Betfair Hollywood: Closer Looks for November 9, 2013

Race 1

Senor Rain

He makes a rare appearance on turf and note the last time he ran on the grass he picked up a check over this course; has class appeal as one who has been facing steeper, and he could be sitting on a peak race in what will be his third start since April; looks like a leading contender.

Scorcher

Barn changes things up and turns him back in distance and looking for him to be strong through the stretch on account of the move; faces more experience rivals than last time with the move to the open claiming ranks, but does own one of the field's best last-race Beyer Figures.

Malibu Knight

He exits a key race; the runner-up returned in his next start to take a $40K claimer at Dmr, with a Beyer Figure of 87, and the third-place finisher, a $40K optional claimer at SA, with a Beyer of 97; as for his one, like that he's returning to a course over which he is a winner, and suspect he will fire an improved race in this, his second out since last August.

Hammurabi

He seems to have stepped up his game since the move back to turf; he also appears to have been well-served by the added ground; exits a quick race and might be quite prominent as a result; also note he's returning to a course over which he is a winner.

Dress Code

He's returning to turf for the first time in a while and note he's a three-time winner on the grass, with two of those scores coming over the local course; tough not to respect his consistent nature and he also owns a strong collection of Beyer Figures; further, he's an eight-time winner facing some less experienced rivals; choice.

Aerial Artist

He's something of a fresh face as this will be his first start since August; must face older rivals for the first time in a while, but he held his own against such foes earlier in the season; he also cuts back to one turn after showing speed around two, and that can be an effective move with a horse; can at least share.

Great Friends Rule

He must leave the straight 3-year-old ranks behind, just like Aerial Artist, but note this one has beaten his elders more than once this season; exits a quick-paced race, and looking for him to be closer to the early action here if the fractions are more reasonable than last time; also like the return to turf as his last win came on the grass; leading contender.-Mary Rampellini

Race 2

Lemon de Oro

This Motion guy is no dummy so if he wants to ship across the country, off just a maiden win, to try a stakes, well, you better believe he has confidence in this gal; and why not?; first 2 starts in Sept. in NY were ugly but both were routing and on turf; then sprinted on synthetic at KEE, with Lasix, and wham!; up she jumps for the game wire-to-wire win; obviously the trip suits but let's face it, she DID have to ship across the country, IS facing winners and IS in new surroundings so there are hurdles to be sure.

Sergeant O'Rourke

Came out firing to win her debut at SA impressively; that came for a tag, albeit a big one ($75K) and note sharp trainer Miller does not again risk her for a tag; in fact, it's nice he gives her the jump to face stakes foes; like the rail horse, though, it's first time vs. winners and for this gal it's first time synthetic so there are issues; at least you know there's some speed and talent here.

E Equalsmcsquared

Don't have to be a genius to see she's got a big shot; nice 2nd in the Anoakia (to today's foe Bajan) at SA Oct. 13; that was dirt and note a very nice 2nd in the Landaluce on THIS track July 13 (to possible champion She's a Tiger, who 'won' the G1 BC Juvenile Fillies only to be questionably DQ'd); snappy :59.60 work Nov. 3 says she's feeling good.

Perched

Maiden faces winners but note she wasn't far behind E Equalsmcsquared in the Landaluce here July 13 and was 3rd in a dirt stakes at BSR Sept. 14; freshened since; also entered in a maiden race Friday; if they scratch there to go here that may be telling you something, and note, too, Bejarano took the call.

Bajan

Looked good easily winning the Anoakia on SA dirt last month; that was dirt, yes, but note a sharp 2nd in her debut here (vs. boys no less), a game maiden win on DMR synthetic and a shot at the G1 Del Mar Debutante; OK, so those waters were too deep but then came that snappy Anoakia win so there were no ill effects; worked well since, too.

