Churchill Downs: Closer Looks for May 2, 2014

Race 1

In Haste

Although most of her career has been in route affairs, the fact remains that both of her victories have been in the sprint setting including the maiden score at this oval; the main concern here is whether or not there is adequate pace to set up a winning late charge; did improve in the latest a.m. move; mixed signals for this lass.

Cookie

This lady has a fine exacta record at Churchill and was given a freshening following a fair campaign at Tampa Bay; has some fair prompting speed in her favor and could make the surprising first run on presumed pacesetter Jamaican Smoke; a wet track would certainly be a plus.

Elusive Fate

She was game to capture the place at Keeneland but the focus today is whether six furlongs is the appropriate distance; will have to deal with a much swifter half-mile split today than in the last assignment; has to get into the race sooner than normal under Leparoux who did ride this filly in her early maiden days.

Irish Lute

Twice G3 stakes-placed, this filly is probably the strongest rallier in this field; turned in a sharp performance following a layoff just about a year ago; daughter of top-notch sprinter Midnight Lute is an exacta recommendation as long as sloppy conditions are not the case at post time.

Elitism

Owns a local victory but that score was achieved in modest time; since then, she has failed to find the winner's circle and the Oaklawn portfolio was lackluster; may have problems running down the front-runners who appear to have the advantage in this line-up.

Jamaican Smoke

Very dangerous today as she appears capable of controlling the issue throughout; should have received a nice tightening in that turf debut and there is little secret to the riding strategy that will be employed today: a dead send and a gear back once a daylight advantage is achieved; obvious true contender.

Brazen Persuasion

Perhaps can pressure Jamaican Smoke as she has winning experience at this course; the fiasco in the G1 Spinaway might be explained by the intimidating rail slot; returning breeze pattern is progressing and way above average in quality; still spots immense experience to her pace rival and thus is a difficult assessment. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Partyinslowmotion

Gets back to dirt after showing little on synthetic footing at Keeneland and now she'll try older; her 2 dirt routes in Louisiana were pretty good and she'll reunite with the rider aboard for each of those spins; she's experienced from the fence and should be able to secure a decent trip down inside; one to consider.

Senior Prom

Tackles older while moving a slot off the fence after tiring from her pace efforts when stretched out to 2 turns for the first time in her Gulfstream finale; filly bested a full field when a distant second to one of today's Oaks entrants after taking back early 2 starts back; switching back to Lanerie, she's a contender in here.

Call to Action

Four year old's Gulfstream sprint placing in her well bet debut run earned her a number that's better than any of these have run; filly breezed sharply here last weekend for the stretchout and she's kin to 2 multiple route winners so the added ground should prove to be right up her alley; she's the one they'll have to beat.

Lady Margarita

Caught slop first out at Gulfstream and didn't do much running prior to coming up short late in her return try over synthetic footing and now she'll get in with older rivals; filly is kin to a main track route winner and her dam banked 806K while taking 6 routes including a couple of G2 stakes heats so she deserves another crack going long on dirt; can't be dismissed.

Miracle Run

She's had some time since the near miss at Oaklawn a couple of months back; 4 year old doesn't have much early foot which doesn't figure to help her in a field without a defined pace scenario; she does get a solid journeyman pilot here but has been off the board in each of her local spins; prefer to limit her use to underneath in exotics.

Centella

Added the hood for the initial stretchout try and after overcoming some traffic issues, did get up for a minor share; she's been away 10 weeks since the effort and now she'll tackle older for a barn that boasts weak numbers off this type of break; looking elsewhere for the winner.

Corinthian Wind

Didn't have a lot to offer after sitting a wide spot in her debut against a field of her peers at Keeneland; filly stretches out for her first with older for a barn that boasts some recent success both with second out runners and those tackling added real estate; nice to see her pilot stick with her and there is some ability in the family as the dam dropped G1 SW sprinter and 2 time route winner, Here Comes Ben, a 410K earner.

Richiesredhothoney

Outside drawn filly has been breezing ok of late at Keeneland for her return from the break following her second career start; filly tries older as well as the route for the initial time; unraced dam dropped a route winner and this gal did show the early interest to get involved from the bell at this extended trip; price will be right. - Steve Grabowski

Race 3

Handmade

Just 3 last-out KEE winners the 1st two days of the CD meet; this one should appreciate heading back to the main track but has never raced on CD dirt known as a tricky surface for some; she has the right stalking style although sometimes gets too far back; in her last dirt start she defeated the 2-back runner-up finisher who posted a 73 Beyer speed figure in a next-out FG-optional-claiming win.

