close third at this condition November 17. Gets an important rider change to Bejarano, who has a strong record (26 per cent, $2.87 ROI) over the last two years for Jorge Gutierrez. Without much pace in the field, should be among the top three in the early going.

Gallant Charm

Stylish maiden claiming victory October 17 at Santa Anita and Mike Puype wheels him back in a logical spot. Been in steady training since and Talamo rides back. More consistent this year than anyone in the lineup and it would be no surprise if he wound up on the lead. Major factor.

Hardliner

Lacked a rally when dropped to this condition November 9. The Rock Hard Ten gelding's only victory was sprinting at Sunland Park in February, but he did run well around two turns at Del Mar. Rider change to Delgadillo is a plus.

Public Defender

Defeated Gallant Charm on the Barretts bullring, but is far away from that form. Was nine lengths behind Warren's Joe T November 17 with no excuse. Ice cold connections and a bad post don't help his cause.-Mike Superstein

Race 2

Chitu

Henny Hughes about 14% with first-time juveniles in an 141-horse sample; sire took debut at 2, won a couple of G1s, banked over $1.1 million; dam didn t race at 2 but won only start in a turf route in England; 2 of 3 siblings won including the juvenile winner and near $65K earner Oceanway; drilling like the real deal.

Yard Line

Discreet Cat about 14% with first-time juveniles in an 106-horse sample; G1 winning sire took debut at 2, banked over $1.6 million; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; barn on patient side.

Red N Black Attack

Big Brown 10 for 49 with juvenile debuters; sire took only start at 2, won first two legs of the Triple Crown; 1 for 2 dam didn t go at 2, banked about 16 grand; this is her first to race; like this work pattern accentuated by the blowout on Monday.

Z Z Thunder

Zensational 3 for 32 with juvenile debuters; sire won multiple G1s, lost only start at 2; dam was unraced; the sibling to win took 3 sprints as older horse in the minor leagues; love fact she drilled this far.

Melatonin

Nearly 5 clear in last in a much-improved effort; 4 for 16 dam didn't go at 2, earned almost $100K; the 6 for 24 sibling to win didn t go at 2, banked about $60K; the experience edge just may prove the difference at crunch time.

Confisio

Wraps added for the miler to no avail; 2 for 9 dam took 2 sprints as older horse; all 3 siblings won; 2 race at 2 to no avail; one banked over $60K; expect much better effort.

The Admiral

Giant's Causeway about 9% with first-time juveniles in an 301-horse sample; sire won juvenile debut by 7 and took a Group 1 at 2, was a grass monster; stakes winning 8 for 22 dam didn't race at 2, banked nearly $250K; all 3 siblings could ramble; one took debut at 2, another took a Grade 1 and top kin Madcap Escapade won 7 of 9, took a G1, earned over a million; the blood sure is there.

Relative Time

Pretty solid debut on the tricky hillside and the winner repeated in the Grade 3 Generous with an 83 Beyer; dam s lone win was a route as older runner; this is her first to race; will benefit if the pace is hot and heavy.

Los Borrachos

Pulpit about 13% with juvenile debuters in a 390-runner sample; sire didn't go at 2, won debut by over 7, won 3 of next 4 including the Fountain of Youth and Blue Grass; SW 4 for 16 dam didn't race at 2, banked over $100K; this is her first to race; working like the proverbial Swiss clock.-Brian Mulligan

Race 3

Blues and Silvers

One tough cookie; hey, you don't win 10 of 16 by accident, so you know she's a pro; 9 of those wins have come on turf, including her last run here Nov. 10, her first try on this course; only poor race the past year or so came routing on GP turf last winter; otherwise she's been smashing; speed to be in it from the start and she's shown guts, too, a pretty darn nice combination; all that being said, while she's won 3 of her last 5 it's worth noting that the 2 losses came in her 2 tries at this level, though at least she ran well in each (3rd in both).

