Churchill Downs: Closer Looks for June 22, 2014

Race 1

Gypsy Angel Row

Steady breeze pattern for this filly who leads off a field of untested runners; her sire won a G1 stakes and 580K (offspring of First Defence have scored in 9 of 64 debuts); the dam was without victory in 4 attempts; winning siblings include 57K earner Markdale.

Sunrise Countess

This lass hails from G3 type Artemus Sunrise who banked 361K and whose descendants have won 1 of 4 initial races; the dam scored in 2 of 22 appearances earing 82K; among the winning sibs is 23K earner Twinbucktu.

Almostevenwithevan

See the previous runner (her entrymate) for same sire information and cross-reference work tab; this filly's dam won 3 of 20 and 24K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; note that very fine blowout from the gate on the 5/3.

All Her Glory

Descendants of Bluegrass Cat, who won a G1 and 1.76 million, have scored in 34 out of 279 initial races; the dam won 6 of 31 attempts and 259K overall; among the winning siblings is 248K bankroller Sonja's Angel.

Rousanne

One of the likely favorites based on the steadily improving work pattern; she is among the first crop to race from Desert Party who won a G3 and 808K in total; the dam won 2 of 8 and 73K; winning siblings include 22K earner Gogo Jojo.

Greely's Striker

Light workout regimen for this lass who is among the first crop to race from Greeley's Conquest (who won 7 of 26 races and 475K); the dam involved won 2 of 9 attempts and 51K; this is her only foal to compete. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Muzu

Claimed for grass?; did not seem love the lawn 1st off the purchase and heads back to the main track for this; the trainer has a good record dirt-to-turf; is a 1-time winner facing multiple winners here; best game is deep closing and gets a good pace flow to rally into for this; projects to save all the ground then make one run.

Escape Artist

1-for-20 before latest win which was his 1st-start ever with front wraps on which is typically not a good sign but posted his best Beyer since the August claim; both CD dirt starts were rock solid and keeps the win rider; gets a good pace to rally into if Prosecution-RIsky Asset duel for the lead; the one to beat.

Risky Asset

Try to catch me; 4 consecutive races 1st at the 1st call; has to fend off Prosecution early then the closers late; defeated the January-FG show finisher who Beyered 75 in a next-out FG-25K-maiden claiming win; great sign that the front wraps were removed from last then he ran so big; his trainer has not been strong with repeat winners (0-for-6 since 2013).

Go Go Rocket

Has not won past 6F yet; mixed reviews from his CD route races; the rider from last sides with Risky Asset; seeks the right level but was overmatched when facing allowance runners in last hoping this would be easier; 4-back key race winner when defeating the runner-up and show finishers; they Beyered 79-78 in next-out FG-15K-OP-10K-claiming wins.

Lasting Impact

Reunites with a 2-time win rider off latest odds-on victory at IND with easier; ran well in defeat with a light Beyer vs. maiden claimers in his lone CD dirt race; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 87 in a next-out CD-25K-claiming win; clearly needs to up his game to a brand-new level to make any impact here.

Prosecution

Has won from off the pace but 3 of his 4 victories were right on the lead; hopes to avoid a speed duel with Risky Asset; was claimed off a win over the runner-up finisher who Beyered 84 in a next-out OP-waiver-claimer win; enters after producing 3 consecutive new Beyer speed figure Tops including latest which is a field-best speed figure; was edged by the 2-back winner who repeated in a PRM-alw. with an 87 Beyer; defeated the 3-back show runner who scored next out in a CD-25K claimer with a 76 speed figure; the pick.

Brazilian Court

Seems set to move forward 2nd time off the long layoff; 3-0-0-0 CD dirt mark is hard to ignore; a lot more was expected from last when favored for a high-win percentage trainer but never made any impact when claimed; new trainer rarely purchases one through the claiming method but is 1-for-4 since 2013; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 92-90 in next-out PIM allowance and CD-Grade stakes win.

