Betfair Hollywood: Closer Looks for November 23, 2013

Race 1

Lieutenant Seany O

Steady progress of late; still, best Beyer came on turf, best result came on dirt; today is first time synthetic; at least Guillot plunked down $65K to claim him out of his bow Aug. 11 and while he's still in for a tag it's hardly a fire sale for this price ($40K); lack of speed is an issue but Garcia stays and it's not like he's facing any monsters.

Anythingtogeteven

Had plenty of chances (9) with just the 1 2nd to show for it; at least that 2nd came just 2 months ago; then again, ti came sprinting on dirt, vs. cheaper, whereas today we're routing, on synthetic, vs. more expensive; at least Maldonado stays and there are 3 nice works since; 2 of 3 sibs are winners including Anything for Gold (route winner).

Being There

First 2 starts weren't very pretty, but remember, both came vs. tougher straight maidens, both came routing and on turf; did show speed in start No. 2 and had a brutal post in start No. 1; now comes the most importan drop in the game and you've seen many a turf horse move to this ground and do well, haven't you?

Showmeister

Figures to be well backed as he showed speed routing at this level Oct. 24 before finishing 4th; that's all well and good, but that was dirt and while he stayed on decently it's not as if he was a factor in the final furlong (beaten 5 1/4 lengths); at least he's not facing much power and has worked twice since; 1 of 5 sibs are winners including Southwest Sarah (3 wins, 2 routing, $11K).

Thunders Echo

Debut wasn't much to be sure, but not only was that Aug. 31 run just his debut but it also came vs. straight maidens; now comes the most significant drop in the game, with some smart works since and Pedroza stays aboard for Hess Jr.; can surely improve, though we don't really know if there's any real talent here, do we?; 2 of 4 sibs are winners including King Soloman (2 wins, $40K, SP).

Growin Up

No factor at all first time out but hey, you can always forgive a debut run, and a lousy start didn't help; nice to see he's actually bumped UP in price; w works since, though they don't exactly get the pulse racing; at least Gryder stays put; 11 of 12 sibs are winners including Indescribable (7 wins, $476K, mutliple G3 SW, multiple SP including a G1) and Micromanage (3 wins, $335K, SW, 3rd in G1 Haskell).

Coolington

Unable to threaten late in first 2 starts, but both did come vs. tougher straight maidens and he showed good speed to duel while setting the pace in his debut on DMR's synthetic track Aug. 25; didn't do much routing on dirt at SA Oct. 12 but he's got a feel for this trip, moves back to synthetihc and the drop is no small matter, and it bodes well there are 3 nice works since, too; 5 of 7 sibs are winners including Sweet Symphony (won 4 of 11 for $646K, won G1 Alabama, G2 SP), Infinite Glory (13 wins, $270k, SW) and Patriotic Flame (8 wins, $291K, SW, 3-time SP).

Race 2

Exotic Slew

Stakes placed runner has run well enough over turf in the past to suggest that he can be a threat in this spot on his best day but it's difficult to give him a favorable push when seeing what he's been up to lately; prefer to keep looking around in here.

Mr. Ornery

When focusing on what he's done in his five starts sprinting over turf, it looks like the turn back in distance can prove to be a key for him; note that he didn't run poorly when finishing behind a couple of today's rivals over this turf course three races ago.

Jonny's Choice

His connections had to be quite pleased with his most recent start when being returned from a very long layoff and it's interesting to see the blinkers getting scrapped for this; he does have to step it up a little bit to prove to be the one in this spot, but not willing to count him out of it.

Full Instinct

He has a high degree of early speed and he had every right to need his most recent race after a long layoff; he's making his first start for a barn that is capable of moving one forward and it's worth noting how well he performed in his only start sprinting over turf prior to this.

Field Report

Consistent performer has been known to settle for minor awards but he's clearly fast enough to be competitive at this level of competition and perhaps the win after a layoff in his latest outing can serve as a confidence builder; have to respect his chances with Bejarano at the controls.

Bro's Bro

Based on the way that this colt performed in his turf debut in his latest outing, he merits top contender status, and it doesn't hurt to see that he's run well both times that he's been sent out with Stevens aboard; the price won't be there like it was last time, but he has the look of a serious player.

Old Man Lake

He ran well in his first start over turf two races back when recording a victory from off the pace but it is of some concern to see all the time off he's needed after a sub par performance in his latest outing.