Tiz Windy

Exits a field-best Beyer speed figure with 72 days away trying to repeat that effort with 33 days idle for this; most of the dirt-route winners early in the CD meet occurred from stalking trips which is exactly what she projects to get today; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 81 in a next-out GP-MSW win; the pick.

Flipcup

Hall of Fame trainer produces 23% winners among the 1st starts of newly-acquired runners since 2013; obviously the trainer thinks dirt is her surface because she sat out the KEE meeting and has been working sharply for this on the main track; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 82 in a next-out WO-150K stakes win.

Grand Elmendorf

Just 2 starts during career so has upside but likely has to produce a new-Beyer Top to make any impact at this level; the dirt-debut win looks better since the runner-up finisher graduated next out in a TAM-MSW event with a 63 speed figure.

False Clock

The rider from all 5 races/2 wins sides with Tiz Windy for this; her 1st start on firm turf produced the 2nd lowest Beyer of career as she heads back to dirt a winner on both wet and fast surfaces; trainer yields just 7% winners turf-to-dirt since 2013.

Battle Tale

The Beyer increased 5 points 2nd-time out but was outrun vs. winners with tons to prove at this grade; the layoff with mixed reviews from the CD worktab for this; last-out OP winners produced 4 winners the 1st two days of the CD season; will be taking a wait and see approach.

She's Justified

Rider from each career start sides with Elaine Kowaleski but gets the hottest rider in America as the replacement; firm turf was the surface for her career-best Beyer win; finished evenly in latest on dirt while in her career debut rallied vs. the winner who repeated in a CRC alw. with a 76 speed figure.

Saturday Storms

Lone win was at a shorter distance; the final yards here are a serious issue as she's been outfinished in 3 in a row; the June-CD distant show finish occurred vs. the winner who repeated in a SAR-Grade 3 event with a 72 Beyer.

Cleo's Krewe

Did not see any last-out MNR runners win the 1st two days of the CD meet; her best Beyer occurred on turf while both wins were posted in 2-turn MNR Miles when stalking the pace; Lasix has helped the Beyers some but would need a significant boost to post the upset.

Elaine Kowaleski

Projects as the main-gate speed in a race lacking a lot of pace; the first 2 days ot the CD meet we saw 7-last-out FG winners all with 30-or-more days between races; new rider means 5 extra pounds as she is class tested facing winners for the 1st time; seems the one to catch and beat.

Run Hide My Girl

The runner-up and 9th-place finisher from last Beyered 77-71 in next-out GP-optional-claiming wins; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 64 in a next-out GP-OPC win; has yet to race on a fast-main track; reunites with the debut win rider; will be taking a wait and see approach. - Art Gropper

Race 4

Trace Creek

Sire wins with approximately 2% of his turf starters and dam won once from 12 starts for 18k, including 0-for-7 over turf; stakes placed colt doesn't find a soft spot for his first turf start and he must improve over what he's shown on dirt in order to have a say in the outcome.

Song to You

He has some early speed to employ after breaking from an advantageous inside post and it looks like his connections are trying to pull out all the stops with the assignment of Castellano; going to look for this one to be involved in the running every step of the way.

Dramedy

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; lightly raced 5-year-old is a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes winner Lord of the Game (8-18, 543k, including 1 of 2 turf starts for 8k) and G1 winner Bluegrass Cat (5-11, $1.7 million, no turf starts); he was sharp in his first two career starts, but it would have been nice to have seen him show a little more in her first start back from a long layoff in his latest outing.

Mutasaawy

He might need to step it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale to get the job done in this spot, but he's shown the ability to pack a strong stretch punch on his best day, and feel that he's an interesting option to consider in here; runner up from his latest race returned to win next out at FG on 3/9 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 76 Beyer.

City Connect

His complete lack of early speed has been known to leave him with a lot of ground to cover late, but he's been in good form lately, and like the idea of him making his first turf start since October; note that his career best Beyer Speed Figure was earned racing over this turf course.

