Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs: Closer Looks for April 26, 2014
Race 1
| Indygo Star |
| The only firster in this field was sired by G3 type Indygo Shiner who banked 444K and whose offspring have won 10 out of 116 debuts; the dam involved won 1 of 8 attempts and 26K; this is her only foal to start; mild breeze pattern of late. |
| Steel Cut |
| After a bold first run when claimed, she aimed too high in that second outing; her sire won a G3 and 187K overall while the dam never competed; among the winning siblings is 105K earner Bondsteel; appears well-spotted today. |
| Maybe Lily |
| The combination of the third start back angle and the drop in company can help with her endurance levels here; she tries yet another different rider though and has to try to establish an unpressured early advantage; tough call. |
| Princess Mon |
| Turned in a fine try in her maiden voyage last month while the 3 to 2 favorite; her sire won multiple G3s and 625K while the dam never raced; there are no winning siblings to mention; must avoid another slow getaway in order to have a realistic chance. |
| Utcha |
| Lost to Princess Mon but did more of the grueling pacesetting work that day; her sire was unraced while the dam went 2 for 27 lifetime earning 33K; this is her only foal to compete; the betting value will certainly be there. |
| Little Gidding |
| Little chance in her Kentucky debut when facing better stock and being forced to race on an extra-wide path; her sire was a multiple G1 router who amassed 2.28 million; the dam won 3 of 27 and 68K; this is her only foal to start; should upgrade. |
| Nspeightofvickie |
| Has some gate speed in her favor and the most recent blowout is encouraging as well; the key to her chances is whether she can clear the inside speed or be caught up in a demanding duel with Steel Cut and Maybe Lily; worth consideration. |
| Distinct Diva |
| Did not fare well at Gulfstream when going to post at huge odds yet her latest a.m. move was very strong; the sire won a G3 and 447K while the dam won 4 of 7 attempts and 241K; sib to 175K earner Mazengah; puzzling item. |
Race 2
| Benergy |
| Pro improved a bit and he may not have cared for the going in last; hung wide in last, he was inching toward the winner in last and the race came back okay; 6th finisher took a $15K N3L fray and the winner repeated in an N1X at Prairie; the hotter the pace the better for this racer. |
| Ration |
| Proven locally, right there vs. higher-priced foes and the show horse in last won next out in an N1X at Evangeline; fits on the Beyer scale, like the series of drills coming to this race and he's in good hands; respect. |
| City Steel |
| Nearly 7 clear on the cut back in last; apparently not much of a work horse but would expect him to be forwardly placed on the stretch out; this is an ideal distance for him and could envision him sitting a nice trip, maybe 5 or so off the pace primed to pounce; interesting. |
| Cold Facts |
| Gelding has a tendency to go wide but that happens when a runner is speed challenged; 1/18 place horse cashed next out in an N1X, then was 2nd beaten 3 in a $40K optional; will be unwinding the big kick late if at all. |
| He's So Fine |
| Fresh and dangerous; tough beat 2 back and the winner that day repeated in a $25K claimer; out of the money in the last couple of return efforts; lean toward watching one. |
| Go Go Rocket |
| Sire was a Grade 1 winner routing but dam was a non-winner and this is her first to roll; he only beat 3 in the last victory and although he should be forwardly placed, kind of get the feeling if he is looked in the eye, he'll blink. |
| Smoke Town |
| Toss last, he could not stand up in the off going; another that only beat 3 runners in the last win; runner will probably have to be sent hard from this post to avoid getting hung out to dry; needs very best. |
Race 3
| Anahauc |
| Exits a field-best Beyer speed figure stalking an FG field originally slated for turf; 2-back was her grass debut when edged by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 86 in a next-out FG-optional-claiming win; she has performed well in 3 CD-exacta finishes and keeps the win rider for this; saves ground and if can repeat last would be tough to hold off late; the pick. |
| Socialbug |
| Santa Anita invader is the major danger to make the lead then never look back; lone concern is her winless mark on fast dirt while winning on a wet-main track in latest; the 2-back winner repeated in an SA-Grade 2 stakes with a 95 Beyer; is strictly the one to catch and beat. |
| Interest Free |
| 1-for-1 record over the track is appealing however her 1st start of 2014 was way off her best form when expected to show better tactical speed; reunites with the 2-back win rider who scored with her at 2.5F longer than this; the 3-back winner repeated in a DED-OPC with an 84 Beyer. |
| Sky Girl |
