Betfair Hollywood: Closer Looks for November 28, 2013

Race 1

Sunland Vintage

Claimed for $12,500 in March, ran poorly that day and was sidelined since November 16. Had trained well into her comeback and was given a confident class hike, but the Terrell filly never got involved and finished sixth. Lowered two floors and gets a positive rider change, but is stuck on the rail.

Smil'n From Above

Lifetime record (29 1-7-9) is similar to that on Cushion Track (11 0-2-5). Even third in latest and once again gets weight off with seven-pound apprentice Gonzalo Nicolas, whose business has been picking up. Drops a notch, but still more likely to get a small piece than the top prize.

Brown Is Beige

Flashed speed in her Hastings Park comeback before faltering to fifth. Claimed for $8,000 by Robertino Diodoro, who brings the 5-year-old back to Betfair Hollywood Park, where she has one victory and one second in two starts. Trained OK for this, however there is a gap in her works from October 31 to November 14.

Inner Groove

Winningest gal in the lineup with six victories is coming off a good second to multiple winner Rossi Reserve at a higher level, retains the leading rider and has finished in the money four of five on this race track. Handles any distance and appears to be sitting on a big effort for Jack Carava.

Negra Tomasa

Eased at a flat mile at Del Mar and hasn't been seen since. Slightly better around one turn, but hasn't won in well more than a year and is only 2-for-31 lifetime. Trainer winless this year and a form reversal is unlikely.

Lia Juliana

Having a long year (0-for-13) and rider, trainer are a combined 0-for-37 this meeting. Daughter of Cat Dream did pick up her game last time, finishing a close third, albeit at a lower level. Owns a victory on Cushion Track and once could step with this kind.

Race 2

Sable in Silks

Sire is 53-for-460 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 2-0-0-0 dam (3K) who's only other foal to race is 1-0-0-0 full Coco Noir; the rail draw can be a tricky post position for any inexperienced runner; mild worktab on display for 1st asking.

Dreamy Blues

Chased a sharp runaway winner in last while figuring to be a very-tough customer with a 2nd-time out improvement; cutting back a half furlong does not help the cause as the synthetic surface today is a mystery; wish the workouts for this were snappier.

Sea John's Spirit

Goes to a 36% barn 1st-time out with newly-acquired runners; dueled into defeat pre-rest and seems the one to catch in this spot; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 76 in her next-out BHP-MSW win; the debut-show runner Beyered 79 in a next-out SA-MSW victory.

Sierra Song

Sire is 7-for-96 with 1st-time starters; is out of a SW-dam (3-for-24, 152K) who produced 6 winners from 7 other foals to race including G3-SW Discreet Hero (13-for-49, 681K); tough to take the trainer's 0-for-32 mark with 1sters since 2012.

Mesana

Sire is 30-for-360 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 3-for-13 dam (108K) who's only other foal to race is full 3-0-1-2 Victory Mast (22K); November 8 bullet workout over the track suggest she will come out running at 1st asking and seems the best of the 1sters.

Lyla Della

The blinkers for last did not produce the improved effort expcted; the winner and runner-up finisher Beyered 84-82 in next-out SA-MSW and optional-claiming wins; 89 days since finishing last when troubled she's beaten 1 runner in 2 losses.

Shandy

Better-turf try but appeared to be screaming out for more distance off the even-green loss; unveiled vs. the runner-up finisher who Beyered in her next-out win; workout for this was not very enticing; 1-for-24 jockey-trainer combo suggests we back others up top.

Humor Me

Field-best Beyer was in the debut on dirt but showed nothing in last over the same SA-main track with a career-low speed figure; the show runner from last graduated next out with in an SA-MSW event with an 84 Beyer; the 2-back runner-up graduated next out in an SA-MSW race with a 73.