Race 3

Roust 'Em Bertie

Showed promise early in her career but needed a class drop to $20,000 maiden claimers to find the winners circle. Like the fact that the Bertrando filly returned with three strong drills and may have found her niche as a stretch runner. Talamo back aboard for Puype and the pair win at 18 per cent together

Sweetest Secret

Her two best races were on the Pomona bullring. Far back at Fresno and Betfair Hollywood Park, respectively, in her last two. Interesting that this rider-trainer have teamed up three times, winning all three with a $7.53 ROI. Seems in steep despite the class drop.

Rhodium

Blinkers off for the first time in her career and shortens up for Peter Miller. Quick from the gate at any distance and when Miller removes the hood, the result is 24 per cent winners and a $2.14 ROI. Trainer also proficient with the route-to-sprint angle (20 per cent, $3.64 ROI). Espinoza tries his hand.

Two Blue Hens

Broke her maiden going long against $40,000 maiden claimers and now seeking her proper level and distance. Split the field in a $40k starter allowance turf miler at Golden Gate in her last start. Back home, shortens up and gets a 10-pound weight break with an inexperienced apprentice aboard.

Rolanda

Winless in five two turn races since breaking her maiden going 7 furlongs April 11. Seems to have regressed in her last two since exiting the John Sadler barn, so Gary Sherlock takes the opportunity to drop her into a restricted $25,000 claimer. Sherlock has an outstanding return on investment ($4.95) moving from route to sprint.

Pretzel Logic

Was an also ran in a Fresno allowance race October 6 and has been given a breather by Jeff Bonde. Earned her diploma in a maiden special weight at Sacramento in July. Searching for her level and could be a fit at this condition. Two sharp recent 5 furlong drills are a good sign.

Spacecoast

Rust showed October 13 following a nine-month layoff. Displayed promise earlier in the year at Santa Anita and should appreciate today's class drop. Tactical speed an asset and has trained well since her last.

Real Bright Boots

Sharp second when dropped to this level October 17. High Brite filly is quick from the blocks, drew the friendly outside box and retains the leading rider. Bejarano has ridden only four horses for this trainer over the last two years, but he's won two with a $3.85 ROI.

Race 4

Semtex

Ran to the 31-1-debut odds when passing a few on dirt; adds a half furlong for the 1st-synthetic surface test; her 1-for-19 two-year-old trainer since 2012 who's won just 1-of-14 with 2nd-time starters does not add to the appeal.

Tiz Bliss

Sire is 1-for-26 with 2-year-old debut runners; is out of a 5-for-18 dam (99K) who won her 2nd-career start producing 3 winners from 5 other foals to race including 170K-earner Stage Glitter (11-for-45) who graduated in her 2nd-career race.

U R Lucky

Switches to a synthetic surface off a career-low Beyer 1st blinkers; hot-BHP trainer yields 21% synthetic winners since 2012 while she showed immediate talent in the debut by chasing the winner who repeated in a BSR-starter alw. with a 50 speed figure.

Mini Candy

Working well with a sizzling-BHP rider for her debut; sire is 29-for-194 with 2-year-old debut runners; is out of an unraced dam who produced 1 winner from 2 other foals to race full Candy Trophy (3-for-12, 101K) who graduated in the 3rd-career start; view as a major player at 1st asking in a race lacking superstars; the pick.

Katy's Cookin

Improving-Beyer pattern for this but stamina is the major issue and did not fire nearly as well on synthetic surfaces previously; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 58 in her next-out GG-MSW win; know her early but unsure about late.

Chicago Angel

Nearly 50-1 odds for the debut where she beat 1 runner home adding blinkers and switching to a synthetic surface seeking answers; most runners move forward 2nd-time out and she has plenty of room to move forward for this.

Royaly Dunn

Primed for this going long when no match for She's Flush again; the rider from last pair sides with Mini Candy; declining-Beyer pattern does not help the confidence level while hoping the new-synthetic surface will help carry the speed.

Nancy Wake

Stretches out to her longest-distance test ever for this; expected more run in latest 34 days ago when middle moving on SA dirt at shorter; switches to a synthetic surface today while working steadily on the main track for this; view as a pace presence.

Another Victoria

Returns to a synthetic surface for the 1st time since her field-best Beyer posted in the runner-up finish career debut at shorter; stamina is an issue after fading at shorter but hopes to carry her good-gate speed today a lot longer now back on an all-weather surface.