Layton Register

He's another who likes to do his work from off the pace and he commands plenty of respect against these based on what he's shown us racing over turf; his most recent race over the synthetic surface at Keeneland can serve as a useful conditioner for his first turf attempt as a 4-year-old.

Hesinfront

He's meeting older rivals for the first time in his career, and he's obviously going to need his strongest performance to date to beat this bunch, but his three turf starts as a 2-year-old were solid performances, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he showed more in his first turf start as a 3-year-old; note that he's proven that he's comfortable over the CD turf.

Piceance

He's shown the ability to dial up a pretty sharp performance on his best day and find it interesting that he's being reunited with Rosario who was aboard for his one career win; that said, this colt really hasn't been at his best when fresh in the past.

Mt Tronador

Like what he did in his two turf starts when he first moved into this barn, but outside of those performances, his form hasn't been anywhere near strong enough to help give him a competitive look in this spot; can't give up on him just yet, but he does look a little shaky entering this race.

Upkeep

Consistent performer has shown the ability to run his race over just about any surface, and from a Beyer Speed Figure standpoint, his latest effort after a layoff was one of the sharper starts of his career; his ability to adapt to any early pace scenario is a plus.

Play It Loud

He's a neck shy of being a G3 winner and it's interesting to see him making his first start for the Motion barn; he clearly owns a good deal of natural ability and his dam was a multiple graded stakes winner while winning 7 of 16 starts for 595k, including 2 of 3 turf starts for 132k; must consider.

Gabriel's Cat

There's a long layoff in play, but have to respect the performance he put together in his career debut going one mile over this turf course, and even though he didn't run poorly at second asking, maybe he's just sharper when he's taken back off of the early pace; his connections must feel he's ready to return to action running while reaching out to Smith.

Transcend

He needs to see a scratch from the main body of this race in order to draw in, and if you can excuse his latest performance, he has every bit the look of a top contender against these; note what he did in his one start over this turf course.

Foolhardy

He's had some success against lesser in his 11 turf starts, but this looks like it can prove ot be a very tough step up in class for him, especially with an outside post awaiting; he looks like more of an outsider.

Saffron Hall

He was sharp the last two times he raced over turf, and not only has he won four of seven turf starts, but his one start over this turf course was a decent run against a tough group of N1X allowance rivals; Leparoux has won with 8 of 31 (26%) mounts for this barn in 2014. - Brian Pochman

Race 5

Molly Morgan

Wasn't able to keep up with the top 2 finishers while returning from the brief freshening in the allowance ranks and now she'll step up to the G1 stakes level; 3 time local winner could move forward with her last behind her for a barn that improves them second time back, but she's going to need to step things up quite a bit to have a serious say in the outcome today; have to side with others.

Liberated

Didn't have enough left late after sitting a wide spot against allowance runners second off the freshening at Keeneland a couple of weeks back; filly did earn a career best number the last time she set foot on this track and it's the only strip over which she's won; switches to a pilot who had a pretty nice showing at Keeneland last month but don't think this gal will show up with enough to threaten today.

Unlimited Budget

Showed some improved early interest when stretched out at Gulfstream on the Florida Derby undercard but didn't have enough late at a slightly longer trip while narrowly beating one of these gals home; Pletcher barn does do well with its runners off this type of break and their main pilot sticks with her for this one; she ran a big one in the local Oaks behind a couple of terrific fillies and she worked here a couple of weeks back like the local surroundings still agree with her; contender.

Magic Union

Ran well to get second money behind a front running winner who had things her own way before going on to take Oaklawn's G1 Apple Blossom with a 100 Beyer; she's had some time since the effort and owns a local trip score; while she hasn't been very consistent of late, she does have a local drill under her belt since shipping from her Santa Anita base; consider.

Devil's Cave

Set the pace in the 9 panel G3 Rampart at Gulfstream last time but didn't have enough late and was necked by one of these at 1-2 on the board; filly again looks to have things her own way here and she showed 2 back that she can go fast early and score at this trip; sharp breeze before leaving her Gulfstream base last weekend says she's on her toes for her local debut; they'll have to catch her to win this.