Kiwi Notion

Clearly a good sign that he won his only CD dirt start; could work out an ideal trip if able to stalk Prosecution and Risky Asset then get 1st run on the closers; the win rider sides with Risky Asset for this; any runner's 1st start vs. winners is a tough-class assignment. - Art Gropper

Race 3

Littlemissperfect

Half-sister to Unnacountable (9-33, 247k over turf) has the look of a top contender while getting back over turf for this, and she won't have to worry about early ground loss with the rail post in play; must consider.

Bobby Soxer

Sire has won with 3 of 17 (18%) first-time starters and with 1 of 21 (5%) turf starters, and dam was winless from 11 starts, including 0-for-1 over turf; 1 1/16m is a demanding distance for a firster.

Shakesperian Dream

She ran well the last time she was seen racing over grass and she's out of a G3 stakes placed dam who won 4 of 41 starts for 248k, including 2 of 26 turf starts for 140k; not going to argue with anyone for taking a favorable view in this direction.

Right Prissy

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and dam won once from 27 starts for 23k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to Right Sassy (1-21, 32k, including 1 of 14 turf starts for 19k).

Union Square

Lightly raced 4-year-old looks like she's been doing some nice work in the a.m. and it's worth noting the presence of Lanerie as she gets ready to make her first start for the Romans barn; Lanerie has won with 12 of 47 (26%) mounts for this outfit at the current stand.

No More Apples

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and dam was winless from one start, and it was a turf start; she has some turf in her pedigree and that workout on June 7 hints at ability.

Our Rockin Ruby

Not wild about what she's shown through her first three starts, but she didn't run poorly over turf at second asking, and perhaps she still has more to show us with only three starts behind her; others entice more, but not counting out the possibility of an improved performance.

Speedy Kitten

18-race maiden is going to need to show up with her best performance to date if she's to prove to be a player in this spot; runner up from latest won next out at TP on 2/2 going 1m vs. MSW rivals with a 63 Beyer, and third finisher won next out at Hou on 1/31 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 69 Beyer.

Ms. Zenergy

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this is her first start over turf and this might prove to be a difficult step up in class for her after facing 10k MCL's.

Batiana

She's out of a G3 stakes placed dam who won 4 of 20 turf starts for 134k, but she's yet to show up with a truly competitive effort from six starts, and her two starts over this turf course haven't been encouraging. - Brian Pochman

Race 4

Mizz Money

Improved in the latest breeze from the gate; her sire won a G1 stakes and 554K (progeny of Mizzen Mast have won 30 out of 379 debuts); the dam never raced; among the winning siblings is Mizzen Miss.

Zip It Kim

Bold finish in that second venture when forced to race on a very wide path; her sire won a G1 sprint and 818K; the dam won 3 of 20 attempts and 63K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Wov

She hails from G2 winner Broken Vow who captured 725K and whose descendants have won 70 out of 632 debuts; the dam won 4 of 14 and 76K; this is her sole foal to start; the trainer has established excellent record at the meet.

Jazz in the City

Fair breeze pattern for this daughter of Temple City, a G3 winner who netted 326K (his offspring are zero for 3 in their initial attempt); the dam scored in 1 of 18 races earning 62K; there are no winning sibs to highlight.

Simply Confection

Upgraded in the latest drill from the gate; her undefated sire won 749K including G1 success; descendants of Candy Ride have won 57 out of 424 initial starts; the mom won 3 of 18 and 80K: winning sibs include 198K earner Speight the Halo.

Conquest Archangel

Latest half-mile breeze was strong; her sire won the Breeders' Cup Classic and 4.36 million; offspring of Blame are zero for 2 in the first time victorious department; the dam won 2 of 17 and 149K; sib to 37K earner Pampering.

Oh Kay See

Note sharp improvement to the workout of 4 days ago; her sire won a G2 and 733K; progeny of Notional have done well first time out, winning 13 of 70; the dam never competed; sib to 717K earner So Many Ways.

