Betfair Hollywood: Closer Looks for November 11, 2013

Race 1

Senator Bob

First time under purchase price, gelding was far from disgraced on the hill last time; the first red flag is fact he had to take 2012 off; the other is the vanned off line three back; 8/31 place horse won next out in a $25K claimer, then ran out of the money in a $32K seller; backers have to hope the drop shakes him up.

Bank the Eight

He opened the year running in a Graded race, then dropped several floors on 8/25 and has regressed badly since; now he triple drops, probably not the best of signs; needs a total reversal of fortune.

Cook Inlet

Carefully placed, he's run well here without winning so far; he got a boost when the winner of last repeated in a $10K starter with an 84 Beyer; he was getting to the winner the last time on this surface in May and a repeat of that race would put him right on the wire.

Noble Kent

Have always liked this kind of a jumper as it exudes confidence; he may have just hated the Pomona surface and there are a lot of ways to get beat at that venue; versatile enough to lead or come from left field and still get it done; repeat well within the scope.

Joe Carl

Opened year beating higher-priced foes but he has not been able to duplicate that 90 figure; 5 of his 12 wins have been local and note show horse in last was well clear; have always liked the claim back angle, barn won a 2-way shake, and note Hess has had this guy multiple times; should be around the wire once again.

Race 2

Strollin Home

Beat just one runner home after taking a little bit of money first out at Santa Anita but her barn does do a nice job moving forward runners who have had a race; her SP dam did win routing and banked 76K prior to dropping 2 multiple sprint winners including G2 SP, SW and 157K earner Made to Love Her, so maybe she takes a good step forward with the initial experience behind her and handles the added ground.

Elegant Trick

Drops in for a tag after touring the back of the pack in her Santa Anita turf debut; maybe the return to synthetic helps as that's the type of footing over which she's run best thus far and she did blow out well for this last week; nice to see Bejarano take the call.

Raja's Rose

Hood goes on the field's most experienced runner who should have some bottom for the turn back to sprint off a couple of dirt route spins; maybe the new equipment helps keep her within striking range early and she's not facing a particularly tough bunch; consider.

Snort'n Matilda

Didn't offer much in either of her 2 dirt spins at Fairlplex; she's been working over the local footing for a while now but the barn is winless on the year and this gal's lone sib to race was 0 for 12 on the track.

Reva

She's another trying synthetic footing for the first time after a couple of double digit length defeats on dirt; her initial route try wasn't much but she is the first foal to race out of a dam whose 3 wins all came going long so maybe she moves forward second time at 2 turns; still, a minor award would probably be her ceiling.

Blameitonthecat

Wasn't beaten much down the Santa Anita hill in her second crack at the MSW level for this barn; filly gets back to synthetic footing over which she wasn't beaten much against better in her career debut at Del Mar; this is her softest bunch yet and each of her 2 sibs is a multiple sprint winner; she looks to be the one to catch and beat in this spot.

Shopping Savannah

Boasts a bullet drill for the drop to this level in her initial stretchout try; filly had early trouble sprinting on synthetic footing first time out but wasn't far off the runner up behind an easy winner at Santa Anita; dam hit the board a couple of times without winning from 5 route spins and none of her foals have been sent long; can get in the mix for a share.

Impeccably

Took some money first out in her Santa Anita main track debut but trailed the entire way in that sprint heat; she'll break from the outside slot today but she worked long for this on Halloween and is kin to a 2 time route winner so it wouldn't be a surprise to see her go better with the initial experience behind her.

Race 3

Burns Turn

None of the seven entered has won on turf, but the Henny Hughes filly finished second sprinting on this course May 12. She was forced wide on the first turn from the 11 hole last time and essentially lost all chance. She moves inside today, Bejarano sticks with her and if she repeats her Del Mar finale, she'll be tough.

Sweet Tess

Wanted no part of Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Beholder in the Torrey Pines Stakes, finishing 24 lengths behind that one. Daughter of Afleet Alex will appreciate the class drop, however her one turf effort was poor and she's been away for 10 weeks.

Marina Del Heat

Registered a 9-1 upset in her first turf route, but it should have been no surprise considering she's a daughter of Unusual Heat. Three-year-old has now taken two of her last three for Sutherland-Kruse and should be competitive on the raise. This rider-trainer combo is 2-for-14 with a giant $9.09 ROI.

Pebble Beach Baby

Won first off the claim for O'Neill three back, then struggled and finished last in her next start. Moved back to turf October 18 and flattened out. Both victories were around one turn so she may have distance limitations. Could possibly try for the lead in a relatively paceless field.