Llandudno

A good fit here; has come of age in recent months after a couple so-so races here in the spring/summer; nice N1X win at SA followed by a solid 3rd here Nov. 10; only downside to that 3rd is the winner, Blues and Silver, is lined up against her again today so she's got to make up some ground on that miss; it's certainly not out of reach but it's also worth noting recent regular rider Talamo ends up staying on Golden Production today instead, so read into that what you will.

Winding Way

Looks back on track; you can toss that G1 First Lady try at KEE; not only is that trip and company too tough, but she ended up on the pace and the race was run in a driving rainstorm and the course was a bog; it was a complete waste of a trip, but heck, they'd already shipped so you can't blame 'em for giving it a go; it was most encouraging, though, that shey shipped for such a tough race in the first place; after all, Gaines knew who she'd be running against; came home, added blinkers, dropped, moved back to sprinting and was an excellent 2nd at SA and it took Pontchartrain, one of the circuit's top turf sprinting fillies to beat her; worked very nicely 4 times since, too, to indicate she's feeling good.

Golden Production

Looks like Miller made a timely claim; she won a turf sprint at SA Oct. 17 and Miller took her for $40K; he brought her back here, WITHOUT a tag attached, and she stormed home to win easily on this course; now given another encouraging class hike (still in a spot where they can't lose her via a claim) and Talamo stays with her; plenty of positives, though this is the toughest spot she's seen and she almost surely needs to find a few more lengths to deal with these.

Kinz Funky Monkey

Came back after 9 months to win the Manhattan Beach on this course at this trip June 8 and looked on her way; was freshened and then a good 3rd in another turf sprint stakes, vs. elders no less, at DMR Aug. 9; then fizzled on the main track there but Eurton has given her time since, she's worked in splendid fashion and is back to the game she likes best; in other words, there are more than a few positives here, but it's still possible she fires her best shot and it's not enough to beat a few of these.

Zipping My Way

No match for 'Silvers here Nov. 10 when 5th, and she was also a few lengths behind Llandudno that day, too; in her defense, however, that was her first start in a couple months and first start in SoCal after some good work in NoCal; no layoff since, which is nice, and no drop, too, so Chew apparently still feels pretty good about her; he adds blinkers for this; all that being said, it's still a very tough spot, she's got to make up quite a bit of ground on a few of these and her career top Beyer (77) leaves her with plenty of work to do if she's to be competitive.

Caraquista

Bonde doesn't win at a high percentage because he puts his horses in the wrong spots, so the fact he gives her a shot at these, despite her not-so-hot form this year still makes her worthy of a long look; after all, she showed turf talent in Florida a year ago, and that 4th in a turf stakes at SA Oct. 5 wasn't bad either; all that being said, that 4th is her best finish of the year in 6 tries and while on paper it's a class drop she's still facing some tough customers and being asked to do so over a completely different distance as well.-Michael Hammersly

Race 4

Warren's Judy

Scored a 9-1 upset under similar circumstances November 17 despite the presence of leading rider Rafael Bejarano. The Gutierrez-Bejarano team has been strong, winning 16 of 62 (26 per cent) with a $2.87 ROI since January, 2012. Bottom-level fillies are notoriously inconsistent, but must be given a shot at a repeat.

Wrinkle Room

First time back on Cushion Track since a slow victory in a $10,000 claimer July 5. Taken by Polanco that day and has run three clunkers since, the last at this level on the Barretts bullring. Not quick enough to make the top and has shown little inclination to finish.

Cassandra Lynne

Ran well on Cushion Track during the Spring/Summer meet, winning a $25,000 non-winners of two life and finishing third in an open $40,000 claimer. Giant class plunge obviously a concern, though David Hofmans has a $7.60 ROI from a small sample of runners returning from two-to-six month layoffs.

Firendesire

Wasted perfect trips in her last two and hitting rock bottom today for Steve Knapp. Defeated sophomore $25,000 fillies on this track June 20, but still looking for her first victory against older runners. Maybe the drop will awaken her.