Take Charge Brandi

Above average workout regimen during the last month; her sire won a G1 and 3.07 million (descendants of Giant's Causeway have scored in 74 out of 690 debuts); the dam won 1 of 3 and 43K; sib to 84K earner Siete.

Sugar Heaven

Steady breeze pattern for this new arrival whose sire won a G1 and 1.76 million; offspring of Bluegrass Cat are 35 for 288 as far as winning their first try; the dam won 4 of 17 and 155K; sib to 34K earner Dreaminofauntdiane. - Jim Kachulis

Race 5

Any Given Chance

Five year old makes her first start back from 7 months on the shelf while returning to a venue at which she finished off the board in both starts; late runner tries a one turn trip in this spot and she's been better going longer in her last couple of starts so with a limited work tab on her page it's likely she'll be better with more ground next time.

Kiss to Remember

Sophomore tries older for the first time after offering little late in the Presque Isle stake off the break; she did break her maiden on dirt and maybe the return to this type of footing helps, but she's yet to run fast enough over it to prove a serious threat so she'll need to take a good step forward to threaten today.

Mufajaah

She's another 3 year old and she'll get back in with older after failing to factor against a couple of graded stakes fields of her peers; her sprint effort in the Arkansas maiden breaker this past winter suggests she fits with these and the price does figure to be right to give her a look.

Elusive Fate

She's hit the board in each of her last 3 and 4 of her last 5 at this level and has never been off the board in 6 spins over the local main track; you kind of know what you are going to get with this miss and while that effort may be good enough to put her right there at the wire, it doesn't appear as if she's going to fight for much from there; have to try and beat her on the win end and limit her use to underneath in exotics.

Jamaican Smoke

She was in over her head in the graded stake here last time and now she'll return to a level at which she's run well in the past; her speed should be a big asset in a heat without a lot of that commodity, but she's had her stamina issues and today's added panel doesn't figure to be easy for her; still, she likely makes the top on her own and has to be run down.

Don't Tell Veda

Fresh filly returns to the scene of her maiden score after being given some time off another weak effort at a shorter trip in Louisiana; maybe the new pilot helps and she has been working ok in the interim but she'll need to improve quite a bit to have a say in the outcome here.

Sassy Kiss

Tries better after running down straight claimers at even money in her local return; her pilot opts elsewhere, but maybe that last one was the confidence builder she needed to get things going again and she does draw a great stalking post; giving her the repeat nod at a much improved price. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

Greely's Striker

Solid efforts both times; her sire won 7 of 26 attempts and 475K; the dam scored in 2 of 9 appearances earning 51K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; should be a major player from the fence but faces all firsters today.

Tangled Tart

Fine gate breeze on 6/7; her sire won a G1 and 239K; offspring of Majestic Warrior have won 10 percent of their initial starts; the dam was unraced; among the winning siblings is 198K earner Tangled Sheets.

Ellens Birthday

Decent blowouts during the last 9 days; her sire won 2 of 6 races and 90K; progeny of Fast Thought are zero for 1 as far as winning their first try; the dam went zero for 30 and this is her only foal to compete.

Forever Ruler

Upbeat workout pattern of late; her sire won a G1 and 1.22 million; descendants of Roman Ruler have won 36 out of 279 debuts; the dam never made it to the starting gate and this is her only foal to start.

Chocolate Cherries

Hails from G1 victor Afleet Express who compiled 835K and whose progeny are zero for 3 in the first time victorious department; the dam was without a tally in 4 tries; there are no winning siblings to mention.

Ms Morris Code

Omega Code's offspring have won 13 percent of their first races; the dam involved never raced; among the winning siblings is 151K earner Eye Love Jeanie; the trainer has done well with longshot beginners.

Big Red Seven

Improved in the latest breeze from the gate; her sire won a G2 and 872K in total; descendants of Hold Me Back have won 2 of 5 debuts; the dam lost her only effort and there are no winning siblings to mention.