Race 3

Highly Rated

Several positive stats in her favor. Returned from an 11-month rest October 24 and claimed by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer, who wins at 29 per cent first off the claim and 24 per cent moving from route to sprint. The trainer has an even better percentage (30) when he uses Rafael Bejarano. Love the Redattore filly's work tab--four well spaced moves, the first just seven days after she ran.

Creditcardroulette

Exits a strong $40,000 turf sprint in which she was non-competitive. Ran well on this course in April, but hasn't hit the board in five subsequent starts. Both lifetime wins were at Betfair Hollywood Park; one on turf and one on Cushion. Since the start of 2012, trainer, rider duo is 17 per cent, with a $2.26 return on investment.

Sibella

Pulled up and vanned off the track a year ago. Returns with a new trainer, who is only 6-for-112 in 2013. Has keen speed when right, but her work pattern is suspect, with several glaring gaps.

Sleep Tight

Game victory here during the Spring/Summer meeting, but her last two were awful against the same class level. Three of her six lifetime victories were on this course, so improvement is possible. Trainer Mike Pender has a fine record (28 per cent, $2.86 ROI) in turf sprints and this rider was the last to have won with her.

Tangerine Tickle

Flattened out in her last two starts, both at a mile on turf. Has performed much better in grass sprints, with one victory and two close seconds in three tries. Has two straight bullet works, drops into a claimer for the first time and moves back to her best distance. Major contender.

Woebegon

Second down the hill in January, the last time she tried turf, but the Florida bred was in better form then. Feast or famine in the 4-year-old's last five, with two wins but three out of the money finishes. All six of her victories have come on the main track and other speed in today's lineup hurts her chances.

Lady Katfish

Both of her victories were on the Santa Anita dirt. Four grass starts have produced one third place finish. Wasted a perfect trip in a turf miler October 18 and hurries back to the sprint game for Jim Casidy. Trainer, however is only 7 per cent with the route-to-sprint angle.

With a Miracle

Good form at Del Mar and Santa Anita, but has had her problems on this surface (4 0-1-0). Ron Ellis and Victor Espinoza have been a formidable duo over the last two years, winning 14 of 44 with a $2.57 ROI. Stalking style should be effective in a field top-heavy with front runners.

All On the Table

Triple winner in 2012 has had trouble getting untracked this year. Has been given a 10-week respite since her last and trainer Leonard Powell has a solid record (18 per cent, $2.73 ROI) with runners returning in this time frame. Key rider change to Martin Garcia, who has success with the Holy Bull mare.

Blushing Martha

Ran like a short filly November 16 after nine months on the sidelines, however her trainer has lost his last seven second time off a layoff. Back at her purchase price for Gary Stute and did win nicely at this trip during this meeting last year. Outside post could compromise her chances.

Race 4

Anillo

It's a step up in class to be sure, but he comes here sharp and this isn't the strongest renewal of this race we've seen so you can't blame 'em for taking a shot; Bonde continues his strong work and this guy has the speed to flee the rail, though using his speed to do so may lead him right into the teeth of a duel what with sizzlers Roman Threat, Majestic Stride and Chosen Miracle signed up as well; may be peaking, but even so, a career-top Beyer of 85 means another significant move forward is required if he's to have a say.

Handsome Mike

Ran better in the G1 BC Turf Sprint than it looks on paper; left himself with a lot to do against some real beasts, and while he's won on turf that isn't his best game; this is more likely his best footing and the nice thing about that BC Turf Sprint run is it also represented a move forward after a string of dull outings; has the versatility to give his rider options, and with ample speed signed up here he may fall into a dream trip sitting behind some dueling leaders.

Roman Threat

Chased a brutal pace in the G1 SA Sprint Championshipo Oct. 5 and that proved too much for him; not only was that race-shape against him but it was also just his 2nd start back after nearly a year and a half on the bench; only local start saw him win the G3 Los Angeles; yes, that was in May 2012 but the fact Baffert brought him back off the long layoff in a couple stakes and keeps him in a stakes here encourages, and a sharp :59.40 work Nov. 6 says he's doing well; big quesiton is whether the rail horse and/or 'Stride and 'Miracle to his right cause him too much early grief.