On Fire Baby

Outside drawn mare couldn't get to the same front running winner of each of her 2 Oaklawn starts this spring but she was quite good holding second money last time; she just missed in this heat's renewal last season but she has taken 2 of her other 3 starts over the local footing and is a G1 SW at today's trip; from tracking range, it looks like they'll have her to beat. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

Ancil

He's been beaten by a few of today's rivals in a couple of his recent starts, but he's clearly capable of a sharper try than what he showed up with in his latest outing, and his connections call upon Leparoux again, and he was aboard for one of his sharper starts.

Undrafted

He's obviously in against some sharp turf sprinters today, but he's an interesting option to consider as he gets ready to make his initial run in a turf dash; he's won two of three turf starts, including one over this turf course, and this multiple graded stakes placed gelding might be looking forward to turning back in distance.

Stormofthecentury

Grade 3 winner has run very well in all four of his starts sprinting over turf, especially that run against a tough group two starts back at Parx; like to see that he put forth a good effort in his only start over this turf course; must respect.

Marchman

He took them the distance in the G3 Shakertown at Keeneland in his latest outing and he's another in here who had a positive experience in his one start over this turf course; he needs to be careful to avoid an early pace confrontation, but he has shown the ability to tap the brakes a little bit through the opening stages if need be.

Scatman

He commands respect for the level of performance that he's capable of on his best day, but his two starts over turf haven't been anywhere near his best, and that makes it difficult to place confidence in him while getting back over turf against a tough field such as this; willing to upgrade his chances if this race has to be moved to the main track.

Positive Side

He's been on top of his game since being returned from a layoff two starts back and he's traded decisions in those starts with today's rival Marchman; there's enough early speed in here to establish a closer-friendly early pace scenario, so not going to be surprised if he's making noise through the final furlong.

Googleado (ARG)

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; can't help but feel that this is a very tough spot for his first turf test, and in a race loaded with early speed, he might have a tough time trying to keep something in reserve for the late stages; Borel has won with 7 of 20 (35%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Sum of the Parts

Multiple graded stakes winner is seeking his first graded stakes score over turf and his sharp recent form establishes him as a legitimate contender; high win percentage barn has been getting the job done with turf sprinters and Napravnik has won with 16 of 37 (43%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Havelock

He's a multiple graded stakes winner sprinting over turf, but it is of some concern to see that he hasn't been at his best in his two most recent races, and that his three starts over this turf course haven't been all that sharp; nevertheless, he's obviously capable on his best day and his connections must feel that he's doing well to call upon Castellano for this. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Springsteen Road

Miss showed talent from Day One; overmatched in the March opener, she may have not adored the off going in last and was bumped early to boot; runner that got taken down in last got revenge next out by taking the Grade 3 Fantasy with a 92 Beyer; she has a right to have a nice career as there are stakes performers in the family including Grade 1 placed over $600K earner Mylute; don't ignore.

Southern Honey

Far from disgraced in the local debut when hooking clear winner; Bridled Heiress exited 2014 opener to repeat in a $75K optional with an 86 Beyer; the way she came away in last suggests she'll take to this trip; slight improvement and she will be a handful.

Creative Spirit

The way she ran in her debut suggests she'll handle this surface; like fact she has a couple of local drills under the bell; she has a shot to grow into her skin as kin to stakes winner and over $200K earner Spirited Miss; must be left in the mix.

Awesome Jill

She didn't get the best of trips in the 2013 closer; place horse in that race cashed next out in a $50K optional, then lost in 2 stakes; rider has had good success for this barn and would expect rider to take a little hold, try to save ground, hope a duel occurs and that the race falls apart.

Soul Title

Bet like a good thing and she overcame breaking poorly; note the show horse was nearly 4 clear; miss seems comfortable with this surface and the blood is there for this homebred to have a nice career; she is kin to Grade 3 winner and near $300K earner Seeking the Title.

Annoy

She pressed and faded in the local debut; wide first time vs. winners, she showed grit in last by rallying between horses; the way she was getting to the winner was solid and she doesn't have to be 6th early on; don't sell too short.

Ducasa

Off poorly on a surface she not have cared for in the debut but she looked professional drawing away in last; 5th finisher in last took a MSW at FG next out and the 9th finisher took a maiden $30K seller here; would expect rider to put her into the race early and often.

Avicii

This is her venue; don't be too harsh about last as she could not handle the off going; two excuses in last, the surface and she was wide; best of 22 bullet in the holster; expect much better effort here.