Somethingabouther

Was right off Burns Turn's flank at Del Mar and came back with another good effort October 11 at Santa Anita. Consistently puts up strong Beyers and her tactical speed should play well in this field. The War Chant filly will be reunited with David Flores.

Indygo F M A

Shortened up and clicked down the hillside course in her ninth trip postward. She's run well at this distance and was second in both starts on this course. Coming out of a sprint, she should be able to secure a good early position under Joe Talamo. This rider, trainer combo has been very successful (22 per cent).

Buckingham Bull

Runnerup three straight, including a narrow defeat to Marina Del Heat in her last start. Will have to hustle from the outside post but should be able to avoid going too wide with only six challengers. Since the beginning of 2012, Corey Nakatani has ridden for Cerin eight times, with three wins and a return on investment of $4.85 for every $2 wagered.

Race 4

Sweet Sunshine

Vast improvement a month ago with the blinker addition; latest workout was an upgrade as well and if he can equal or surpass the last run, he is one of the main contenders here; reverts to Maldonado who has done well for this barn.

Seamark

Despite the surface switch, he can prove to be the main speed; his sire won a G2 and 769K while the dam was a G1 winner who banked 1.32 million; among the winning siblings is 132K earner Jinni.

Crucero

Beaten favorite finished strong but belatedly in the last run; may have to deal with a more commonplace early pace here and that might compromise his chances; was caught very wide when defeated by Sweet Sunshine 2 back.

Secretsatmidnight

Moved to command early but then had traffic trouble thereafter when losing of some of these rivals a month ago; his sire is sprint champion Midnight Lute who captured 2.69 million; the dam won 3 of 9 and 45K; this is her only foal to compete.

Expo and Fig

Very respectable try last month while a big price; his sire was a G2 victor who netted 319K; the dam was zero for 3 lifetime; winning siblings include 66K earner Diplomatic Gal; can prove to be the right value play in this contest.

Wicked Finance

Exits the same race as several of these same rivals but did not threaten that day; he was in definite need of that outing and can improve if there is a more accelerated tempo here; personal best Beyer was achieved locally.

Well Lawyered

Fair tightening effort last month especially in light of the slow getaway; his sire won 12 of 26 attempts and 2.79 million; the dam won 4 of 8 and 181K; winning siblings include 120K earner Prenuptial; recent workout activity is sharp.

Apostle Paul

Been given 10 chances already and the sole main track effort was dull; continues the them of this race as he is making his second start back following a break; latest half-mile drill was an improvement but it will likely prove insufficient.

Super Sam

New face was sired by the brilliant Medaglia d'Oro who won multiple G1s and 5.75 million (his progeny have won 10 percent of their initial races); the dam never raced; there are no winning siblings to highlight; respect.

Seeking the West

Must avoid a slow getaway which was the case in his first 2 outings; his sire won the G1 Santa Anita Handicap and 1.17 million; the dam was unraced; among the winning siblings is 106K earner Buckeye Heart; switches to the red-hot Mike Smith.

Race 5

Aqua Revelation

The long layoff is a concern, but this colt has run well since taking blinkers off and stretching out in distance at second asking; his dam was G1 stakes placed while winning 4 of 29 starts for 344k, including 3 of 24 turf starts for 313k; Garcia has won with 61 of 249 (24%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Citron Kid

He enters this race off of a useful performance after a layoff and he might be ready to give a good account of himself with that effort in tow, but he's yet to post a 1-2 finish from seven starts, and his best effort might prove to be below what the top contenders in here are capable of.

Cervaro

He shares the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here with Aqua Revelation, but this runner owns the recency edge; he's out of a multiple stakes winning dam who won 6 of 11 starts for 246k, including 2 of 3 turf starts for 72k; Bejarano has won with 27 of 87 (31%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Navarre (GB)

He's a full to multiple G1 winner Proviso (9-23, $1.7 million, including 4 of 5 North American turf starts for 930k) and a half to G1 winner overseas Byword (7-16, $1 million), but he is going to need to be ready to deliver his sharpest performance to date to beat these.

Proven Warrior

He really ran too well in his first two starts to still be a maiden, but here he is, and his connections are hoping he can regain the form he displayed early on in his career while giving turf another try; runner up from latest won next out at SA on 10/6 going 1m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 78 Beyer.

Maxx the Giant

It's not that he isn't fast enough to prove to be competitive in this spot, it's just tough to back him for the top spot when considering that he's seeking his first win in his 14th start; prefer to limit him to a spot underneath in the exotics.

Adamor

He's been soundly defeated in his first two starts after going to post at long odds and he's obviously going to need to find a way to show up with a drastically improved performance in order to contend.