She's Flush

Down to lowest price-tag ever seeking answers off her lowest Beyer since July when returning to BHP synthetic; her best speed figure was posted on dirt; figures for an ideal trip on best stalking the inside speed; widest drawn so sure to lose ground while her trainer yields just 4% maiden-claiming winners since 2012.

Race 5

Yomybato

His career best Beyer Speed Figure was earned racing over a synthetic surface and he must improve over what he's shown and his three most recent races in order to prove to be a threat; his complete lack of early speed makes him a candidate to be outrun every step of the way.

Liberty Cap

Multiple stakes placed gelding is making his second start since returning to the Taylor barn and it might be worth noting the presence of Gryder elsewhere in here; maybe the return to turf can help, but looking toward others.

Mr. Candy Bar

Minor stakes winner ran well off of a layoff just two starts ago and he did show some late life after falling far out of it early on in his latest outing; he doesn't look like a bad fit at this level of competition, but he is light on recent winning form, and he was beaten by a couple of today's rivals last time.

Husband's Folly

He's run well in back-to-back turf starts prior to this and he finished right behind today's rival Mr. Candy Bar in his latest outing; not going to give him the nod for the top spot, but a minor award appears to be within his reach.

Buenos Dias (IRE)

Maybe this G1 stakes placed veteran has lost his best step, but still feel that he's eligible to show up with a competitive performance against competition of this caliber; third-place finisher from latest won next out here on 6/1 going 1 1/16m vs. 40k OPC's with a 96 Beyer.

Major Magic

Nicely bred turfer looks like one of the more interesting options to consider in here and it doesn't hurt to see that Gryder is sticking with him; consistent performer has run well over this turf course and he figures to be a tough one to keep out of the mix in this spot.

Depreciable

He might be ready to deliver one of his sharper performances while making his third start back from a layoff and he appears to be taking a sensible drop in class for this; he did finish behind today's rival Major Magic in his latest outing, but he wasn't very far behind.

Romeo Royale

Like to see the way that he's been able to regain a little bit of his better form with a return to turf two races back but still looking at this as being a tough bunch of 25-22.5k claimers for him to meet up with; leaning in another direction.

Tama County

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was winless from seven starts; he's run well from off the pace in three consecutive starts prior to this, but this has a chance to prove to be a tough step up in class for him.

Race 6

Fashionably Rich

Drops in for a tag after offering little in her Del Mar MSW debut run; gray has been working well for her return to the races and the barn does boast some solid numbers with its fresh runners; all 4 of the dam's other foals to race are sprint winners.

Goodhumorgirl

Moves back to synthetic footing after fading as the chalk on the drop to this level at Santa Anita; gal who finished in front of her that day returns in this spot as well, but she draws inside the other speed so her lick will likely be on display for as far as she can go.

Pretty Storm

Takes the biggest drop in the game to the claiming ranks which has been a huge success for this outfit of late and they also boast solid numbers with runners in new blinkers; she did force the pace in her lone synthetic spin this summer at Del Mar and maybe the class drop does help her keep going; she's the one to beat.

Wildy Excessive

Sire gets 10% winners with his first out runners and this gal is the first foal to race out of a limited turf winning dam; dirt drills don't suggest she has a lot of ability and the barn hasn't won a race this year.

Quick Approval

Speedy filly improved second out at Santa Anita and now she'll drop for her first synthetic spin; there's other lick in here and that doesn't bode so well for her impacting on the front end today but she is kin to a 4 time sprint winner and maybe the class relief helps.

D'ya Knowwhatimean

Bejarano gets the call on this newcomer whose immediate male pedigree influences suggest he'll be better when stretched out; her sire gets 10% first out winners from his offspring and the unraced dam's lone foal to race was a 3 time route winner.

La Casadora

Adds the hood for her second crack at the level after catching a runaway winner on the Santa Anita dirt; filly didn't do much on synthetic footing first out and will need to keep improving in her return to the surface to have a serious shot here.

Browsing

Made a solid late run to get second money with cheaper in her Santa Anita debut run; the dam's 2 wins came on turf, but this gal is kin to a 2 time sprint winner and she boasts some decent interim synthetic moves so maybe she takes a step forward with the initial experience behind her.

Kahala

Barn hasn't had a lot of recent success with newcomers but this gal does boast some decent gate moves on the Santa Anita dirt; sire gets 9% first out winners from his offspring and the unraced dam dropped winners from each of her 3 foals to race including 217K earner McCarren Park who won 6 sprints in her career.