Abou

She beat the small field to kick it off but connections thought enough of her to try the Davona Dale; would have liked to have seen a local work; no reason she will not have a nice career as kin to Grade 3 winner and near $300K earner Joe Vann; to sharp not to take seriously.

Elegant Model

Distance should suit here and she was getting to the winner in her stakes debut; not sure she was facing anybody on 9/28 as the winner that day has been out of the money thrice since; back to the original pilot here; would still be careful with this miss.

Ireland

Three regressions since the maiden breaker but she needs a rebound run after seeing all the heels; beaten over 18 in the other effort at this distance; would expect her to be in the picture very late if at all.

Express Model

Must prove she can win in open company; she should be more comfortable sprinting and the winner of last repeated in the Grade 2 FG Oaks with a 106 Beyer; miss did win off the layoff to earn the diploma and then again in the stakes; drawn right, don't ignore.

Silver Valley

Only one decent effort since last August but somebody had to run third in the March 1 effort in the small field; and wonder if that August win just zapped her?; she had to take the time off and has not been solid since; not sold on chances.

My Christini

Dropped and freak under a hand ride last time; show horse in last graduated next out in a MSW at LS with a 58 Beyer; never simple to beat winners right back especially when one graduated for a tag; has some things to iron out. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Whomping Willow

Projects as a pace presence for this but has She's a Tiger likely right in the mix from the gate; she wanted no parts of 2 turns and 1 Mile and an eighth in last; she wants the lead but has plenty to prove off latest-career low Beyer speed figure; her lone win was at today's distance 3-back when defeating the show finisher who Beyered 80 in a next-out GP-MSW win.

Lady Paradime

Shocked the New York field in last; seems to be shooting high making her stakes debut in a graded event; saw a last-out AQU winner the final race at CD Tuesday; quality field in the 2-back loss; the winner (now 3-for-3) and the show finisher Beyered 91-90 in next-out GP-Grade 2 and KEE-G1 stakes wins.

Designer Legs

If she couldn't beat Louisiana-bred stakes runners hard to conclude she will be a factor facing open-company graded stakes runners; She's A Tiger rematch losing to that one decisively 2-back; her-CD workouts suggest she is ready for a good one but would be a complete surprise.

Our Amazing Rose

Tons of upside off her first 2 wins; she had to work hard for latest in New York 46 days ago; another lightly-raced filly who gets the class test here making the stakes debut vs. graded rivals; who did she beat?; the show runner from last finished 4th (62 Beyer) next out; the debut runner-up Beyered 73 when 2nd best in a GP-MSW race in her next start.

Jojo Warrior

Rider from last sides with She's a Tiger; was favored then encountered a troubled trip 1st time racing on dirt off the long layoff; CD-bullet workout for this while hopes not to bounce coming right back in the entry box 20 days after that big-fresh effort; is the one to beat.

Cash Control

Defeated the show runner from last who Beyered 73 in a next-out FG-OPC win; fresh-FG runners won 7-of the first-20 races at CD this season; 7F seems like an ideal distance but like with so many in here a major-class hurdle to overcome; she gets her 1st taste of stakes company on Oaks' Day in a graded event.

Fiftyshadesofgold

Fits the winning profile; last-out FG-fresh runners won 7 of the first-20 races contested at CD in 2014; exits back-to-back co-field-best Beyer speed figures when finishing 2nd best at longer; her 2-back score at today's distance was a superb effort but the win rider from that event sides with Jojo Warrior; looms a logical contender for win honors.

Mufajaah

1st Lasix for a runner who was eye catching in both OP wins vs. much lesser; she handled 2 turns very well on wet footing then was not up to G3 challengers just 13 days later; today is start 5 in 78 days while exiting her worst finish ever; the debut winner repeated in an OP alw. with an 80 Beyer.

Milam

Projects to press She's a Tiger wide; Calder invader made a laugher out of stakes company in latest when stalking the speed; a winner over the CD strip when beating optional claimers at shorter; the CD-win rider sides with the speedy Whomping Willow.