Rachels Belle

Most victories in the field this year, however all five wins were against cheaper at Los Alamitos. One race at Santa Anita and two races on Cushion Track were terrible, begging the question why she doesn't return to the bullring.

Tricksareforkids

Out of the money in a $5,000 claimer at Los Alamitos November 30, extending her losing streak to 15 races. Goes without her usual blinkers for a trainer who is 3-for-63 this year. Does shed 12 pounds with the addition of apprentice VanDyke, but tough to bet on.

Torre Italiana

Two-for-41 lifetime with both victories coming in Northern California. Interesting that both wins were routing on turf. Best effort since her last score was at Los Alamitos, where she finished second for $5,000 November 1. Overmatched in a $40,000 starter allowance at Golden Gate November 15, yet managed to split the field. Weight up today.

Metaxa

Sharp third under Orozco October 26 when lowered to this level and ran well earlier in the year in more expensive races. Five furlong blowout in 1:00 is a plus, as is her positional speed. In the money three of four on Cushion Track.

Swiss Bliss

Claimed for $8,000 out of a second place effort one back, then was a distant third as the favorite when raised a notch a month later. Zero-for-eight on Cushion Track, but has been second or third six times. Though winless in 14 tries this year, has five seconds, making her a could-use in the trifecta.

Princess Suances

Idle more than a year, but returns for a trainer (Steve Miyadi) who does exceptionally well with new acquisitions (25 per cent). Still, difficult to back a horse whose last victory was in 2010. Her speed makes her a factor and Iggy Puglisi has won 3-of-10 this meeting. Sketchy.

Katey Pie

Game victory against $20,000 maiden claimers in her only start on this track November 7. Beyer figures very competitive against this kind and Alex Bisono has ridden her all six outings. One of many contenders.

Brown Is Beige

Returns in just nine days after backing up quickly in a restricted $10,000 claimer. May have needed the race and now is back at the bottom for Diodoro, who haltered the 5-year-old at Hastings Park October 5. Still has some zip.

One Magical Girl

Usually pops the gate and defeated a similar field at Golden Gate November 9. John Martin having another tremendous year (29 per cent) and has also had great success when he uses Aaron Gryder (28 per cent). Big look if draws in off the also eligible list.-Mike Superstein

Race 5

Toomuchinformation

Sire wins with approximately 5% of his turf starters and dam was winless from three starts, and she didn't make a start over turf; runner up from latest won next out here on 11/22 going 1 1/16m vs. MSW rivals with a 73 Beyer.

Wrightwood

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a G1 stakes placed dam who won once from 21 starts for 171k, including 0-for-6 over turf; 275k purchase took a step in the right direction along the Beyer Speed Figure scale at second asking.

Big Medicine Man

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and stakes placed dam won once from 12 starts for 70k, including 0-for-2 over turf; this colt is a 1/2 to multiple stakes winner Red Lead (13-51, 836k, including 3 of 7 turf starts for 69k).

Number Five

Half-brother to multiple graded stakes placed Trend (3-23, 255k over turf) ran well from off the pace in his career debut and he might appreciate the added distance that he sees today; must respect.

Canopus

He was outrun at every point of call in his career debut but wouldn't put it past this barn to have him ready for better the second time around; winner from debut returned to win next out here on 11/30 going 1m over turf in a G3 with an 83 Beyer.

Pantera Rojo

This colt commands his share of respect based on what he showed in his turf debut in his most recent start but he did finish behind a couple of today's rivals in that event; regardless, the move to turf clearly helped him and this lightly raced runner still has room for improvment.

I'll Wrap It Up

He's out of a G3 winning dam who won 4 of 9 starts for 330k, including 1-for-1 over turf for 46k, and he was involved in the running every step of the way in his turf debut in his most recent start, and that was a race that saw him beat a couple of today's rivals; obvious threat with Bejarano aboard.

Miraglo

He was much improved at second asking when stretched out in distance and he finished right behind one of today's key rivals in I'll Wrap It Up; with only two starts behind him, he has a good deal of potential for better living with him.