Majestic Stride

G1 BC Sprint 4th was excellent; after all, his best work has come when using his speed but against those sizzlers he was forced to come from OFF the pace...and he darn near got the job done; that shows versatility but he doesn't face anything like that kind of speed early this time, meaning he figures right up there with Roman Threat, Chosen Miracle and maybe Anillo from the start; but at least now you know that if he does get outrun early he can sit just off those guys and jump on 'em in the lane.

Chosen Miracle

Plenty of speed here and while he's shown it primarily on turf note how he sizzled on DMR's synthetic a couple years ago; form tailed off in the spring but he's been freshened by Hollendorfer who's on a roll right now; also, his work off the bench before has been very smart, and it's most encouraging Hollendorfer opts for a try at this instead of finding a turf race for him; even so, what's he to do about the 2 or 3 other speedsters in here, hmmmm?

Color of Courage

Last seen running 5th in a pair of G1 sprints; trouble is, 'last seen' was in July 2011 so we''re talking a long, long layoff; at least it's very nice to see Gutierrez picked a spot like this for his return and note this guy's 3 races here were superb including Beyers of 100 and 101, though again, those came in 2011 so there's been a lot of water under the bridge since; at least stylewise he should get a nice pace to chase but that layoff is a pretty significant hurdle.

Race 5

Elusive Journey

Always have a tough time giving these long time maidens the nod for the top spot and this 5-year-old hasn't been at his best in his two most recent races since being returned from a layoff; prefer to limit this one to a minor award.

Hurryhank

He's run well in both of his starts to begin his career, and his latest outing was over turf; Northern California shipper finds a decent spot to make his Southern California racing debut; he has his share of appeal with Talamo taking the call.

Admiral Rowan

From six career starts, this 5-year-old has topped out at 6 along the Beyer Speed Figure scale; his lack of early speed makes him a candidate to be outrun from start to finish; strictly an outsider.

Little Unusual

He's another in here still trying to clear the maiden hurdle after many starts, and that alone is a reason to look in another direction for the top spot; maybe his best effort can land him a solid share of the prize, but it's tough to recommend him for anything more than a minor award.

Gentlemen Pete

He's had 20 chances at maidens prior to this and he's another in here who is probably best used underneath in the gimmicks; his best effort is clearly fast enough to get him into the mix against these, but not willing to recommend him for anything more than a minor award.

Good Company

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; Delaney-homebred is an interesting looking firster as a few of his workouts hint at ability; interesting to see Gutierrez land here.

Thunder Cole

Maybe there's something to be said for Gutierrez hopping aboard a firster in here for the O'Neill barn, but this gelding is clearly a threat to walk away with the top prize, and Bejarano gets the call; there's a chance that the early pace will be slow to develop and that would be to his liking.

Wings of Mojave

He's been a consistent performer through his first four starts and like to see that he recorded his best finish to date in his latest outing while making his first start back from a layoff; he's an interesting option to consider while being reunited with Espinoza.

Mr. Cappuccino

Not only does he sport an 0-for-23 race record, but his best effort doesn't appear to be strong enough to get him into the mix against these; plus, he's probably better off at distance a shorter than today's one mile assignment.

Italian Mirage

Sire has won with 2 of 11 (18%) turf starters and dam won 5 of 12 starts for 164k, including 3 of 5 turf starts for 115k; this colt is a 1/2 to multiple stakes winner Kalookan Dancer (8-30, 404k, including 1 of 9 turf starst for 91k).

Red Globe

The outside post isn't ideal at this trip but this gelding looks like he fits right in with this bunch; runner-up from latest returned to win next out at GG on 9/6 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 73 Beyer; note how well he performed back in May after taking some time off.

Race 6

Too Obvious

Blinker addition and drop to this level nearly did the trick earlier in the month; may face much more intense pace opposition today, however; switches to Bejarano who has an exceptional win percentage for these connections.