She's a Tiger

Champion 2-year-old filly makes her long-awaited 3-year-old unveiling; blazing-gate speed to begin career she would be dangerous if able to make the front here but has Whomping Willow to fend off early; blinkers are removed trying to get her to avoid bearing out in deep stretch which caused her to be taken down in last; her worktab seems right on the money for a trainer adept (23% winners) at getting long-layoff runners to win right off the bench; the pick. - Art Gropper

Race 9

Miss Machiavelli

Stakes winning filly has stepped up her game since being placed over turf two starts back, and with only four starts behind her, the possibility of her having more to show us exists; runner up from latest won next out at GG on 11/29 going 1m over turf in a 50k OPC with a 71 Beyer.

Courageous Julie

Her form has improved since she tried turf the first time and Pioneer of the Nile is off to a good start as a turf sire; Zayat-owned filly deserves another chance to see what she can do racing on grass, but she does find herself facing a tough test for her second turf attempt.

Granny Mc's Kitten

If you take out the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, a start where she didn't get to run with Lasix, she hasn't run a bad race to date; her first start as a 3-year-old over the synthetic surface at Keeneland in her latest outing can serve as a useful conditioner for this; it is interesting to see Castellano aboard another in here, but Rosario did pilot this miss in her career debut.

Candy Kitty

She showed turf ability early on in her career and like to see what she did racing over the Gulfstream Park turf course two and three starts ago; she owns excellent positional speed and this multiple stakes winner goes out for a top barn with a go-to rider assigned.

Little Journey (FR)

It doesn't look like this miss learned how to run a bad race from seven starts in France, and now she makes her first start in America for a top turf barn that does well with imports, and she is getting Lasix for the first time; Lezcano has won with 4 of 13 (30%) mounts for this outfit in 2014.

A Little Bit Sassy

Stakes placed miss has performed well in her three starts routing over turf, and if her most recent workout is any indication, she might be ready to step up with her sharpest performance to date; this is a tough test she's taking, but not willing to count her out of it.

Istanford

Grade 3 stakes placed filly has won two of three turf starts and her one loss was behind a sharp turfer in Testa Rossi; she might have to be careful to avoid an early pace dispute with A Little Bit Sassy and Resistivity, but she has her share of appeal, especially with Castellano landing here.

V V Goodnight

She shows up for a very capable turf barn, but she was entered with a 75k tag attached just three starts ago, and even though she's recorded back-to-back wins since then, she's going to need to take her game to another level to threaten the top contenders in here.

Fonepferesh (IRE)

Don't want to ignore that she's going out for a barn that has been hitting at a 28% clip in 2014, but she's yet to run a race that is anywhere near fast enough to suggest that she can keep up with the top contenders in here; she looks like more of an outsider.

Resistivity

She carries a G2 stakes placed credential with her and her one start over turf was a sharp winning performance; she might have a tough time keeping herself out of an early pace confrontation after breaking from the outside, but she clearly deserves to be listed among the contenders. - Brian Pochman

Race 10

Moonshine Mullin

Cozy post for the reformed claimer but these are steep waters; love fact he has natural speed but doesn't need the lead to win; place horse in last was over 4 clear but he's been beating short fields; 3/27 place horse cashed next out in a $55K stakes at Will Rogers; sharp, but he'll likely need another career effort.

Will Take Charge

Once he was freshened after the Belmont, runner has just been solid; he has the style that can take advantage of being in the hunt at the top of the lane and note show horse in the Donn 3 back cashed took a $25K optional next out with a 97 Beyer; colt got to drifting and had to survive a stewards inquiry last time; Stevens hired and he beat this runner in the BC Classic last year; he fits this runner super as his style is to make that move rolling into the stretch; the one to deny.

Mylute

Nice bit of training to have this runner set off the extended layoff and Amoss can keep them going good once they are thriving but racer now has to do something he never has done and that's put wins together; colt proved he belongs with the best in the business during the Triple Crown last year; interesting.

Coin Broker

Short in the 2014 opener but he has found his best stride; runner has speed but would envision him seeing in a stalk and pounce mode here; note place horse in last was nearly 7 clear; runner could be biting off more than he can chew today.

Normandy Invasion

Shorter trip could be just what the good doctor ordered; show horse was well clear in the return 2 back and note trifecta players were clear in last; steadied in the Derby last year, he loomed huge at the top of the lane but fell victim to the ridiculous pace; he basically had a walkover in the return and lost a little ground in last late; shorter trip should work to his advantage; can't fault those that give him another shot at glory.