| Exits a career-low Beyer when racing back on a synthetic surface which is obviously not her favorite surface; all of her wins have occurred on CD dirt but all at longer distances than 6F; the 2-back show finisher Beyered 97-95-90 in 3 next-out wins including an AQU-Grade 2. |
| Dreamin Big |
| Owns her best speed figures on turf and synthetic surfaces while winless in her last 6 dirt starts; the last main-track win picture was at IND; her only CD dirt start was an exacta finish June, 2010, in the 4.5F career debut; winds up from far back and makes one run. |
| Gal About Town |
| Away since a CD victory at longer; the 2-back winner at today's distance repeated in a DED-75K stakes with an 88 Beyer; the KEE-synthetic surface workouts have been sharp while she is definitely a better runner on conventonal dirt which makes the choice to wait for CD dirt appealing; another who will be winding up from the back. |
Race 4
| Nobadeer |
| Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; he was sharp behind a runaway winner in his career debut against 10 rivals and he merits his share of respect in his turf debut off of that perfortmance. |
| Rare |
| He finished behind today's rival Nobadeer in his latest outing, but like the idea of giving this gelding another chance to see what he can do racing over turf; this gelding is a 1/2 to multiple stakes winner Tensas Yucatan (8-19, 436k, including 5 of 9 turf starts for 282k) and Tensas Palmyra (2-10, 66k over turf). |
| Cov |
| He might be ready for better while making his second start as a 3-year-old, and he benefits from the services of a strong turf rider, but an improved performance is a must if he's to threaten the top contenders in here. |
| Dynamic Decision |
| Sire wins with approximately 12% of his first-time starters and with approximately 9% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; this colt is a 1/2 to multiple stakes placed Risky Trick (1-9, 95k, no turf starts); 410k purchase shows up for a barn that can have one ready to go long over turf at first asking and a number of his workouts hint at ability. |
| Royal Warrant |
| Half-brother to G3 winner Baletti (6-33, 337k over turf) has flashed ability in his first two outings and he may very well be ready for his sharpest performance to date while making back-to-back starts for the first time in his career; he might be able to prove to be a player at a price. |
| Mr. Chow |
| Another son of top turf influence English Channel being represented in this race and this colt is out of a dam who won 4 of 12 turf starts for 120k; both of his turf starts have been quality ones, and at this time of the year, it's worth noting that he's one of two 4-year-olds lined up in the main body of this race. |
| Street Chief |
| His form has taken a noticeable turn for the better since being placed over turf, and of the horses in the main body of this race, he boasts the best last race Beyer Speed Figure; leaning toward others for the top spot, but not going to count him out of the exotics mix. |
| Claymaker |
| Not wild about what he's shown in his first four starts, but he's another in here who might appreciate getting another chance to see what he can do over turf, and this colt is a full to multiple stakes winner Alaura Michele (4-13, 195k over turf). |
| Bel Air Bullet |
| His career debut was an encouraging performance and he didn't finish all that far behind one of today's key rivals in Mr. Chow in that race; his dam was a multiple graded stakes winner while winning 2 of 9 starts for 380k, including 1 of 5 turf starts for 128k; this gelding is a 1/2 to G2 stakes placed Valentino Beauty (4-8, 185k over turf). |
| Out of Patience |
| Sire wins with approximately 8% of his turf starters and dam won 4 of 26 starts for 183k, including 1 of 6 turf starts for 35k; this barn has made the most of their 37 starters this year and Osorio gets live calls from this barn. |
| I'mbetterthangood |
| Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this colt is a full to Lea's Exchange (4-25, 74k, including 2 of 9 turf starts for 25k); he hasn't run a bad race to date and he attracts the services of Leparoux for his first turf test. |
| Card Trick |
| Sire wins with approximately 11% of his first-time starters and with approximately 6% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal from a dam who won once from six starts for 38k, and all of her starts were over turf; not wild about Bernardini as a turf sire but this colt sports some good looking a.m. activity. |
| Pirates Parlay |
| He has a little bit of turf in his pedigree and perhaps he can be ready for better while going sprint-sprint-route for his third start of the year; if he draws in, he faces mostly 3-year-old competition, and the winner from his latest race returned to win next out at Haw on 4/9 going 6 1/2f vs. N2L alw. rivals with a 75 Beyer. |
| Top Priority |
| Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and G3 winning dam won 6 of 17 starts for 218k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this gelding is a full to Tiz Miz Sue (8-32, $1.1 million, including 0-for-2 over turf); he'll have to show more with a move to turf in order to contend. |
