Churchill Downs: Closer Looks for June 29, 2014

Race 1

Tully's Dreamer

Mare had to fight every step of the way in last and just could not close the deal; she should again sit a nice stalk and pounce trip from the cozy slot; this is not the easist spot for just a double winner and she is facing a few that have been around the block and back; a slice may be the best she can do.

Quite Explosive

Miss holds the winning edge on the field and that again may come into play when the real racing begins; she has never been out of the money locally, is versatile enough to be placed anywhere and get it done; she can give you a :46 half if asked for at times; threepeat well within the scope.

Fivefeethi Nrisen

Youngster has been handled by a number of today's foes; hung wide in last, but one for 23 is a tough number to bet into no matter how you slice it; she was able to open up and extend in the lone win; not sold on chances.

Sluiceway

Not thrilled with the local slate; with her style, she depends on somebody else pushing the issue and then hoping all the speed backs up; she has been value in the gimmicks at times and that is where her strength may lie once again; another legit player in the gimmicks.

Makenzie's Magic

Mare only beat 2 to the wire in the last stretch out situation; off poorly in the last couple of efforts and although she has won locally, she is not much of a work horse; off the fence today, hard to boost.

Queen of Scioto

Hand may have been forced last time when she drew the rail; she has been able to rate in the past and maybe that is the way they want to go; decent move 8 days ago is a positive; but you kind of get the feeling if she is looked in the eye, she'll blink. - Brian Mulligan

Race 3

Code Blue Zone

Has shown little rallying capability up to now and the inside advantage may not matter; faces nemesis Tyler T once again and is unlikely to turn the tables on that key rival; pass until further notice.

Thrills of Plenty

On vacation for a very long time; the gelding makes his first outing vs. claimers and was sired by Dehere who won multiple G1 stakes and 723K; the dam never raced; among the winning siblings is 26K earner Tommy V M; puzzling item.

Tyler T

Long overdue to say the least but he will be a short price against this limited lot; may finally graduate through if able to break from the gate without incident for a change; warrants exacta inclusion despite the lengthy history in these ranks.

Surf Classic

Raced evenly in his maiden voyage, making a mild middle move at the half-way point; his sire won a G2 and 725K while the dam did not compete; there are no winning siblings to mention; looks like a comfortable fit against this line-up.

Hijo Del Corredor

In his April getaway race, he stayed in contention until the final furlong; lands into fairly paceless field today and should benefit; likely to be the public choice since he is dropping significantly down the ladder.

Bull Gato

Set a slow pace when returning to the route racing scene but has yet to earn an exacta finish regardless of distance; draws an excellent post today, however, right outside of the probable pacesetter, and can secure an ideal stalking trip as a result.

Giant Dragon

Indiana arrival was caught up in a speed duel when trying a mile earlier this month; earned a competitive Beyer in the sprint try 2 back and seems capable of being a major threat to this group; worth some inclusion if the price is right. - Jim Kachulis

Race 4

Boss Gone

Sire wins with approximately 22% of his turf starters, and he's 16-61 (26%) with starters trying turf for the first time, and dam won 4 of 29 starts for 74k, including 0-for-3 over turf; this gelding is a 1/2 to Summon the Rain (3-22, 50k, including 1 of 9 turf starts for 22k).

Tiger D

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and dam was winless from four starts, and all of her starts were over turf; this colt is a 1/2 to Notell (2-18, 122k, including 1 of 13 turf starts for 67k) and stakes placed Proud and Charming (1-7, 56k, including 1 of 3 turf starts for 34k).

Not to Yield

Half-brother to multiple G1 winner overseas, Blue Bunting (5-8, $1 million) sports the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here and the winner from his latest race won next out here on 6/19 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 30-25k N2L claimers with a 71 Beyer.

Fordes Gap

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and dam was winless from one start, and it wasn't a turf start; this colt is a 1/2 to Welchtown (3-9, 91k, including 1 of 3 turf starts for 37k); a number of his works look good and this barn is eligible to have one ready to go long over turf at first asking.