Mikey T

He's been a consistent performer in his seven turf starts, and he's capable of dialing up a pretty sharp effort on his best day; however, he's another in here who has been hanging around the maiden ranks for a while; a minor award might prove to be the ceiling.

Fast Mast

His one top three finish was earned in his career debut sprinting over dirt, and he's yet to produce a performance that is strong enough to suggest that he has what it takes to get the better of this bunch; he looks like more of an outsider.

Race 6

Moonlit Meteor

Ran super in defeat October 12th, battling back along the rail for second despite being bothered midstretch. Returns at the same level, but unfortunately moves from the outside to the rail. Paul Aguirre and Iggy Puglisi have a fine record together at Betfair Hollywood Park over the last two years, winning 17 per cent with a $2.65 ROI.

Eight Stitches

On the comeback trail for Jeff Bonde after sitting out 11 months. Graduated first out at Golden Gate in a maiden special weight and returned six weeks later to just miss in an optional claimer. Big class drop for return but has trained well. Bonde, Maldonado have been a productive team (23 per cent, $2.45 ROI).

Rocky Barboa

Ran well in both starts on Cushion Track to begin his career. Raced evenly in last three while tackling better. Class drop is logical and Bisono has ridden the Rocky Bar gelding all five start. Freshened for this and worked a half-mile in a bullet :46 4/5 November 5.

Shining Son

Spun his wheels twice in a row, so Vann Belvoir lowers the sophomore to a career low claiming price. Sutherland-Kruse has been productive for this trainer, winning at 19 per cent with a $3.31 ROI. Will be running on late but must stay in early contact to have a chance.

Warren's Tyler S.

Surprised maiden claimers last out at Santa Anita in his 14th start. Like the improvement he showed, but may be in a couple of levels too steep. Did come back with two solid drills and Hastings import Fernando Perez won with his first Betfair Hollywood Park mount opening day.

Broker Brett

Dropped from maiden $40k to $20k and graduated with authority. Doug O'Neill red-tagged the More Than Ready colt and places him in a logical spot. O'Neill strikes at 24 per cent first off a claim and his record with Martin Pedroza is even better (30 per cent, $2.01 ROI). Dangerous right back.

Ranulf

Earned an astronomical 97 Beyer second time out, but then the wheels came off. Maybe a return to Cushion Track will wake him up because three straight double-digit defeats have landed the $190,000 Keeneland purchase in a $25,000 non-winners of two lifetime. Always have to respect these connections.

Congregationalist

Has a second and third in two starts at this level and should run well again with leading rider Bejarano back aboard. Only victory came on Cushion Track last June. Continues to train well (:59 3/5) and should be stalking a moderate pace from the outside.

Condiment

Finally put up for sale after losing his last 12 starts. Joe Talamo gets the call from Northern California trainer Joe Brooks, who is doing well (15 per cent) with limited stock this year. Not sure where he fits around here, but this is a good starting point.

Race 7

Krazypapaya

Lone win was stalking the pace; she is winless (4-0-1-0) since; reunites with the win rider for this; today is 1st time with blinkers on and racing on a synthetic surface; 21%-winning turf-to-synthetic trainer adds to the appeal; returns off a 10-week layoff noting her lone win was off a similar-80-day freshening.

Rebelution

Slow from the gate in both races; the debut effort was a turf win then showed noting on dirt in last vs. the show runner who Beyered 76 in his next-out SA alw. win then repeated in a BHP alw. with an 85; 1st time on synthetic for a 13%-win trainer on this surface; has been working forwardly off the more than 8-month layoff.

Long Legged Lovely

Winless since February, 2012, scoring an SA-turf 25K-claimer at 1 Mile; both wins were racing from midpack which was the trip she received in last when no match for the runner-up finisher who Beyered 63 in a next-out SA-8K-claiming win; winless on synthetic and her July loss on DMR synthetic was not very enticing.

Van Dien Avenue

Lone win was when settling in mid-pack on turf; defeated over 30 lengths combined in 2 synthetic-surface losses she has much to prove on this type of oval; faded in latest with a steady-dirt workout for this; 0-for-25 turf-to-synthetic trainer since 2012 does not add to the appeal.

Tiz a Classy Lass

Late runner owns an improving-Beyer pattern but leaves grass for the 1st time for a 2-for-29 trainer turf-to-synthetic; the added distance adds to the appeal but the BHP workouts for this does not help the cause; clearly talent here trying to avoid a bounce off a new Beyer Top following a 107-day layoff and back in 29 days for this; attracts rider Bejarano who seemingly had other options here.