Race 5
| Nobadeer |
| Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; he was sharp behind a runaway winner in his career debut against 10 rivals and he merits his share of respect in his turf debut off of that perfortmance. |
| Rare |
| He finished behind today's rival Nobadeer in his latest outing, but like the idea of giving this gelding another chance to see what he can do racing over turf; this gelding is a 1/2 to multiple stakes winner Tensas Yucatan (8-19, 436k, including 5 of 9 turf starts for 282k) and Tensas Palmyra (2-10, 66k over turf). |
| Cov |
| He might be ready for better while making his second start as a 3-year-old, and he benefits from the services of a strong turf rider, but an improved performance is a must if he's to threaten the top contenders in here. |
| Dynamic Decision |
| Sire wins with approximately 12% of his first-time starters and with approximately 9% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; this colt is a 1/2 to multiple stakes placed Risky Trick (1-9, 95k, no turf starts); 410k purchase shows up for a barn that can have one ready to go long over turf at first asking and a number of his workouts hint at ability. |
| Royal Warrant |
| Half-brother to G3 winner Baletti (6-33, 337k over turf) has flashed ability in his first two outings and he may very well be ready for his sharpest performance to date while making back-to-back starts for the first time in his career; he might be able to prove to be a player at a price. |
| Mr. Chow |
| Another son of top turf influence English Channel being represented in this race and this colt is out of a dam who won 4 of 12 turf starts for 120k; both of his turf starts have been quality ones, and at this time of the year, it's worth noting that he's one of two 4-year-olds lined up in the main body of this race. |
| Street Chief |
| His form has taken a noticeable turn for the better since being placed over turf, and of the horses in the main body of this race, he boasts the best last race Beyer Speed Figure; leaning toward others for the top spot, but not going to count him out of the exotics mix. |
| Claymaker |
| Not wild about what he's shown in his first four starts, but he's another in here who might appreciate getting another chance to see what he can do over turf, and this colt is a full to multiple stakes winner Alaura Michele (4-13, 195k over turf). |
| Bel Air Bullet |
| His career debut was an encouraging performance and he didn't finish all that far behind one of today's key rivals in Mr. Chow in that race; his dam was a multiple graded stakes winner while winning 2 of 9 starts for 380k, including 1 of 5 turf starts for 128k; this gelding is a 1/2 to G2 stakes placed Valentino Beauty (4-8, 185k over turf). |
| Out of Patience |
| Sire wins with approximately 8% of his turf starters and dam won 4 of 26 starts for 183k, including 1 of 6 turf starts for 35k; this barn has made the most of their 37 starters this year and Osorio gets live calls from this barn. |
| I'mbetterthangood |
| Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this colt is a full to Lea's Exchange (4-25, 74k, including 2 of 9 turf starts for 25k); he hasn't run a bad race to date and he attracts the services of Leparoux for his first turf test. |
| Card Trick |
| Sire wins with approximately 11% of his first-time starters and with approximately 6% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal from a dam who won once from six starts for 38k, and all of her starts were over turf; not wild about Bernardini as a turf sire but this colt sports some good looking a.m. activity. |
| Pirates Parlay |
| He has a little bit of turf in his pedigree and perhaps he can be ready for better while going sprint-sprint-route for his third start of the year; if he draws in, he faces mostly 3-year-old competition, and the winner from his latest race returned to win next out at Haw on 4/9 going 6 1/2f vs. N2L alw. rivals with a 75 Beyer. |
| Top Priority |
| Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and G3 winning dam won 6 of 17 starts for 218k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this gelding is a full to Tiz Miz Sue (8-32, $1.1 million, including 0-for-2 over turf); he'll have to show more with a move to turf in order to contend. |
Race 7
| Identity Crisis |
| Draws the fence for his turf debut while trying older after showing little in 2 route tries on other footing; nice to see Leparoux stick with him and he is kin to a turf winner - 133K earner Enduring Star - but his sire gets just 5% winners from his initial surface starters and the inside draw doesn't help a runner with no early foot. |
| Franklin |
| Adds the hood for the stretchout in his return to the lawn so maybe he'll offer improved early interest in his third start of the year; he did work well for this and Rosie sticks with him, but though there is some ability in the family as he's kin to G3 SW and 777K earner Theskyhasnolimit, his sibs are a combined 0 for 11 on the green; pace factor. |