Boss Man Mike

He brings some early speed with him and he goes out for a barn and rider that have teamed to win with 14 of 52 (27%) starters at this meeting, but it's tough to place confidence in this runner when seeing how often he's struggled to maintain a forward gear late in his races.

Thunder Moon

He took a step in the right direction in his turf debut in his latest outing while wearing blinkers for the first time, and he's out of a stakes placed dam who won 2 of 8 turf starts for 79k; not going to argue with anyone for looking favorably in this direction.

Jaz N Tap

Maybe he deserves another chance to see what he can do racing on grass, but he will need to improve over what he's shown us in his first seven starts if he's to get over on the top contenders in here; looking toward others.

Bourbon Sense

His one start over turf was a fine runner-up finish, and he's by a solid turf sire and out of a stakes winning dam who won 2 of 7 starts for 92k, including 1-for-1 over turf for 45k; he has the look of a top contender.

Mr. Chow

He's proven that he has the ability to be competitive against competition of this caliber, and he's by a top turf sire and out of a dam who won 4 of 12 turf starts for 120k; runner up from latest won next out here on 6/7 going 1m over turf vs. MSW rivals with an 80 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 5

Maybe Lily

Overmatched early in her career, she nosedived to graduate and proved it was no fluke in last; note show horse in last was over 5 clear; miss has some semblance of speed but she has been able to settle; sire and dam were both proven going long; far too sharp not to take seriously.

Poppy's Dream

Maybe she just needed dirt all along; that happens; runner that was taken down in last graduated next out in a maiden $10K claimer, then was out of the money; fit enough to drill several times since the win; would lean toward watching till seeing a race vs. winners.

Romesa

Could have sulked when she didn't break great but she kept to her task; only one off effort and she was hung wide that day; note show horse in last was 9 clear; if you figure she needed last then a move forward is logical; last angle: this rider is 32% for Amoss in the last year.

Little Ariel

Eased late as chalk, try to get a good look at her on the track; proven locally, toss her first 2 synthetic efforts and the form brightens; she will have to be used every step of the way to show top ability; needs a rebound run.

Jester and Me

Once she got away from MSW foes, she improved; he was protected in last but will have to be examined on the track since he didn't finish the race last time; respect everything from this barn.

Dash to the Flash

One of 3 double winners in the family; miss caught the slop in the last pair of efforts; sire and dam won routing, this is the first foal to race; would expect rider to be aggressive on the stretch out; should be right on the wire when the smoke clears. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Runway Giant

Connections thought enough of her to try the stakes last year; she can be her own worst enemy since she has limited speed; show horse in last cashed next out here last Thursday in a $75K optional by 2 and a half lengths; inside with Borel today, note she added wraps last time, try to get a good look at her on the track.

Justanewkidintown

Don't be too harsh about last as it's never easy to beat winners right back; she has to find a way to turn the tables on the Gorder runner among others; hung wide from slot 11 in the only off effort; expect a better effort today.

Contestant

Off slow when finding waters vs. winners much steeper; that happens; she may not have adored FG or the synthetic strip; fit enough to drill a couple of times since the last race and she has a right to have a nice career as kin to Agent Di Nozzo, who took a couple of stakes and banked over $300K.

Grit and Grace

Tapit about 9% with first-time grass runners in a 330-runner sample; sire was unbeaten in 2 juvenile starts, banked over $550K taking 3 of 6, was never on turf; Grade 2 winning 3 for 17 dam earned nearly $500K, lost only turf out; lone half sis took 2nd start for only win and it came on dirt; another slice?

Let It Snow

See rival on direct inside for sire stats; SP 3 for 11 dam banked $145K, won on turf the first time she tasted the stuff; lone half sis was 2nd in best effort; note she caught the slop in the debut but has not been able to duplicate that speed; fifth new pilot hired; needs a turn around.