Golden Soul

Connections continue to show faith by putting this guy in tough despite just the one win; move up in the slop against Orb and benefitted from the way the race set up after they went :45 and change; tough to pull the trigger after the last effort.

Golden Ticket

Proven locally, he was in kind of tough on the cut back and the horse he lost to by a head in March repeated beating rival on the direct inside; veteran has the 2 races to draw from now but this race is a far cry from winning a $98K stakes at Prairie; Rosario has won with him; rates upset glance.

Appealing Tale

Consistent but this is his Graded stakes debut; must respect his speed, but he sat close up and broke the maiden; Jan. 4 place horse cashed next out in an N1X, then won a N2X with a 102 Beyer; gelding he has to prove he can go this far; look for rider to be aggressive, put him on the lead and play come catch me.

Bradester

Runner was entered as a main track only racer here Thursday in an optional claimer; place horse 2/22 took a $75K Delta stakes next out then won a Grade 3 at Lone Star last Saturday; not sure the race sets up all that great for him. - Brian Mulligan

Race 11

Please Explain

Beaten chalk in Oaklawn's G3 Fantasy didn't have much excuse for that poor effort after making a sharp late run in a prep for that heat; gal who finished first in both of these heats returns in this spot as well and the inside starting slot doesn't look to benefit a filly who has shown little early interest; nice to see a top pilot take interest, but this filly looks to have her work cut for her in this spot.

Ria Antonia

While her numbers are light compared to some of these, this gal did quite well to get second money behind the front running winner of the G1 Santa Anita Oaks in her second start since seeing her number put up in the G1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies last fall; beaten chalk puts the hood back on for this and she's been working pretty well in the interim, including a couple of sharp local drills this past week; expect she'll offer some value from this inside draw and that warrants her a look today.

Sugar Shock

Filly has taken 4 straight on the track and will get off the fence for her local return after setting up shop from the bell and taking Oaklawn's G3 Fantasy at a slightly shorter trip than she'll tackle today; though she doesn't need the lead for her best she looks to be the quickest of those drawn inside here and that could put this improving filly on the front end today; don't think Fashion Plate is going to allow her to canter along from the outset but she may well have to be run down.

Rosalind

She was everyone's wise guy runner when holding on for the tie in Keeneland's G1 Ashland while making her second start of the year early last month; don't know that she'll see that type of pace in front of her in this spot but she has shown that she's capable of making a late run on dirt and she wasn't beaten much by the big gal in here when she last set foot on the local main track.

Thank You Marylou

Flattened out late after making a solid middle run into a hot clip first time going long in the G1 Ashland; filly wasn't a threat to the top 2 finishers in that one but maybe she's better second time at the trip and she did show she has some ability when running away with the Gulfstream sprint stake 2 back while making her first start of the year; pedigree suggests this lightly raced longshot deserves an exotics look.

Kiss Moon

Just missed after tracking the front running winner the whole way at Oaklawn last time and she's worked pretty well since shipping here to prepare for her biggest test yet; both of her sharp route tries did find her up top from the bell and don't know that she's going to be able to secure a similar spot and still have enough late to tackle the added trip of this heat; have to side with others on the win end.

Fashion Plate

Field's lone 2 time G1 SW brings her early lick to the table in her local debut after making the lead from her inside starting slot and never looking back in the G1 Santa Anita Oaks last month; she's yet to be pushed on the front end since stretched out to begin the year and now she'll draw outside a filly who could give her all she can handle from the bell while having to negotiate an added half panel; improving filly will need to earn this one.

Aurelia's Belle

She's only run a handful of times and her last at Turfway was her best yet; they worked her long last week and expect she'll appreciate today's added distance but note that each of her wins has come over a synthetic surface; she'll need to keep getting better over footing she's yet to win on in order to get involved in the outcome today.

Unbridled Forever

Returns to the scene of her big figure second out maiden sprint score while attempting to take down a G1 heat won by her dam 8 years ago for this barn; filly took a step back behind today's outside drawn filly while returning from time off at Fair Grounds last out but her prior stakes score first time at 2 turns was pretty good and she did work well here last week for the slight stretchout; one to consider.