| Majestic Strategy |
| Absentee makes his first start in nearly 14 months today while getting a new pilot; didn't have much to offer in any of his 5 starts last year and his sibs are a combined 0 for 5 on the green; can't make a case for him in this spot. |
| So So Worth It |
| Failed to get involved in his main track debut at Indiana Downs last summer and now he'll return to try the local sod; sire gets 11% first time surface winners from his offspring and the dam was a 3 time winner (1 route) who was 0 for 1 on the green; boasts a bullet drill for this, but can only watch him here. |
| Wee Biscut |
| Only slow breezes on tap for this guy's debut for a low profile barn; sire gets 8% overall first out winners and 7% first time surface winners from his offspring and the dam won 5 times going long as well as once on the lawn while banking 213K prior to dropping a 2 time route winner who never set foot on the green. |
| Posture |
| Came up less than a length short in his turf debut at Tampa Bay Downs last month and subsequently failed from a tough post on the Keeneland main track; maybe the move back to the green helps this lightly raced guy as he'll tackle older for the first time; can get in the mix for a share. |
| Joyful Moments |
| Earned a nice number while doing his better running late in a key heat first time out at Oaklawn; he was caught in a wide spot in the mud there last time and now he'll tackle new footing in his local debut; sire is 2 for 35 with his initial turf starters and he's the first foal to race out of an overseas turf winning dam. |
| Bourbon Sense |
| Makes his first start of the year for this new outfit off a steady set of drills over synthetic footing at Keeneland; colt is by a sire who gets 14% winners from his first turfers and he's the first foal to race out of a minor SW dam who won first time over this stuff; should like the green. |
| Notability |
| Earned a number that would crush these while tracking the pacesetter in his initial turf spin but has had 2 tries to reproduce the effort and hasn't come close; twice beaten chalk was caught in a wide spot when cut back to this trip in his Gulfstream finale but he doesn't figure to save much ground from this draw, either; kin to 2 turf winners, his best would take this but unless he offers a much better price today we'll look to beat him again. |
| Great Minds |
| Outside drawn colt goes back to Rosario for his return from the freshening for a barn that hits at a nice clip off this type of break; drop to claimers helped get him going on the lawn last time as he unleashed a powerful late kick and he'll likely find himself in need of a similar run from out here; contender. |
| Wing Foot |
| AE took some tote support in his debut at Keeneland before getting stuck down on the fence and making little impact in an educational run; his dam was a 3 time surface winner who dropped 3 SWs overseas including G1 SW and 1.1 million earner Lucarno; if a defection allows him to meet the starter he figures to have a lot more to offer today. |
| Tribal Message |
| AE is by a sire who gets 16% winners from his first time turfers; he wasn't much of a factor sprinting in his first start of the year but he does have a right to move forward off that one and Leparoux is listed; he's the first foal to race out of a dam who never tried the green. |
| Old Boots |
| AE makes his first start of the season for another new barn with a moderate worktab in tow; his second turf try wasn't bad, but it did come against cheap claimer at Arlington and he's done little since to suggest he can step with these; looms a big price if he gets in. |
| Dividend |
| He's mired on the AE list and not likely to go, but he does enter this off a much improved try for a tag in his second career start at Gulfstream Park; gelding will get Lasix for this if he gets in and that's a solid move for this outfit; tough draw but wouldn't count him out if there are scratches. |
Race 8
| Bayern |
| Right back in 2 weeks after setting the pace in the Arkansas Derby over an OP strip favoring closers; blinkers on is a 25%-win angle for Baffert who is 6-for-10 using rider Napravnik since 2013; uncoupled with Chitu as the win riders of both Baffert runners are not here for this; projects as the one to catch and beat. |
| Chitu |
| Exits a field-best Beyer speed figure when defeating the 4th and 5th-place finishers from last; they Beyered 87-85 in next-out SRP-allowance and OP-100K stakes wins; 3 sensational workouts since his win at longer 34 days ago; uncoupled with Bayern; figures to sit just off that one then get 1st run on the closers; the pick. |
| Big Sugar Soda |
| Still trying to remember the super-SAR graduation; the winner from last repeated in an OP-100K event with an 85 Beyer; has not raced past 7F yet; sire was a Grade 2-stakes winner at 6F; he went 0-for-2 in dirt routes; dam's sire won the Kentucky Derby; she won her 3 races at 6F but went 0-for-1 in dirt routes. |