For Emma

Have to love the way she broke into the game; didn't just beat $50K maiden claimers at SA Oct. 10, she routed 'em (by 10 1/4 lengths); note, too, O'Neill not only saw fit to claim her (23% off a claim) but brings her back where he can't lose via another claim, and it's a big thumbs-up he tosses her right into a stakes; there are issues to be sure - first time vs. winners, first time on synthetic but she's obviously got talent and note she was working over this track prior to that big SA win, so she's no fish out of water here by any means.-Michael Hammersly

Race 3

The Magic Stone

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and dam won once from 11 starts for 29k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to Hope Chant (3-15, 35k, including 1 of 2 turf starts for 10k); Maldonado has won with 12 of 60 (20%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Perfectamente

She ran well in her turf debut over this turf course three races ago and she was last seen in a productive race; winner from latest won next out at SA on 10/10 going 6f vs. 40k OPC's with an 82 Beyer and runner up won next out at SA on 9/29 going 6f vs. MSW rivals with an 84 Beyer.

Miss Charming

She might appreciate turning back to a sprint distance for her second turf attempt, and she's out of a G3 winning dam who won 5 of 19 starts for 224k, including 2 of 8 turf starts for 130k; this miss is a 1/2 to multiple G1 winner Tout Charmant (9-29, $1.7 million, including 7 of 20 turf starts for $1.6 million).

Shandy

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam won 2 of 21 starts for 84k, including 0-for-2 over turf; runner up from debut won next out at BSR on 9/15 going 6f vs. 25k MCL's with a 54 Beyer.

Wasted At Midnight

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and minor stakes placed dam won 3 of 8 starts for 65k, including 0-for-1 over turf; third place finisher from latest won next out at SA on 10/27 going 6 1/2f vs. MSW rivals with an 84 Beyer.

One Time Only

Like what she's shown in her first two starts and she stepped it up nicely along the Beyer Speed Figure scale at second asking while getting over turf for the first time; 375k purchase is out of a stakes winning dam who won 3 of 8 starts for 229k, and she didn't make a turf start.

Provenance

Sire wins with approximately 3% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this miss is a 1/2 to Godard (2-11, 82k over turf); turf is a question but she showed a little something in her career debut after attracting some wagering support in a 13-horse field.

Tres Osos

She clearly has a good deal of early speed to throw at these and she deserves another chance to see what she can do sprinting over turf; there is trouble noted in her short comment from her career debut.-Brian Pochman

Race 4

Orangeyouacutie

Reunited with Espinoza, who wins at 18 per cent with a $2.09 ROI for this barn. Won his only Cushion Track start first out June 2. Tired the last quarter against cheaper company October 25, but was attempting two turns for the first time. More comfortable sprinting and came back with a good half mile drill.

Awesome Indy

Showed much promise in 2011, but has done little since returning to competition May 9. Takes another big drop but would need a giant form reversal to merit consideration. In good hands, though, and broke his maiden by eight lengths on this race track.

Life Rule

Never a threat against much better in his first turf start October 19. Back where he belongs and was beaten only 1 1-4 lengths by Orangeyouacutie September 27. Mike Puype wins at 19 per cent moving from turf to synthetic and has a flat-bet profit with this rider.

King Maya

Must question his soundness with just five starts over the last two years, but comes off an effortless maiden victory, has the best speed figures and seemingly is placed in a logical winning spot by Vladimir Cerin. Aldebaran colt was a sharp second in his lone Cushion Track start in April. The one to beat.

Crestatorre

One-for-24 lifetime and his lone victory was accomplished over a sloppy track 20 months ago. His last race was poor, however the Redattore gelding has run well on this track and gets a significant rider change to Martin Garcia. Trainer enjoying a fine year (18 per cent) the 6-year-old has trained well since his last.

Chico Suerte

Steady work tab for his first appearance since Del Mar. Broke his maiden at this distance here in May for top trainer John Sadler. Lucky Pulpit gelding is his own worst enemy with several poor starts. If he happens to leave alertly, he could make his presence felt.