Curvy Kitten

Chased a solid tempo in her first run before fading; her sire won 6 of 22 and 368K while the dam won 1 of 6 and 10K; among the winning siblings is 292K earner Curvy Cat; can show much more in the way of pace today.

Notonthefirstdate

New face was sired by Cindago who won 2 of 3 attempts and 98K; his progeny have won 6 of 36 initial starts; the dam was 1 for 13 earning 73K; winning siblings include 89K earner Ghost N Your Heart; steady, mid-level, work tab on view.

Everheart

Descendants of El Corredor, a G1 winner who captured 727K, have won their first test at a rate of 9 percent; the dam won 5 of 27 and 225K; winning siblings include 15K earner Hot Roxx; fair gate workout 10 days ago.

In Dad's Honor

Raced evenly in her second venture and now, 2 months later, tries the claiming realm for the first time; her sire won multiple G1s and 1.33 million; the dam was sturdy, a winner of 11 of 45 and 170K; sib to 13K earner Hula Hoop Girl.

Time Linda Goteven

Beginner hails from 150K earner Time to Get Even whose offspring are 2 for 16 as far as winning their first test; the dam was without a tally in 2 attempts; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Vegas Bound

Had some trouble in her comeback race last month; flashed some respectable gate speed in previous ventures and the latest half-mile drill did show improvement; gets in light now and can be a pace factor of some concern.

Princess Genevieve

This grey was sired by Whatsthescript, a multiple G2 victor who amassed just over a million dollars (his descendants have won 1 of 3 debuts); the dam won 1 of 4 and 21K; this is her only foal to compete.

Council Talk

Worked today's distance from the gate recently; her sire won 5 of 23 starts and 342K but offspring of Council Member are zero for 21 thus far in their first try; the mom won 6 of 13 and 103K; sib to 29K earner Miracle Merger.

Glance's Rule

Her sire won 2 of 4 races and 77K (progeny of Tribal Rule have won 49 out of 354 initial races); the dam won 3 of 28 attempts and 31K; sib to 323K earner Moving's Gold; recent workout activity is modest.

Race 7

Pure Loyalty

Steps up and stretches out off a solid late running score down the hill; he ran big over the course earlier in the year and there does look to be some pace up top to help set up his kick; barn has had a pretty nice start to the stand and the new pilot is certainly capable; contender.

Outside Nashville

Didn't do much in either of his recent spins against graded stakes foes; he did take well to the lawn first time over it this summer, but he's got some improving to do in order to have a say in the outcome against this bunch; expecting he'll be another big price.

Just Win Baby

Returns from the freshening to try the lawn for the first time for this new barn after being given some time off a couple of scores over quite a bit cheaper than he'll catch in here; sire is 1 for 30 with his first time turfers and the dam dropped a 3 time turf winner from 2 foals to try the footing.

Dry Summer

Lures Bejarano off a solid pace effort at Santa Anita earlier this month; maybe he moves forward second time both back from the break and in blinkers and is able to secure a spot just off the pacesetters early; can't count him out off his late.

Den's Legacy

Colt was pretty solid in each of his 2 G2 surface tries this summer at Del Mar before coming up empty in his return from the short break at Santa Anita; been a long time since he's won, but that score did come over the course in the G3 Generous a year ago and maybe he's set to bounce back for this hot outfit; contender.

Fury Kapcori

G1 SP colt tries the green for the initial time after just missing the place against older allowance runners on the Santa Anita main track; he's kept pretty good company this year and the barn does do ok with its turfers; sire gets 7% first time surface winners and the dam was a limited grass winner whose 4 other foals to race all won on the green including G2 SW and 410K earner Tizfiz; giving him the nod to take to the footing and beat them home.

Rosengold

Speedster stretches out after again saving little for the drive while sprinting down the Santa Anita hill; colt should be able to make the lead at this trip and each of his last 2 scores has come at today's 2 turn trip; they'll have to come and get him.