| Friendswith K Mill |
| Lone win on grass in a maiden claimer while win-rider Smith did not make the trip for this; would be a good sign for likely Kentucky Derby favorite California Chrome if he did damage here after not being close to that runaway winner in the SA Derby; must show more. |
| Matador |
| The 1st-blinkered Florida Derby race was not nearly his best effort unable to offer any of the big-late kick shown in the 2-back Tampa Derby loss; seems to be shooting high again while cutting back to 1 Mile does not help the confidence level; last-out GP runners have been winning everywhere but prefer others. |
| Embellishing Bob |
| All the way up top to post a superb-Beyer in the graduation romp; obviously Bayern wants the front too; the pace projects to be sizzling hot; has not raced past 6F yet; sire was a Grade 2-SW at 9F on dirt; dam went unraced but produced 5-for-25 dirt router Rolls Ross (93K); contender. |
| Laddie Boy |
| What a time to try blinkers off today in the Derby Trial while coming off a decisive loss on synthetic; stamina has not been his friend and has the very-speedy Embellishing Bob and Bayern breaking inside which could leave him pressing the pace wide; the 3-back winner repeated in an OP-Grade 3 with a 98 Beyer. |
| Bitters 'n Bourbon |
| Stretches back out after getting mixed reviews in his other 1-Mile races; best game is racing on or near the lead but not only catches a field top heavy with other front runners but his gate speed was missing from latest; new rider off the bench for his stakes debut; will be taking a wait and see approach. |
| Spot |
| Was disappointed in the Florida Derby but obviously 9F and 2 turns is simply not his best game; today makes rider 8 in as many career races which is usually not a good-win angle but this is1st-time Johnny V who is 0-for-9 for trainer Zito since 2013. |
| Myositis Dan |
| Latest win was sharp on synthetic; was even more impressed by his 2-back runner-up finish and career-best Beyer when defeating the show runner Danza who took the ARK Derby next out with a 102 Beyer; main concern is his 2 subpar races during career when stretched out to 1 Mile or longer. |
Race 10
| Conserve |
| Gelding misses 21 times and fans jump on 6-1; what's up with that?; apparently not much of a work horse but he did make a nice move to get within a length of the lead before reality set in last time; cozy slot, not my kind of play. |
| Tiz Tebow Time |
| Respect this runner; the sprint could have acted as the ideal prep and note his best race by far was in the stretch out situation last May here; this is her first to race; all systems go. |
| Hi Torree |
| A couple of regressions since feeling the wrath of the stewards three back; top Beyer came in the stretch out situation; due. |
| Lucky Pursuit |
| He's been a bad actor at the break so far; one for 15 dam earned over $120K and did win routing; this is her first to race; like the spacing of the return drills; this guy looks live. |
| Foggy Goggle |
| Maybe he just hated the off going in last; dam was 0 for 2; lone half bro Always Broke took 2 of 11, earned over $30K, was route only; backers have to hope the drop shakes him up. |
| Stone Cold Wild |
| At least he has the 2 races to draw from now; no speed, no asset; things have to break just right. |
| Dakota Fred |
| Over 5 clear when beaten by daylighter and he has trained forwardly for this; show horse in last graduated next out in a maiden $5K claimer, then ran out of the money; dam took one sprint, this is her first to race; another slice? |
| Tapit Quick |
| The good news is the best race was here; the bad news is he's been beaten easily in the last several outs; the 6th and 8th finishers took maiden $7500 claimers next out; at least there is a proven router in the family; would think long and hard before taking too short a number. |
| Bull Gato |
| Colt has only beaten one horse so far; 13 for 52 dam earned over $230K; this is her first to race; not seeing it. |
| Lil Napoleon |
| Beaten nearly 10 lengths the last time for this price; trainer has spotted them just fine this year; don't sell too short. |
| Dynaskra |
| Colt goes from one good barn to another; like fact he got a feel of the surface on the 17th; hung wide in last, he was beaten by a clear winner and the race came back okay as the 6th finisher took a maiden $12.5K claimer and 7th finisher beat maiden $7500 seller; 1 for 10 dam won routing; 4 of 5 siblings won; the one that cashed routing once earned over $125K; fresh and dangerous. |
| St. Padriag |
| Considering he acted up at the gate, the debut was not all that bad; dam third in best result; one sibling lost 3 times; the other, Kens Cape, was stakes placed, took 10 of 42, earned nearly $300K, was sprint only; expect better effort here. |
| Golden Shiner |
| The drop is logical; 1 for 10 dam won routing; several multiple race winners in the family including 10-time route winner and over $100K earner Willie Bags; needs to pick it up. |