Cunning Ride

Was halved in claiming price October 14 and responded with an improved third-place effort. Has two solid drills for Pete Eurton since and Delgadillo retains the mount. Candy Ride gelding could show more speed in a relatively paceless field.

Judge Carr

Third in an open $12,500 claimer May 29 and taken by Bob Hess, who is 13 per cent first off a claim. Has been competitive against much tougher in the past, so today's move to older restricted claimers shouldn't bother him. Maldonado has ridden him before and the jockey is one-for-four for this stable.

Warrens Temptation

Absolutely no reason to consider the embattled 6-year-old. One-for-57 in his career, 0-for-19 on Cushion Track and 0-for-13 at this distance. Defeated a total of 87 lengths in his last three.

Hardliner

Stalked, then stopped under Bejarano October 18 and now switches to a rider who is two-for-66 this year. Connections are a combined six-for-181 in 2013. Tries older runners for the first time, though he also gets a restricted condition for the first time.-Mike Superstein

Race 5

Memphis

One for 19 is a tough number to bet into no matter how you slice it; inside again, he has lost ground in the lane the last 2 times at this demanding distance; would expect rider to take a little hold, try to get this guy to settle, then make the one run; another slice?

Jay's Firetruck

At least the win has come locally but it was routing; hung wide against a soft group two back; not sure what to make of the drill a week ago; not seeing it.

Topper's Ghost

Sadler won a 3-way shake for this guy at the beach; he has shown talent without getting great trips so far; note show horse in last was over 4 clear; clever spins coming to this fray; all systems go.

Big Macher

He could have sulked after the poor start two back but he put his head down and tried hard; stabled locally, he should be comfortable with the surface and he showed a bit more energy in the drill on the 4th; the way he closed in that second start suggests he doesn't need the lead to win; don't ignore.

Surf N Ski

Love the spacing of the return drills; proven off the pine, toss the last 2 routes and the form brightens; best of 46 drill locked and loaded up on Wednesday; show horse in last cashed next out in a $32K claimer here with an 85 Beyer; place horse 8/28 cashed next out against N1X rivals, then was a closing third in a $32K seller; back to favorite player; primed.

Woodmans Luck

Can't be thrilled with the slate at this distance; with his style, he will need help on the front end; Cerin took this guy for longtime clients and there were no others in for the claim; note wraps added for the return; try to get a good look at him on the track.

Kill Shot

Colt showed talent from Day One and note he was troubled in the debut; 7/11 show horse won twice since, the last in the $100K El Cajon; like the draw here, he has the typical fast works for Headley on the tab and note the place horse in last was nearly 4 clear; contention goes long.

Pulla Train

If you figure he was just dead short, then you can build a case for a move forward; hung wide from slot 11 in last, could see him getting a nice stalk and pounce trip; runner also has a right to grow into his skin as kin to Grade 2 winner and over $900K earner Feverish; can't be dismissed.-Brian Mulligan

Race 6

Seeking Asylum

Broke poorly in the 43-1 debut but did not give up rallying past everyone but the first 2 finishers; the synthetic surface is obviously a concern after the good-dirt debut but a better-gate break and added yardage both could produce a better finish; saves ground then makes 1 run.

Regal Randy

Sire is 2-for-23 with 2-year-old debut starters; is out of an unraced dam who's only other foal to race is 3-0-1-0 Skrillex (2K); solid-dirt worktab for this synthetic-surface unveiling from a capable-1ster trainer; prefer 1sters breaking outside rather than inside.

Mauco

Even finish in the dirt debut suggests he may want a lot longer than 6.5F to see very-best form; has been working on dirt for the synthetic-surface debut but did train over the BHP oval pre-race; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Unusually Green

New trainer hits with a sharp 26% winners 1st-time out with newly-acquired runners; was screaming out for more distance in first pair and gets an extra half furlong for this; the debut runner-up Beyered 54 in his next-out DMR-MSW win.