Bitty Kitty

Note show horse was over 3 clear in last; she has been around the wire as a maiden at big prices and she did show some talent coming between horses in last; trainer has been taking everything that is not nailed down; slight improvement and she will be a handful.

La Reine Bourbon

Prepped in the sprint to kick off the year but she was all business last time in the tough beat; like fact she has natural speed but she has shown she can track and get it done; Goncalves got a chance to figure her out and she has a chance to have a nice career as kin to stakes performer and over $200K earner Dreamlicious.

Princess Mariah

Toss the April debut, wrong surface; note show horse in last was over 5 clear and the race came back okay as the 6th finisher took an N1X in Chicago and the 7th finishers beat $50K N2L foes next out; filly seems comfortable with the course now; all systems go.

Miracle Run

Street Cry about 10% with first-time grass runners in a 241-runner sample; sire won at 2, banked over $5 million, never turfed; dam's lone win was a dirt sprint; family is solid all 5 siblings won; there is a double turf winner in the tree an also an over $100K player; should be right there when the smoke clears.

Morning Star

She has been in some clever barns; 5/9 show horse cashed next out in a MSW, then was 3rd beaten over 5 in a $25K optional; note she was right off the lead on a sub :44 half down the Anita hillside; far too sharp not to take seriously.

Bluegrass Sapphire

Eight slices, 1 win; some runners just don't have that killer instinct; she has the 2 races to draw from but with her style, backers have to hope they go bonkers early and the race falls completely apart.

Fawaarek

Nice bit of training to have her set to win long at first asking; note show horse was over 3 clear and she showed much more energy in the work last Sunday; there is a successful Grade 3 grass winner in the tree; interesting.

Too Cool

Soph has more speed than she just flashed; bothered early, kept to task and note runners in the company line were clear; 5/3 place horse won at this level next out with a 72 Beyer at LAD; could need slightly softer to shine.

Naples Gold

Proven locally, she could have just been overmatched in last; pushed along in last, she may be better off settling and trying to make the one run; last angle to think about: this rider was up for the lone win.

Kitten's Queen

Filly has had a ton of chances to get that second win; she ran into the traffic jam in last and maybe she was just dead short; no bargain with the post, but look for Mena to put her into the race at the sound of the bell. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Cool Temper

A steady set of half-mile breezes to consider; her sire won a G1 and 633K (offspring of Sky Mesa have scored in 53 out of 396 debuts); the dam won 3 of 9 attempts and 188K; this is her only foal to start.

Skipalute

Latest a.m. move was an improvement; her sire is Breeders' Cup Sprint champ Midnight Lute who banked 2.69 million; his descendants have won nearly 10 percent of their first tries; the dam won 1 of 8 races and 24K; there are no winning sibs to report.

Marshtini

Progeny of Bernardini, a multiple G1 winner who netted 3.06 million, have won 11 percent of their initial races; the dam won 3 of 9 attempts and 101K overall; winning siblings include 28K earner Fairness.

Conquest Eclipse

A promising workout pattern of late is on display; her sire won 1 of 2 and 33K; offspring of Malibu Moon are 108 for 775 in the first time victorious department; the dam never raced and there are no winning siblings to report.

Gotit Todo

This filly is among the first crop to race from Prophet Man who won 2 of 17 attempts and 58K; the dam went zero for 3; this is her sole foal to make it to the starting gate; workout regimen does not inspire.

Redlace and Pearls

Latest breeze from the gate was upbeat; her sire won a G1 and 662K; descendants of Line of David are zero for 6 as far as winning their first test; the dam was zero for 4; sib to 187K earner Pearl of Wisdom.

Elusive Checkers

Her sire won multiple G1s and 2.23 million; progeny of Quality Road have won 2 of 3 debuts; the dam never made it to the starting gate; among the winning siblings is G3 victor Cause to Believe who netted 427K.