Bedford Land

Workout activity of late suggests she is at the ready; her sire won the Breeder's Cup Sprint and 1.25 million; progeny of Speightstown have won 60 out of 372 initial races; the dam was a G1 winner who netted 529K; sib to 73K earner Harris.

Amazing Party

Her sire won multiple G2 stakes and 808K in total; offspring of Desert Party have won 1 of 3 debuts; the dam went zero for 2 in her career and this is her only foal to start; shows a modest breeze pattern and this outer post is a true concern. - Jim Kachulis

Race 7

Hasilah

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam was a multiple G1 winner racing overseas while winning 4 of 11 starts for 414k, and this filly is a 1/2 to multiple G1 winner overseas, Aljabr (5-9, 593k); winner from latest won next out at OP on 3/29 going 6f in a 75k stakes with a 67 Beyer and third finisher won next out at Cby on 5/24 going 5 1/2f vs. MSW rivals with a 99 Beyer; note first-time Lasix.

Zamquick

She has a live look to her when looking at how well she ran in her two starts sprinting over turf and her most recent start after a layoff can serve as a useful conditioner for this; must consider.

Picturesque

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and stakes placed dam won 4 of 17 starts for 144k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to minor stakes winner Katerbug (3-15, 119k over turf).

Faringdon Circle

Sire wins with approximately 16% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and dam won once form seven starts for 21k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this is a solid win-early barn and Garcia has won with 3 of 9 mounts for this outfit at the current stand.

Kitty's Giant

Respect the presence of Bridgmohan, but this filly is going to need to produce her sharpest performance to date to have a chance in this spot, and this will be her first start sprinting over turf.

Dream of Bertie

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and multiple graded stakes winning dam won 9 of 24 starts for 485k, including 0-for-1 over turf; maybe the move to turf can help, but her form has been so-so at best since a promising career debut.

Pink Spun Rose

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and minor stakes placed dam won 3 of 14 starts for 83k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to Monster Mash (3-12, 60k, including 2 of 6 turf starts for 23k).

Tizsotiznot

Sire wins with approximately 7% of his first-time starters and with approximately 11% of his turf starters, and dam won once from 10 starts for 22k, including 0-for-1 over turf; she owns the type of early speed that can come in handy in a turf dash like this.

Ways of Magic

Sire wins with approximately 17% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and multiple stakes winning dam won 6 of 34 starts for 308k, including 1 of 8 turf starts for 26k; her works appear to be on the slow side and this barn isn't best known for first-out success.

Four Lakes

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam was 1-for-1 for 6k, and it was a turf start; this miss is a 1/2 to G3 stakes placed Valentine Fever (5-24, 229k, including 1 of 6 turf starts for 38k); runner up from latest won next out here on 11/30 going 7f vs. MSW rivals with a 71 Beyer.

Hike

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a multiple G1 stakes placed dam who won once from five starts for 114k, and she didn't make a turf start; this appears to be the stronger of the two Wilkes-trained fillies in here.

Striking Impact

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and stakes placed dam won 8 of 42 starts for 171k, including 0-for-3 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to stakes winner Kolo (2-4, 75k over turf).

Ms Delfy

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; she ran well when coming up a nose shy in her career debut but this looks like a tough spot for her first turf test.

Quality Moment

She's finished in the top three in three of four starts over turf but she's going to need to take her game to another level if she's planning on getting over on the top contenders in this spot.

Mizzen Moon

She's been a consistent performer and a couple of her better efforts have been sprinting over turf; a high win percentage barn helps add appeal and Bridgmohan has won with 4 of 11 (36%) mounts for this outfit at the current meeting.