Flaxen Maiden

Graduated on grass when breaking next-to-last then rallying like a wild filly to upset off an 84-day absence; back in just 17 days for this so a big chance of a bounce here; her 2-back synthetic-surface start was her best try on this type of oval but clearly has preferred the green during career.

Akiss Forarose

Winless in 18 races since her career debut June, 2012, a 5F-BHP-MSW synthetic surface event where she rallied from 7th at the 1st call; was screaming out for more distance on turf in last and gets it here; finally back on BHP synthetic; the last time racing on this oval was in a 245K stakes loss; defeated the 2-back show runner a next-out 72 Beyer winner taking an SA-25K claimer; stretch-running contender for win honors.

Keldy

Benefits greatly seemingly as the lone speed in a race lacking any other pace; defeated the runner-up finisher from last who Beyered 79 in a next-out SA-MSW win; has just 1 race going this far was a late fade but was beaten under 2 lengths for all the money; can she win on a synthetic surface?; lone try on this surface 2-back saw her break midpack then middle moved; good-SA dirt works for this; seems the one to catch and beat.

Blazen All Star

Rider from last takes Tiz a Classy Lass who beat her on turf; BHP-synthetic graduate when scoring from a stalking trip figures to track Keldy from the gate then get 1st run on the closers; reunites with the win rider at today's disatnce; since leaving dirt she has fired 5 consecutive-strong efforts; scary if moves forward 2nd time back off the 10-week absence and can turn the tables now back to her win surace; posted a sharp-SA dirt workout for this; the pick.

Race 8

Tenkiller Kid

Shades off, Bejarano on; this is his easiest spot since being claimed in July; note he was forced to steady in the turf outing; he needs help on the front end but Anytime and Grant should provide an honest pace; can't be counted out.

Perfect Magic Man

Five and still trying, he has trained solidly for this accentuated by the blowout last Wednesday; he took his fair share of action in a troubled debut off a work tab that included a 1:13 1/5 drill; one for 5 dam took a route; one for 14 half bro to race also took a route; a clean start and it could be a whole new ballgame.

Army Commander

Boxcars everytime and is looking at the same fate here; beaten over 13 in the 2 local efforts; not sure how to spin this form in the right direction.

Change Your Luck

Yet to run in the money and he has limited speed; never thrilled to see multiple defeats at Pomona followed by a Fresno flop; 9/18 place horse did graduate next out here at this level with a 74 Beyer; he did pass horses the other time at this trip; value should be there.

Warren's Cliff S.

Been around the wire a few times but really threw in a clinker in last; pretty nice spin last Tuesday, but with his style, things will have to break just right.

Anytime

Improving and it seems that he has found his proper level; gelding has lost ground in the lane every single time and now has to go farther than he ever has been; show horse in the 2012 closer has won twice since, but the last was just in a $3200 N2L ARP seller; in good hands, he fits in the Beyer department; respect.

Swiss Sword

Wraps and blinks last time and at least he flashed some semblance of speed; check out the best of 26 bullet on Thursday; could see him pushing the issue but you get the feeling if runner is looked in the eye, he'll blink.

Storm Caution

He's been close up early a couple of times but only briefly; homebred did flash speed the last time in Inglewood; just may be the bomb in the gimmicks.

Grant

Gelding did everything but get unsaddled in last; he has experience now at this demanding distance and note the show horse in last was over 3 clear; place horse the day he was claimed graduated in this league, was out of the money twice in Phoenix; just may proven elusive this time.

Puerto Williams

Colt bided his time from the marooned slot in last and then scared the winner with a solid close at boxcars; Krigger got a chance to figure him out; must proven last race was not a mirage.

Excessive Tequila

Soph seemed to be figuring it out at Del Mar, then was overmatched on the wrong surface last time; more experienced pilot takes the reins here; he has a shot to run much better today.

Coranto

Too little, too late at Fresno, then the regression last time; troubled when failing to beat half the field home the last time in town; needs very best.

Deception Free

Drawn better here, like fact he has been stabled here and if you figure he just needed the last, then you can make a case for a move forward; 3/14 place horse graduated next out in this very league, lost next several but was 2nd beaten just a neck 10/30 at Charles Town in an $8K claimer; tab snappy move on the third; valid threat.

Wildcat Candy

Bothered early, forced to check, still got a slice last time; good draw here so bug will not have to gun early at all costs; like the way he closed some in his debut at this distance; another slice?

Dickery Do

Blinks re-added, hard to see that as the cure all; after being beaten over 18 twice in a row, it's hard to pull the trigger here.

Proud Boss

Maybe he just needed the last effort; he did flash career speed last time; his top career Beyer was local but routing; homebred still can't be counted out.