Procurement

Cuts back a panel after running out of ground in the troubled G2 Twilight Derby earlier in the month; colt is often close and maybe a cleaner trip helps him get more involved for a barn that's had a great stand thus far; using him underneath in exotics.

Avare

Brings plenty of route speed to the table and he'll have to use it from an outside starting slot today; maybe he's able to secure a trip tracking the stretchout sprinter and the cut back to this trip can't hurt, but don't know that he's good enough to threaten for the top spot.

China Prince

Cal bred tries a tougher bunch after getting up to beat restricted runners as the chalk; he's been in the exacta in each of his 3 surface spins so we know he likes the footing, but he'll lose his pilot and start from a tough draw today; tough to get excited about his chances.

Race 8

Just Dancing

Shirreffs 0 for 13 with MSW to maiden claiming moves the last 5 years but 2 ran second, and one was beaten a half at 15-1; walked out of the game when probably just overmatched; nothing wrong with the spacing of the return drills; one of a number in here showing for a tag for the first time, any are eligible to jump up and run huge; 2 for 13 dam earned about $65K, was route only; all 3 siblings won; the best was probably near $70K earning double winner Ready to Fly; got a feeling we have not seen the best of this one.

Elusive Luci

Gave backers a nice 43 second thrilled down the hill at 18-1; dam 0 for 9; both siblings won multiple races including juvenile winner, double stakes winner and near $250K earner Stormy Lucy; not a ton of speed in here, could get brave with a lonely lead.

Room for Me

Harlington 4 for 48 with debuters; sire took debut at two, won a Grade 2, banked almost $400K; stakes winning 4 for 22 dam earned nearly $130K; lone half sis was out of the money 4 times; like fact she drilled farther than this race is carded for cagey barn but wonder how high the expectation can be for this $1,000 purchase.

Princess of Pearl

The Del Mar finale came back ultra live; the place horse took a $40K starter next out, show horse beat $32K claimers, 4th finisher won a $40K claimer and the 9th finisher was 2nd a neck in a $16K seller; legit trouble in the first 2 starts, but love the spacing of the return drills; due.

Kid Rollins

Full Mandate about 5% with debuters in a 245-runner sample; SW sire took 5 of 15, earned almost $200K; dam 0 for 13; the 2 siblings to race are a combined 0 for 9; miss looks fit enough for barn that has been firing on all cylinders.

Lucky Lady

Trainer is 14% with MSW to maiden claiming moves the last 5 years; homebred educated on the grass and like the fact she has a couple of solid local drills; stakes placed dam took debut at 2 for only score; this is her first to race; far back going long, she could find herself behind the 8 ball turning for home.

Moon Ride

Puype great with this move; he is 18 for 65 or 28% with MSW to maiden claiming moves the last 5 years; note that Del Mar finale came back live; like the fact she also showed more zest in the drill on the 17th; 2 for 19 dam earned over $100K; this is her first to race; close up down the hill in last and Bejarano strings along; can't be dismissed.

Heavens Stairway

Fried in a duel to kick it off, drill last Friday indicates she is feeling pretty good about herself; dam was unraced; all three siblings won including 2 for 5 racer and near $100K earner Risky Reward; miss may need softer to shine.

Truly Beautiful

Finally off the fence, she could have sulked after stumbling last time but she tried hard till the end; now she has to face a potentially tougher crew; 1 for 3 dam banked nearly $20K; this is her first to race; rates upset glance.

Shand

Over 5 clear two back in this very league; only beaten just over 2 the last time in town and you can build a case she ll get a pretty nice stalk and rally journey; another threat in a real scramble.

Perfectamente

Sadler good with this ploy; he is 19 for 73 or 26% with MSW to maiden claiming moves the last 5 years; miss has natural speed and she could flash more with the blinks today; she's in for half her purchase price; she has had dead aim a couple of times but has not been able to carry on with the momentum; drawn right, not impossible task.