Public Policy

Tough beat in a favored-nose loss on SA dirt when sneaking through a maiden claimer producing a field-best Beyer; wish the BHP workout for this was more impressive but there is clearly plent of talent here and the added yardage helps the cause; the debut rider however lands on Pray Hard.

Pray Hard

Keeps Bejarano who seemingly had other options to ride here; twice a beaten-betting choice the added yaradge for this does not help the cause after being outfinished at shorter during career; is the one to catch and beat.

Hye I'm Jack

Has been working like a runner over today's surface; sire is 1-for-21 with 2-year-old debut starters; is out of a 1-for-6 dam (2K) who produced 2 winners from 4 other foals to race including stakes winner Soul Candy (5-for-28, 370K).

Bodrum

Ran to the 33-1 debut odds when beating one runner out of the gate then was outrun throughout; worked from the gate over the BHP oval for this like a massive-form improvement is on the way 2nd-time out; has plent of room to move forward.

Eddie's First

Debut fade on SA dirt at 1F shorter; the added yaradge here does not help the cause; worked a BHP bullet for this so assume he can carry his speed a lot longer but has Pray Hard to deal with from the gate; view as a major-pace presence.

Mass Transit

Dueled into defeat in the debut while Pray Hard is back for more; removes blinkers after bet hard and fading badly the added distance here is a concern; worked a BHP bullet which suggests he will love today's new surface.

Pathway to Yes

Sire is 1-for-10 with 2-year-old debut starters; is out of a stakes-placed dam (2-for-4, 71K) who produced 4 winners from 5 other foals to race including SW Pretty Cozzy (8-for-36, 218K); has been working well for a trainer winless since at least 2012 with 1sters.

Even to the Moon

The rider from first trio lands on Pray Hard; latest suggests he wants no parts of dirt while working a BHP bullet for this adds to the appeal; the debut winner repeated in a DMR-Grade 1 with a 78 Beyer; jockey-trainer combo are winless with their last 14-BHP starters.

This Cat's Awesome

Sire is 5-for-45 with 2-year-old debut starters; is out of a 2-for-11 dam (61K) who's only other foal to race is full Awe' Some Kitten (2-for-14, 127K); some-sharp workouts on the tab for this but many others here have been blazing in the a.m. at BHP.

Heaveneleven

48 days since racing to his 40-1 debut odds vs. lesser; the added distance helps the cause as he hopes to break cleanly after the troubled-debut loss; another who worked well on BHP synthetic however latest-gate drill suggests we take a wait and see approach.

Lucky Views

Sire is 5-for-36 with 2-year-old debut starters; is the 1st foal to race out of an unraced dam; the trainer is 1-for the last-29 with debut runners; others appeal more.

Warrensgoldenyears

Sire is 1-for-21 with 2-year-old debut starters; is out of a 1-for-7 dam (18K) who produced 2 winners from 2 other foals to race including 28K-earner Warrens' Rock (3-for-24); has been outworked by many of these for a 7%-debut trainer.-Art Gropper

Race 7

Sammy's a Runnin'

Though winless in eight tries on Cushion Track, the son of Swiss Yodeler has been second five times. The 6-year-old last scored for this rider and comes off a sharp second at Santa Anita despite a slow start. The rail doesn't figure to help a horse who is prone to break tardily and his lack of speed may be amplified by a slow pace.

McKenzies Way

Found his best stride too late but finished with a flourish along the fence for third. The ridgeling is proven for this price and won on Cushion Track in 2011. Blew out a bullet :34 3/5 on October 31 and Bejarano rides back. Bejarano strikes at 20 per cent for Glatt with a $2.09 ROI.

Anabaa Premium

Closing third in a restricted claimer October 24th in his first start since January. The Anabaa gelding's last victory was around two turns, but if his last is any indication, he may have found his niche sprinting. Nakatani takes over and should have the 5-year-old in a perfect pace-pressing position.