Juliet's Tizzy

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and G3 winning dam won 4 of 8 starts for 184k, and she didn't make a turf start; he flashed some early speed in his career debut before tiring and it's interesting to see Rosario get the call for his first turf start.-Brian Pochman

Race 6

Concave

Grade 2 winner is back home in Southern California after a trip to Louisiana, where she ran third in the Grade 3, $500K Delta Downs Princess; the race was won by a promising sort in Tepin, whose company lines up to the start included Vexed, who has since won the Grade 2 Golden Rod at CD; as for this one, she is bred to be quite effective at this trip as a daughter of Colonel John and a mare who was a route stakes winner at 2; contender.

Taste Like Candy

She was a smart debut winner, when she stalked and darted clear for a more than six length score over maiden special weight rivals at SA; the Beyer Figure of 85 that she earned is the best career number in this afternoon's Hollywood Starlet; makes move to two turns and gets pedigree support for the task from both sides of her family; is a half-sister to Southern Success, who was a stakes winner at 2; might prove to be the one to catch, with perhaps her main pace rivals being Bajan and Streaming.

Be Proud

She's placed in two stakes, her latest over the local strip in the $100K Sharp Cat; must again face the winner of that race, but has defeated her before and might get an ideal setup this time around, perhaps tracking Taste Like Candy, Bajan and Streaming; she also will be removing blinkers, which is a high percentage equipment change for Baffert; dam registered both of her wins in routes; more than capable.

Bajan

She's one of the most experienced members of the field as a two-time stakes winner; makes the move to two turns now, and while her sire was a champion sprinter, her dam registered both of her wins in route races; tough not to respect her consistent nature, and on the stretchout from seven furlongs she might get a nice tracking trip behind Taste Like Candy, who is situated to her inside, and perhaps Streaming.

Untapable

She ran a powerful race in the Grade 2 Pocahontas, when in her first start against winners and her first start at two turns she proved a half-length best over a favorite who has since run third in the Grade 2 Golden Rod at CD; last race would seem to be a tossout, as she was eased following the catastrophic breakdown of a rival in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies; on a pedigree point, dam was a Grade 2 winner of $432K and she has produced a Grade 1 winner in Paddy O'Prado ($1.7mm); could get ideal stalking trip; choice.

Arethusa

She won her maiden in memorable fashion last out, when she drew out to a more than eight-length win in the $100K Sharp Cat; the race came at this same distance at BHP, and in winning the track's prep for the Starlet she has a horse-for-course angle working in her favor; also seems like one who can be closer to the pace than she found herself last time after a slow start; dam was a Grade 2 winner of $152K; can share.

Streaming

She got it right in her debut last out, when she won a maiden allowance in good time at BHP; now faces winners for the first time and also makes the move to two turns; dam was a route winner from one start at the trip, and has produced a 2-year-old stakes winner in Cascading; odds-on favorite in debut seems like a promising sort for Hill 'n Dale and McGhee and the high-percentage trainer-jockey team of Baffert and Garcia.

Rosalind

Suspect she will go favored following her big third-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies last out at SA; came off Lasix for the start per BC policy and will be back on the diuretic for this afternoon's Starlet; brings lots of class appeal for the fact that she has placed in two Grade 1 races; also like that she's well-versed at this mile and a sixteenth trip; win candidate.-Mary Rampellini

Race 7

Rebelution

She was upset minded when getting the job done in her career debut at 24-1 but it would've been nice to have seen her build off of that performance in a couple of starts since then; prefer to keep looking around in here.

Kathleen Rose

The 79 Beyer Speed Figure she earned for her latest performance represents the best last race figure in this field, and she ran well from an outside post at today's distance just two starts ago; Bejarano has won with 5 of 18 (28%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Marina Del Heat

Daughter of strong turf influence Unusual Heat is out of a dam who won 2 of 11 turf starts for 81k, and the move to turf has helped this miss improve her game; she appears to be well meant while getting a rider switch to Rosario for this.