A P Pepper

Just missed after making a solid late run at a slightly shorter trip first out at Santa Anita; she worked well here before the slow move the other day and the low profile barn does boast a recent second out winner; if things heat up in front of her she could come rolling late.

Race 7

Sweet as a Rose

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; this can be a tricky post position for a first-time starter but a number of her workouts hint at ability.

Famous Alice

Sire wins with approximately 17% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal from a dam who won 2 of 13 turf starts for 102k; Stevens has won with 20 of 72 (28%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Miss Loujean

Like to see what she did in her career debut, her only start over turf, and she's out of a multiple stakes winning dam who won 9 of 16 starts for 363k, including 5 of 7 turf starts for 213k; Charlton is a go-to rider for this barn.

Salsita

Sire has won with 1 of 6 (17%) of his turf starters and dam was winless from 11 starts, and she didn't make a turf start; runner up from latest won next out here on 11/16 going 1 1/16m in a 100k stakes with a 78 Beyer; obvious player.

Keezheekoni

Sire wins with approximately 6% of his first-time starters and with approximately 18% of his turf starters, and dam won 2 of 14 starts for 17k, and she didn't make a turf start; her works looks solid and she attracts the services of Talamo.

Mean Emma Jean

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his first-time starters and with approximately 10% of his turf starters, and dam won once form two starts for 10k without trying turf; this filly is a 1/2 to a stakes winner in Japan; leaning toward some of the other firsters in here.

Midnight Dream

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was winless from five starts, including one turf start; she enters this race off of a useful career debut and Garcia has won with 6 of 12 mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Lust for Life

Sire wins with approximately 6% of his first-time starters and with approximately 11% of his turf starters, and dam won 5 of 17 starts for 151k, including 0-for-1 over turf; inexpensive purchase shows up for a barn that has done well with recent first-time starters.

Keepnherinthedark

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and multiple stakes placed dam won 2 of 23 starts for 160k, including 1 of 12 North American turf starts for 115k; runner up from debut won next out here on 11/7 going 6f vs. 50-40k MCL's with a 53 Beyer.

Birthday Surprise

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his first-time starters and with approximately 10% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal from an unraced dam; her works appear to be only so-so and this barn isn't best known for first-out success.

As Rulers Go

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and G3 winning dam won 9 of 19 starts for 399k, including 5 of 7 turf starts for 312k; this filly is a 1/2 to multiple G1 winner Switch (6-24, $1.4 million, including 0-for-1 over turf).

Madame Heat

Full sister to stakes winner Mr. Chairman (5-15, 347k, including 3 of 9 turf starts for 154k) will need to show more than she has in her first three starts in order to contend; runner up from latest won next out here on 11/16 going 1 1/16m in a 100k stakes with a 78 Beyer.

Divine Way

Sire wins with approximately 7% of his turf starters and dam was winless from three starts, including one turf start; this filly is a 1/2 to Capetown Devil (6-16, 156k, including 1 of 6 turf starts for 35k).

Candy Ore

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his first-time starters and with approximately 13% of his turf starters, and G3 stakes placed dam won 2 of 6 starts for 88k, and she didn't make a turf start; this miss is a 1/2 to multiple stakes placed Rock Me Baby (5-12, 262k, including 3 of 8 turf starts for 188k).

Race 8

Karma King

Debut winner at Del Mar, defeating next-out winner Final Step and earning an 84 Beyer figure, the highest of anyone in this field. Distant second as the odds-on favorite at Golden Gate next out, but acts like he'll enjoy today's added distance. From the rail, Talamo has the option of going to the lead or folding in right behind Beach Hut.

Electric Eddie

Ran the race of his life November 1 in the Golden State Juvenile, finishing a half-length behind Better Bet at 34-1 and one length in front of Del Mar Futurity winner Tamarando. With regular rider Mario Gutierrez at Delta Downs for the Delta Jackpot, Fernando Perez gets the call on the Reddam Racing colorbearer.

Green Mask

Was highly regarded before his first start and didn't disappoint with a commanding victory at Keeneland. The Mizzen Mast colt toyed with his rivals on the front end then showed a whirlwind turn of foot the final quarter to win by 5 1-4 lengths. The Wesley Ward trainee returned to work 5 furlongs in :58 3/5 and Desormeaux follows him west. Need only handle the distance.