Revise

Sire wins with approximately 8% of his turf starters and G3 winning dam won 5 of 13 starts for 294k, and she didn't make a turf start; she needs to show more in her first turf start if she's to have a say in the outcome, and her pedigree isn't exactly crying out for grass. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Circle Unbroken

0-for-8 record since commencing career 2-for-2 on CD dirt including a Grade 3 stakes win; exits a career-best Beyer speed figure when returning to CD dirt when making his 1st start in 46 days; bounce chance as he's back in just 28 days for this; no match for Sir Bond 2 back as the winner and show finisher from that event Beyered 90-86 in next-out LS-IND-optional-claiming wins; the 3-back winner and runner-up picked up wins next out in BEL-allowance and OP-OPC events with 98-94 Beyers.

Positively

Shown best form when breaking from well the gate which hasn't been the case recently; win rider is on Treasury Bill; last 3 have been poor including last 2 on CD dirt; rider has a good-win record for the barn but needs a dramatic form improvement to make any impact here;a tough call.

Vigorous Titan

Projects to race on or near the lead with Bagg O'Day; just 3 races during career so still has some upside; needed last start when landing behind this same group as the rider from last sides with Treasury Bill; likely to carry his speed a lot longer 2nd time off the bench.

Squadron A

Consistent sort with 8 straight good races; hard to leave off the exotics tickets underneath; Red Hot Randy has certainly had his number in recent starts; a wet track moves him up noting the 2-back victory defeating the runner-up finisher who Beyered 81 in a next-out PIM starter alw. win.

Treasury Bill

Win jockey sides with Red Hot Randy as he reunites with the rider from his far-back finish in the 2013 Winn on CD dirt; the good news is the rider had other options but lands here winning 28% for the trainer since 2013; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 81 in a next-out WO alw. win.

Bagg O'Day

3-year-old vs.older for the 1st time; projects to race on or near the lead with Vigorous Titan; stretches out to his longest-distance test ever; is trying not to bounce off his new-career-best Beyer following a 64-day absence; he is back in just 27 days for this; the fact that we don't have a lot of other gate speed signed on here helps the gate-to-wire win hopes.

Kendall's Boy

Working like he's ready to fire a big one for a high-percentage fresh trainer; is finally back on CD dirt where he posted an eye-catching graduation in September beating the show runner who Beyered 58 in a next-out IND-MSW victory; 3-year-old vs.older for the 1st time; the winner and 5th-place finishers from last Beyered 85-81 in next-out OP-100K stakes and WO-OPC wins; gets good class relief off the stakes losses.

Sir Bond

Broke too far back in last when no match for Red Hot Randy; should be set for a big one 2nd time back off the bench which is a 24%-win angle for the trainer; the 2-back winner and show finisher Beyered 90-86 in next-out LS-IND-OPC wins; the 3-back winner captured his next 4 starts (108-101-10-94) including the G1 Foster at CD.

Bear Tough Tiger

Exits a career-low Beyer with 11 weeks since the last-place finish; has a lot to prove off latest for the newest barn; raced well on dirt in 2 other races including 2-back when chasing the winner, runner-up and show finishers; they Beyered 101-95-88 in next-out GP-88K-stakes, GP-OPC and MNR alw. wins.

Red Hot Randy

Hopes to avoid a bounce posting a best-last-race Beyer when making his 1st stat in 58 days now back in just 27 days for this; have to like that the high-percentage rider keeps the faith while clearly 6.5F is right in his wheelhouse; the 2-back loss was vs. super-quick ones; the winner, runner-up and show finishers Beyered 104-99-98 in next-out PIM-Grade 3, GP-90K and MTH-79K stakes wins.

Bull Dozer

50 days since being outfinished at shorter; he's won many times at longer than this and is all freshened up for a 31%-winning CD-jockey-trainer combo; scary on best; field-best Beyer was posted at 6F August, 2011, in a starter alw. win in the CRC slop.

Ouimet

His last start on a fast-main track was 4 races ago vs. the winner and runner-up finisher; they picked up wins next out in BEL-alw. and OP-OPC events with 98-94 Beyers; the 3-back winner repeated in a HOU-50K stakes with a 102 speed figure; posted sharp workouts for this for a 24%-winning turf-to-dirt barn. - Art Gropper