Flaxen Maiden

Late running filly has produced a couple of solid performances from five starts over turf but she found it to be much tougher in her first attempt against winners in her latest outing, and she finished behind a couple of today's rivals in that event.

Our Pure Creation

She's produced at a consistent level along the Beyer Speed Figure scale in her first three starts, but based on the way that she performed in her career debut, she might be sharper racing over a dirt surface than she is over turf; not counting her out of the mix, but leaning toward others for the top spot.

Quinnette

Stormy Jack has been a poor influence as a turf sire and and this filly didn't make much of an impression in her one turf start prior to this; respect the fact that she's making her first start for the Ellis barn after a claim, and that she has seven wins next to her name, but looking toward others.

Akiss Forarose

Stakes placed filly has been in good form lately but it's just difficult to place confidence in her for the top spot when considering that her one career win was earned in her first career start, and that was over a synthetic surface.

Krazypapaya

She deserves credit for her consistent approach to the game and she might be ready to give a good account of herself while making her second start back from a layoff, and her second start wearing blinkers; prefer to give her the nod over Akiss Forarose, even if that one did outfinish her in her latest start.

Luckyvic

She figures to get herself involved in the running right from the bell, and even though a case can be made for her being better off sprinting than routing, it's not like she's run badly in her two starts over turf at today's distance; however, she has been known to settle for minor awards.

Cee's the Year

Like to see that she's gotten the job done in three of eight starts this year, but this full sister to Devine Sage (8-44, 59k, including 3 of 12 turf starts for 22k) hasn't been at her best in her two turf attempts; going to look in another direction.

Commander Cloud

Simply feel that she's never run a race that is strong enough to suggest that she can get the better of the top contenders in here; third place finisher from latest returned to win next out at GG on 11/30 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. starter alw. rivals with a 70 Beyer.-Brian Pochman

Race 8

Magic Union

9 weeks ago tired to many of these at shorter on turf; her lone synthetic start of career 2-back is a career-best Beyer defeating the show runner who took an SA-optional claimer next out with an 84 speed figure; won twice at 8.5F during career so willing to dimiss latest when obviously not liking turf.

Warren's Veneda

Just 1 race during career racing this far is a turf win; won last 2 starts on synthetic surfaces including a sharp stakes win at shorter; the 3-back winner repeated in a SA-Grade 3 with a 94 Beyer; toss a few of her turf losses and the form is rock solid.

Fiftyshadesofhay

Field-best Beyer was 2-back on SAR dirt chasing the winner who repeated in a BEL-Grade 1 with a 105 Beyer; greast sign that she graduated at today's distance on BHP synthetic; 9 weeks since the odds-on show finish on a sloppy-dirt oval; have to go back to January on turf to see a bad race on her form; the pick.

Spellbound

More than 8 months since rallying well on dirt in a key race; the runner-up, show and 4th-place finishers from last Beyered 92-85-81 in next-out DMR Grade 2 and BHP 74K stakes/alw. wins; has something to prove on synthetic after posting 5th and 6th-place finishes at DMR in 2012.

Broken Sword

Lacked stamina in 2 turf races traveling 8.5F which makes today's stretchout attempt here a big concern; ran loose on the lead to score at GG and hopes to shake free early again here which is a strong possibility; the 2-back winner repeated in a GG alw. with a 78 Beyer; the 3-back winner repeated in an SA-100K event with a 92.

Champagneandcaviar

57 days since the grass win and new Beyer Top at longer than this; the 2-back winner repeated in an EMD-50K event with a 92 Beyer; has shown zero run on synthetic surfaces including a 24 Beyer career-low speed figure over today's BHP oval at 6.5F in the November, 2011, career debut.

Curvy Cat

Stakes winner on BHP synthetic at 1F shorter than this; gives Warren's Veneda an extra pound off latest narrow loss; would think she can improve in this spot 2nd time back off the 58-day layoff; did not act like she wanted to race 8.5F the last time sent this far in January on dirt.