Desert Valley

Several consecutive gate works on view; her sire won multiple G3s and 808K; descendants of Desert Party have won 1 of 4 initial starts; the dam won 4 of 19 attempts and 221K; winning siblings include 51K earner Street Titan.

Oh My Dar

Nice blowout only 5 days ago; her sire won a G1 and 799K; offspring of Discreetly Mine are zero for 4 as far as winning their first try; the mom won 3 of 25 and 91K; sib to 106K bankroller Runafloat.

Purr

Drilled today's distance from the gate, an encouraging sign; her sire won a G1 and 1.76 million; descendants of Bluegrass Cat have won 64 out of 481 initial tries; the dam won 4 of 35 and 284K; this is her only foal to race.

Tapalite

Moved up wide when even money in her first run but could not seriously advance; her sire won a G1 and 557K while the dam scored in 2 of 3 appearances earning 48K; winning siblings include 402K earner Cuvee.

Strike Back Fast

Sired by G1 turf star English Channel who captured 5.31 million and whose offspring have won 11 out of 152 debuts; the dam was without a tally in 3 tries; sib to 155K earner Changethechannel.

Cristina's Journey

The latest half-mile breeze was faster by several ticks; her sire won a G1 and 1.08 million; descendants of Any Given Saturday have won 20 out of 169 first attempts; the dam was zero for 4 lifetime; sib to 27K earner Ives Hill.

Azuba

See Oh My Dar, above, for information about the same sire; the dam involved was unraced and this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; shows only a modest work tab and faces a long outside road if somehow drawing in. - Jim Kachulis

Race 9

Rififi

Did little when trying winners for the first time off this barn's claim; she'll cut back to the distance of her first out score but now she's in with allowance runners and don't think the inside draw will help her much; prefer others on the win end.

Brown Eyed Mary

Earned a field best last out number while crushing claimers in her first with winners here last month and was taken out of the effort by this little known outfit; she'll catch a tougher field while seeking her third straight score in this spot and there's not a lot of pace in the heat, but anything close to that last effort makes her pretty tough to down.

Hunting Hill

Needed the move to claimers to break her maiden while trying older for the first time in her local return; filly responded to the new shades and has worked several times in the interim but she'll need to improve some in order to have a say in the outcome here.

Jubilant Vision

Hit the bench after taking a big step forward to break her maiden second out here last fall; she'll return for a new barn to face winners for the first time and they boast pretty nice numbers with this type; her drill a couple of weeks back suggests she's on her toes for this and she's certainly got a right to return faster than she was as a juvenile; main danger.

Angie's Prim Lady

Cuts back a panel off a solid placing when dropped in for a tag in her first start back from 4 months on the shelf; expect she'll be close early in a field without a lot of lick and maybe she has a bit more to offer in the lane at this reduced trip; can get in the exotics mix.

Centella

Looked like a new filly when making her first start off this barn's claim, crushing maiden claimers at will; she'll need to get better as she steps up to face winners for the first time but maybe this barn has just found the key to her success; worth a look.

Love My Life

Tries better after being taken out of the beaten chalk effort in her local return; she's had some time since the try and maybe that helps get back on track as she did earn some solid numbers in her prior couple of starts in Arkansas; broke her maiden fresh and looms a threat on her best here.

Little Gidding

Lightly raced filly wasn't able to go with the winner while chasing a slow clip from a wide spot against cheaper in her first with winners; she does seem to like the local main track and though the pace won't likely be quick it should be more to her liking than last time; nice to see Leparoux hanging around.

Conspired

Tries dirt again after tiring from her pace efforts in her turf debut earlier in the month; filly caught slop in her first crack over this footing so maybe she benefits from a dry trip for a barn that's going well at the stand and she does bring some speed to the table. - Steve Grabowski

Race 10

Rau Breck

Goes from facing straight 2-year-olds to testing older rivals off the bench; owns some good wakeup angles like 1st Lasix, 2nd-time Long and making her 2nd career start; educational unveiling way back last summer at SAR where the runner-up finisher posted an 81 Beyer speed figure in her next-out SAR-100K stakes win; posted steady workouts; owns a lot of upside.