Runaway Wildcat

Racing in sharp form and won by daylight the last time Maldonado was aboard. Rare Michigan bred drops back to his winning price tag as he seeks his 11th career victory. Finally gets off the rail and looks like a major contender here.

Cast a Doubt

Extra game victory against $25,000 non-winners of two lifetime October 12 and now Sadler drops the Wildcat Heir gelding into an open $16,000 claimer, probably a tougher spot. Changes riders often and now lands with Agapito Delgadillo. Owns a victory on this track and is one of only two runners in the field with a win at this distance.

Ekahi

Non-competitive in five outings since breaking his maiden last year at Fairplex Park. No speed, no finish and slow workouts add up to another long afternoon for his backers. Los Alamitos is beckoning.

Chasing the Heat

Loomed a threat mid-stretch October 19th as a 20-1 outsider, however, the Latent Heat gelding lost his punch nearing the wire and had to settle for fourth. May have needed the race, but hard to be confident of moving forward for a trainer who is winless in 2013.

Truelee Scrappin

Three of his four victories have come at this distance. Fried in a speed duel last time in a race longer than he's accustomed to. Consistently puts up strong Beyers and certainly deserves another chance at this trip despite the class raise.

Barney Rebel (IRE)

Irish bred's lone U.S. score was in a turf miler 19 months ago. In fact all three lifetime victories have been on the lawn. Drops to a new career low and tries sprinting on a synthetic track for the first time. From limited starters, Dan Blacker has done well turf-to-synthetic and route-to-sprint.-Mike Superstein

Race 8

Dreamcatcher

He ran a big race the last time he ran here so maybe he'll rebound with a better effort; that was a pretty dull race in is latest at Santa Anita, however; blinkers go on and the past five years Sadler has an 18% strike rate with horses wearing blinkers the first time; nonetheless, he's been stuck at this level for a while and it is hard to support him off what he showed us in his latest.

Power Foot

He ran a couple of big races before going on the shelf for over six months and if he can come back as good as he left he could make some noise; that past five years Mandella has an 11% strike rate with horses going long on turf that were coming off a layoff of 180 days or more; works are solid and it is encouraging to see Maldoando retain the mount; consider for the exotics.

Te Rapa

5-year-old has improved quite a bit lately and he shouldn't mind the slightly shorter distance after just missing in a good effort at this level going 1 1/8 miles; he just missed the last time he ran over this course so the switch in venues shouldn't be an issue and he has decent tactical speed so Stra should be able to put him into a stalking position behind suspect speed; the pick.

Huntsville

Not sure why he ran such a dull race in his latest but it was a tougher spot and the final time was pretty quick; he finished in front of Te Rapa two back and a similar effort would put him in the mix; no wins in 13 starts this year is a concern and considering how poorly he ran in his latest we're going to look in other directions.

American Act

Looks like the one they'll have to catch and the only time he tried turf he finished second going six furlongs over this course in just his second start; he hasn't been able to carry his speed around two turns yet so he could come up empty late; nonetheless, it wouldn't be surprising to see him take them a long way; consider for the exotics.

Willyconker (IRE)

That was a decent effort in the same race Huntsville exits and the last time he ran here he won at this level and was claimed; no wins since then but he was running against much tougher in most of his races including the likely Horse of the Year Wise Dan; he'll appreciate the easier company and he looks like another possibility in a wide-open event.

Mr T Bird

He won the last time he ran here and the horse he beat won a $40K claimer in his next start; he was overmatched in a couple of Graded races at Del Mar but he fits better here and he did have an excuse when he finished sixth in the same race Huntsville and Te Rapa ran in Oct. 14; it does look like he wants more distance, though.