Charlie Em (GB)

1-for-6 in the USA winning 1st time in the states on turf then has been just OK since; good race off the bench vs. the runner-up and 9th-place finishers from last they Beyered 89-74 in next-out BHP-optional-claiming wins; the 2-back winner made it 3 in a row in 2-SA G1s including the Breeders' Cup Distaff (106-105 Beyers).

Charm the Maker

In 2011 was G1-placed at today's distance over the BHP synthetic; 9 weeks since finishing evenly on turf the 3-for-6 synthetic-surface record is noted including the 2-back DMR stakes win; she is 0-for-9 on all other surfaces but synthetic; 1-for-31 fresh trainer since 2012 does not help the confidence level; she finished 4th in this event in 2012 when troubled; if ready seems the one to beat.

Customer Base

The winner and 9th-place finishers from last captured BHP-Grade 1 and TUP alw. wins next out; all-or-nothing type on synthetic noting her last start at BHP was a last-place finish in the 2012-G1 HOL Oaks; good sign that the 2011-KEE alw. win on synthetic occurred at today's distance.-Art Gropper

Race 9

Perfect Magic Man

Gelding could flash more speed with the blinks this time; he got a feel of this demanding distance and was fit enough to drill a couple of times since last effort; dam s lone win was a route; the sibling to race was one for 14 and it was a route; just may be a good thing in an ordinary race.

Bringon the Wain

Trainer continues to find good spots for his barn; wraps added last time off the extended layoff and he never really raised a gallop; he has shown more speed in the past but the layoff is a worry; try to get a good look at him on the track before taking a shot.

Angel Charge

Runner is never in the money in 8 starts, and fans jump on 7-1 on the drop last time; that kind of should have been the break out race; good speed down the hill two back but he had to hail the taxi cab before the real racing began; would be careful here.

Artic Warrior

Shows for a tag but may have belonged here all along as a $3,700 purchase; dam took on race on grass, earned just over $500 a start in 8 outs; there are several winners in the family including 8 for 38 near $140K earner Seventh Inning; if he can run at all, this should be the day.

Philly Slew

Best race came at Pomona way back in 2010; not good; the last several efforts here have all left a lot to be desired; there just is very little upside after 25 defeats.

Trando's Tremor

Off for nearly 2 full years and that s a hard issue to forgive; 10th finisher in last took a maiden $20K Golden Gate claimer next out and the winner repeated in a $40K starter here; locked down in the bullet blowout at Los Al on Tuesday; needs a rebound run.

Change Your Luck

Never thrilled to see the defeats at Fresno; and that was a pretty short field; beaten over 30 lengths combined in the two local efforts; no speed, no asset; hard to boost.

Trial Spin

Chased tougher early in his career but he just has not picked up when offered for sale; he lost ground late in the route last time; and he has done that before; a lone good sign is the drill on the 30th, but hard to see that as the cure all.

Western Seeker

Off slowly in the debut, same thing across town, and considering he ran into the clear winner in last, the race was not all that bad; lone half sis was 2nd in best result; he should have his sea legs under him by now; rates long look in a weak fray.

Destino

After 26 defeats, just don't know how you paint a rosy picture; he's been a bad actor at the gate of late but was clear for fun in last; winner of the Anita finale repeated in a $16K N2L fray, then was 2nd beaten a half in an $8K seller here last Sunday; another slice?

Pavement

He's 6 and has only beaten one horse so far; dam out of the money 7 times; this is her first to race; needs a total reversal of fortune.

Tux

Off the rail, he has the two races now to build on but he sure didn't impress late in the last effort; he's had several chances to show what he can do in this league but is still seeking the first in-the-money run; hard to adore.

Storm Caution

A stop and start race pattern so far; being beaten double digits every time is not stellar stuff for the resume; maybe he needs a circuit switch before the light will go on.

Warren's Casper

Homebred was at least keen to run a bit in last and the drop can't hurt; 2 for 4 dam was sprint only, earned almost $50K; one sibling lost 11 times, the other took 4 of 18, earned about $45K; may wake up here.-Brian Mulligan