The Royal Way

Ran to the 29-1 debut odds but a good sign Borel keeps the faith; moves all the way inside after traveling wide from post 11 when outrun throughout; will be able to save all the ground along the rail then make one run; others appeal more.

Goldies Giant

Much-improved gate speed 2nd-time out and hopes the distance cutback from 1 Mile an eighth will help her hang on late; would likely have to fend off Soul of Nicole early then have something left late to hold off the closers; view as a pace presence for part.

Kashami

Sire is 35-for-307 (11%) with 1st-turf starters; is out of a 3-for-19 grass dam (194K) who produced 2 winners from 3 other foals to race on turf including 791K-Grade 2-grasser WIlcox Inn (4-for-16); high-percentage jockey-trainer combo for a winning-1st-turf barn; the one to beat.

Malhama

Game to the wire in latest 1st turf start at today's distance; she looks like a good fit here; the debut runner-up finisher Beyered 59 in a next-out LAD-MSW win; 6 weeks away with steady works for an 11%-fresh trainer; if can repeat last is the pick.

My Valentine

Sire is 2-for-50 (4%) with 1st-turf starters; 7-for-115 (6%) with 1st-time starters; is the 1st foal out of a 2-0-0-0 dam (2K) who did not race on grass; bullet works all over the form but the trainer is winless since 2013 with 1sters (0-for-13).

Songoficeandfire

Defeated by under 2 lengths for all the money in an educational unveiling; the post-race workouts don't entice but the new rider is winning 23% for the barn at CD since 2013; after gaining ground in latest gets an extra half furlong to uncorck the late punch; contender.

More Than Less

Sire is 73-for-549 (13%) with 1st-turf starters; 89-for-715 (12%) with 1st-time starters; is out of an 0-for-1 who did not race on grass; trainer is 9% with 1st-turf runners and better at 16% with 1sters; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Cause to Celebrate

Ranked below Malhama and gets the 2-back rematch with that one; ran better at longer in last; today is reuniting with a 1-for-28 CD rider this meet; showed a lot better tactical speed in latest while known more as a deep closer during career; have her ranked a notch below the contenders.

Striking Impact

Sire is 74-for-640 (12%) with 1st-turf starters; is out of a 3-0-1-1 grass dam (8K) who's only other foal to race is SW-Zayda (3-for-11, 86K) who went 2-0-0-0 on turf (1K); the winner from last repeated Thursday in a CD alw.; the 2-back winner scored right back with an 86 speed figure then captured a CD-Grade 3 stakes wih a 99 Beyer.

Ventoux

Trainer is 2-for-21 first blinkers since 2013; shown zero gate speed during career while outfinished in last hoping the equipment change will help her; beat Twenty in One on a syntetic surface 2-back while chasing the winner who repeated with a 76 Beyer in an AP-optional claimer.

Soul of Nicole

Projects as the one to catch; the winner and show finisher from last Beyered 76-72 in next-out WO-MSW and alw. wins; new owner and trainer for this after defeating 1 runner combined in 2 losses; will be taking a wait and see approach for her 1st dirt attempt.

Twenty in One

Main Track Only exits a field-best Beyer; saved her best for her 1st-fast dirt start where she finished a strong 2nd in a key race; the winner and show finishers from last Beyered 81-77 in next-out CD-alw. and MSW wins; the 2-back winner repeated in an AP-OPC with a 76 Beyer.

Ms Arch Stanton

Her recent-running lines suggests she wants shorter than today's distance; knowing she is going to lose ground from the widest draw does not help the confidence level in trying to turn the tables on runners that just beat her on CD grass. - Art Gropper