Mr. Splash

Talk about a stretch kick. In his debut, the Janavar Thoroughbreds homebred was 11th with an eighth of a mile to go but came flying and somehow got up. The final time wasn't much, however, and it's debatable whether he'll have the same kick around two turns. Worked 1:11 4/5 since and he'll be accompanied by Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith.

Life Is a Joy

Went down to defeat for the first time in the Golden State Juvenile, but had excuses. Normally a pace presser, the Globalize gelding stumbled at the start and dropped well behind the pack early. Despite the trouble, the chestnut was a hard-trying fifth, just two lengths behind the winner. Nakatani takes over for Hollendorfer.

Tamarando

Most accomplished runner in the field with a victory in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity September 4. Closing third in both two turn races, the Grade I Front Runner and the Cal bred Golden State Juvenile. The fact that he worked a half mile in :47 1/5 for Hollendorfer just eight days after his last indicates he bounced out of the race in great shape. Bejarano has won 58 races for this barn (30 per cent) since the beginning of 2012.

Better Bet

Rode an extreme pro-speed bias to a 47-1 upset in the Golden State Juvenile November 1. Cushion Track has been playing much fairer and it probably will take an improved effort to pull off another surprise. The Southern Image colt, however, did defeat Tamarando in breaking his maiden July 21.

Beach Hut

Pressed :21 2/5 and :44 2/5 fractions en route to an easy first-out victory November 3 at Santa Anita. He goes long and steps into a stakes, but Hall of Famer Bob Baffert has outstanding stats (26 per cent) with runners stretching out and with this rider (27 per cent). It will be interesting to see whether he's sent from the outside or tries to drop in just behind the rail horse.

Race 9

Tour Ireland

Gelding could be a bit on the cheap side, but he has tactical speed and at least got a drill across town; cozy slot here, look for Talamo to be aggressive from the sound of the bell; just may take to the California sunshine.

Tuckers Point

Trainer has spotted them just great all year; no luck in Inglewood so far but he ran his eyeballs out in defeat here in the summer; game in the wins vs. winners and that could mean the light has finally gone on; don't sell too short.

Red Sharp Humor

Blinks and the stretch out and it almost worked at 11-1; note runner was clear of the show horse for fun; only the three starts this year and he was off for well over a year; anything close to a repeat of last and the rest could be looking at minor awards.

Bobby Handy

Over 7 clear in the only local outing; the back class is there for all to see and he did improve last time; now with the 2 races to build on now, would expect him to be primed for another move forward; runner has always had a penchant for finding the wire; respect.

Moment of Weakness (IRE)

Decent try in last but he has some familiar foes to deal with once again; gelding has burned some Benjamins since the beach win; he has more speed than he just showed and he figures to have his sea legs under him by now; contender, far from a cinch.

Whipstock

Was far from disgraced in the last stretch out effort when going 9 furlongs; would not be shocked if the Anita dash has him in good stead for this effort; check out the 2nd best of 15 spin on the 15th; this guy looks live.

Only the Gold

Bejarano needed every ounce of muscle to get this gelding up in his last win but it may have zapped the runner; only in the money twice since, and he never looked interested in the last effort; has to hustle.

Afflication

Looms the speed component of the Yakteens; and the good news about that as he proved in the maiden breaker is that he can sit just off the pace if need be; pretty nice confidence builder on the drop in last; repeat could be in store.

Warrens Temptation

One for 58 is just a stat that is hard to look at frankly; out of the money the last 2 times for this price, 0 for 20 here; passing.

Barney Rebel (IRE)

Going good in the spring of last year, pushed into the Grade 1, only in the money once since and he didn't scare the winner that day; he was losing ground late in his best synthetic effort to boot; needs a reversal after the last fiasco.

Cause

Rebel and Cause next door to each other and both have things to prove; runner has been stabled here, a plus, but it's been a long time between drinks; wraps added last time too; not seeing it.

Twin Six

Lost a heart breaker by the nostril here in June; he could have just been pitched over his head in last; clever ride two back with pilot was aggressive into the lane and still had enough in reserved; interesting.

Bank the Eight

Pool shark has been dancing with tougher; proven local, on the wrong surface down the hill at Anita and Espinoza got a chance to figure him out; hailing from a cagey barn, tab tote action.

Beer Meister

Trainer has been winning races in bunches in Phoenix; a hot claim box item early in the year, he ran away and hid from rivals for this price in June; legit player if scratches are kind.