Empress of Midway

Held on to tie for the runner up spot when stretched out for the initial time in her first start with winners at Sunland last out; she did track a pretty quick clip in that one and returned to work well out West in the interim; with just a few starts under her belt this filly has a right to improve, but she's yet to run particularly fast and will need to move forward quite a bit to loom any type of threat.

My Miss Sophia

Pletcher filly looked pretty good taking the G2 Gazelle at odds on while beating just 5 foes to the wire on the Wood Memorial undercard; she had things her own way up top in that one and drawing outside, that's not likely to happen again in this spot, but after breaking slowly she showed in the promising maiden breaker that she's capable of settling early and that could give her first run on the gal drawn in the outside slot; proves to be the main danger.

Got Lucky

Barn's second runner in here has their top pilot named for her local debut; she doesn't look to have any issue with shipping as she's been all over the place and hasn't been out of the exacta in 5 career spins; she hasn't run very fast, though, and was handled rather easily by 2 of the big gals in here in her last couple of starts; may be best used underneath in exotics from here.

Untapable

Outside drawn runner began her career in impressive fashion by taking each of her first 2 starts over the local main track, including the G2 Pocahontas in just her second career start; filly has looked little short of terrific in taking those last 2 graded stakes heats in Louisiana and she's working like she realizes she's back home; her 2 triple digit Beyers stick out in this heat as both exceed the Beyer par for the level at this time of the year; she'll again be a short price and the starting slot is no bargain, but on her best she's going to be very tough to handle. - Steve Grabowski

Race 12

Chief Dante

Caught wide when facing claimers for the first time at Gulfstream; did not fare well in her sole main track try at the beginning of her career but that was pre-blinkers and note a true indicator; most recent a.m. move at Keeneland was encouraging.

Crack Your Whip

Rested since a sharp, clear-cut placing here last season; even spacing to the returning work tab is a good sign; her sire won a G1 and 1.01 million; the dam went 4 for 38 earning 160K; winning siblings include 235K earner Noble Charlotte.

Toy Land

Scheduled to add blinkers after a useful showing at Fair Grounds, first outing in nearly 6 months; sired by the versatile Dynaformer, she has been training locally in solid fashion and should give a decent account if the right pace set-up occurs.

Katie O.

Looks like one of the likely pace players and she ran deceptively well in her last assignment at Oaklawn when burdened with a wide slot; alert breaker may use Dream of Bertie as a target pacesetter rather than get involved in a duel.

Heavenly Princess

Newcomer was sired by G2 victor Pure Prize who captured 475K and whose offspring have won 47 out of 382 debuts; the dam won 1 of 4 and 16K; among the winning siblings is 62K earner Negrita Tata; the trainer has scored with longshot beginners.

Mildred

Broke slowest of all in her maiden voyage and never recovered; her sire won a G1 and 2.67 million while the dam won 3 of 19 and 136K; among the winning siblings is 88K earner Madre Luna.

Sugar Run Wild

Twice beaten favorite had legitimate excuses in both defeats; her sire won 424K including G1 success while the dam was unraced; among the winning siblings is 124K earner Need the Write Off.

Taketheodds

Bold finish here last season when going to post at a big price and the workout regimen last month was very promising; her sire won the Derby and 4.38 million in total; the dam was a G2 winner who netted 324K; sib to 16K earner Saratoga Bound.

Impetuous Youth

Firster hails from the undefeated Candy Ride who won multiple G1s and 749K (his progeny have scored in 54 out of 408 initial starts); the dam was also a G1 winner who garnered 244K; sib to 275K winner Believe in A.P.

Dream of Bertie

Opened up major daylight in that second start before wilting in mid-stretch; her sire won a G2 and 310K while the dam was also a G2 type who captured 485K; sib to 227K earner Uptown Bertie; can slow down the early tempo and hold on for a major share.

French Press

Sired by multiple champion Curlin who won 10.5 million (his descendants have scored in 13 percent of their first races); the dam won 3 of 7 and 132K; winning siblings include 26K earner Frisky Janelle.

Secret Journey

After a fair first run at Turfway, she failed to do much running at Keeneland with no known excuse; her sire won 2 of 32 and 103K while the dam was without a tally in 6 attempts; sib to 160K earner Running Today; outermost post a true concern. - Jim Kachulis