Olympic Blue

Lone 3-year-old in the field could have the most upside potential and he certainly knows how to win races; another smart win in his latest but he really didn't beat much; the Beyer Speed Figure came up a bit light but he was stuck on hold for a while and probably would have won my more if he was turned loose earlier; interesting.-Randy Goulding

Race 9

Sweetdreamscometru

Took overland route from marooned slot, now has to contend with the rail; dam was unraced; 1 of 4 siblings won and that runner was just one for 13 and earned less than a grand a start; when they debut at the age of 6, the red flag is automatically flying; would be careful here.

Fly High

Never thrilled to see runners give up clear leads like he did three back; there are several winners in the family but none were monsters; he has to be considered a disappointment as a $500K purchase; at least he blew out sharply last Monday; has some things to prove.

Silver Love

Unbridled's Love, who lost only start, 0 for 10 with debuters; dam was unraced; lone full bro to race was second in best result beaten over 7 in a maiden $25K fray at Pomona; legged up in Orange County, lean toward watching one.

All That Rocks

Don't be too harsh about last as he broke through the gate and may have left his race right then and there; dam was unraced; both siblings won; top kin She s All Yours took 10 of 30, earned almost $135K; at least he got a feel of the surface; would expect a better effort.

What a Journey

No speed, no asset and the blinks didn t help at all last time; 1 for 15 dam cashed routing; 3 of 4 siblings won; two banked 6 figures including 7 for 39 racer and near $170K earner Brave Sun; never been this far, must hurry.

Grand Gambler

Soph did flash career speed and note show horse was over 3 clear; backers can point to the fact there is an 11-race winners in the family that earned nearly $55K; he fits in the Beyer department but has lost ground in the lane in 6 of 7 outings.

Karaiskakis

Took money in that second start after decent debut, but has gone the dreaded other way since; could see him pushing the issue briefly, not sure he will be around at the end.

Handsome Sam

Shades new but this is a tough sell after 4 double-digit length beats; if you figure he may have been intimidated by the rail last time in a race he may have need, then you can make a case for a move forward; Blanc got a chance to figure him out; don't ignore.

Jerry Franco

Better draw this time and he does have some semblance of speed; dam was unraced; 2 of 4 siblings won; top kin Bobby Handy took 11 of 36, earned $140K; in cagey hands, upset special.

Mary Helen's Storm

Off for exactly a year, but last race was an improvement; place horse in the return two back graduated next out in a maiden $25K Pomona fray, has been out of the money twice since; winner 8/29 repeated in a $40K starter at Pomona with an 80 Beyer; backers can at least point to the fact that both siblings were double winners; shorter trip could be just what the good doctor ordered.

Ice Cream Truck

Shorter trip could be just what the good doctor ordered; connections wouldn't mind if he starts acting like top kin and over $100K earner Lookingatlangfuhr; if he can repeated that DMR Beyer in September, he would figure to be a handful.

Trial Spin

Brief speed in the route but he sure had to hail that taxi cab quickly; 8/24 place horse graduated next out at this level, lost next pair; there are several multiple race winners in the tree and one banked over $150K; blowout on Wednesday suggests he is on his toes for this race.

Warren's T. Baze

Off slow and wide, considering the drop, if he can run at all, he figures to show it here; 3 for 13 dam was versatile and banked around $130K; the half bro to win, Left Field, took 3 of 43, earned nearly $50K; pretty solid move on Wednesday, expect much better performance here.

Alsace

Soph has the two races to draw from now and note the top Beyer was local; could see him pushing the issue, just not sure he'll be around when the smoke clears.

Awesome Kite

Five and still trying, but he seems to be going in the right direction; never thrilled to see multiple beats at BSR and there are stamina issues to address; passing.

Bringon the Wain

Daniels, Phil, London, Patsy and Lovingier, Terry were named as owners in the debut; he's had his chances, but like the spacing of the return drills and that Beyer in July of 2012 was pretty solid; a slice may be the ceiling here.-Brian Mulligan