Churchill Downs: Closer Looks for May 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. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Big John B

This tough veteran goes out for a barn that is capable of moving one forward after a claim and he figures to appreciate getting back over turf after a start over the synthetic surface at Keeneland in his latest outing; he's won seven of 20 racing over turf and like to see Leparoux get the call for this.

Grip Hands

Although he has just one win from 10 starts over turf, viewing the return to turf as a positive for him, and he looks like he fits right in at this 40k claiming level; he can put together a pretty sharp performance on his best day and Graham has won with 14 of 37 (38%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Derby Kitten

Grade 3 winner has run some very nice races over turf during his career, and even though his recent form hasn't been his best, he still appears to be capable of showing up with a competitive performance at this level of competition; can't count him out of it while going out for Ramsey and Maker.

Tiz Sardonic Joe

5-year-old carries a G2 stakes placed credential with him and have to respect the performance he showed up with over the synthetic surface at Keeneland in his latest start while making only his second start for this barn; he owns excellent positional speed and it's probably a good idea to look for him to be involved in the running throughout.

Key to Power

Obviously there's some concern when seeing that he had to be pulled up in his latest outing but this is a veteran performer who has won six of 13 turf starts, and he has shown the ability to run well when fresh; not willing to count him out of it in this small but competitive gathering.

Stormy Going

Minor stakes placed veteran looks like he can prove to be the dominant early speed in this race, but a case can be made for him being at his best racing over a synthetic surface, and he's probably going to need to top his previous best turf attempt to beat this bunch. - Brian Pochman

Race 3

Justice Judy

Camera shy lass is long overdue but will be heavily overbet again from rail position; might encounter too much early pressure as was the case in the last assignment; obvious money chances, rain or shine, but it may pay to take a flyer elsewhere.

Indian Fiesta

Ran in much improved fashion earlier this month when testing Justice Judy for a good part of the running; a change in riding tactics today could result in a turning of the tables; the betting value will certainly be there.

St Cecilia

Looks like an interesting fit, pace-wise, in this field; daughter of Fusaichi Pegasus can prove dangerous if a dead send and clearing the inside speed; has never raced at this low a price tag before; worth some consideration if the price is right.

Rififi

Beginner hails from Magna Graduate, winner of the G2 Clark and 2.58 million (his progeny are 8 for 62 in debuts); the dam won 3 of 22 attempts and 69K; this is her only foal to compete; decent set of local breezes in her favor.

Tarpy's Dream

Lost to lengthy winners in both of her assignments at Oaklawn; switches to Lanerie who has a solid record when riding for these connections and the filly is positioned nicely today; should make an impact against this level of competition.

Riviere d'Or

Very little to highlight thus far; the mare never got involved in either outing while huge odds; her sire won a G1 and 1.65K but nearly all of that success was in route affairs; the dam was unraced; sib to 31K earner My Girl Erin; cannot endorse at this time.

Americailoveyou

Not much accomplished since that fine placing just about a year ago; she was in need of the last try at Arlington but showed little enthusiasm in that comeback; may need another tightener or two before coming close to previous performance levels. - Jim Kachulis

Race 5

Great Call

Style no secret, he'll be send along hard to flee the fence; beaten by the clear winner in the Oaklawn race, he was getting a little late in last and the shorter trip should work to his advantage; he has more speed than he just showed too; respect.

Reason to Be Proud

Gelding nosedived and got the money; note place horse was clear for fun; 4th finisher won next in a $4K Belterra fray and 5th finisher beat $5K foes there here out; totally extended in last and now he has to go a furlong farther; look for him in the picture late if at all.

Tahquamenon

Boxcars forever; just handled easily by the Amoss runner and gelding was never into running the other time in town; finally off the rail, not sure that's the cure all.

Slick Pardoned Me

Wide and beaten 41 lengths the last time for this price; 14 blanks locally, he apparently is not much of a work horse but knows all the tricks at 8 anyway; not sold on chances.

On Lockdown

Been a long time between drinks; return was decent and note he did improve Beyer-wise in the last 2 second off the layoff runs; if you figure he just needed the last, one can build a case for a move forward.

Format V.

Gelding has been in some good barns; he has plenty of back class to draw from and Amoss looks like he has him going in the right direction now; he's won going longer on the synthetic; repeat well within the realm.

Calbo

Senior citizen has had a nice career for his level; he finally got the local win but was a pop and stop 7th the last time for this price; he can give you a :45 and change half if in the mood; will likely try to steal it.

B L's Tsumani

Protected in last and he has beaten tougher in his career; 6 of his 20 wins came at this trip and he should be forwardly placed from the sound of the bell; expect much better effort.

Backdoc

Wonder if connections had this race in mind all the time?; these are his friends; dam took 3 routes but all the siblings were sprint only; rates upset glance. - Brian Mulligan

Race 6

Federal Agent

A little concerned when seeing that his recent form hasn't been his best, but he certainly figures to appreciate the drop in class, and if he can bounce back with one of his sharper starts, he can make a serious bid for the top prize.

Sconnie Nation

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and multiple stakes winning dam won 3 of 10 starts for 153k, including 0-for-1 over turf; he's an interesting player in his turf debut and the rider switch to Leparoux is worth noting as he's won with 11 of 41 (27%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Brilliant Messi

Lightly raced 3-year-old has some quality to his pedigree, and he's a 1/2 to G1 winner Gayego (8-21, $1.7 million, no turf starts) but he must step up with an improved performance if he's planning on getting the job done in this spot.

Pernicious

He's run well enough in a couple of his turf starts to suggest that he's capable of showing up with a competitive performance against competition of this caliber, but feel that his lack of early speed is eligible to leave him with a lot of ground to cover when he turns for home; perhaps he's best used underneath in the exotics.

Tip of the Hat

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam won 5 of 48 starts for 79k, including 1 of 9 turf starts for 17k; maybe the move to turf can help, but it's difficult to give this gelding a favorable push against these based on what he's shown racing over dirt and synthetic surfaces.

Call Me Wonderful

Three of his five starts over turf have been respectable performances and it's interesting to see him showing up with blinkers for the first time while getting a rider switch to Lanerie; he'll need his sharpest performance to date to get the better of these, but not counting out that possibility.

Danzig Gold

This colt seems to be more comfortable racing over dirt than any other surface and he's going to have to step it up in a noticeable way over what he's shown it is two turf starts in order to contend.

All Cash

He has a strong pedigree for turf and find it very interesting that this will be his first turf start since November of his 2-year-old season; he came up just short of a G3 stakes placing over the synthetic surface at Keeneland as a 2-year-old, and he might be looking to to flash his to early speed in an attempt to take this field the distance.

Not to Yield

This colt is another in here who has plenty of turf in his pedigree and he certainly figures to appreciate the drop in class for this; it is interesting to see that his previous connections saw fit to test him in a G2 in his second career start, and maybe we just haven't quite seen the best of this runner yet. - Art Gropper

Race 7

Viva Majorca

Eye-catching maiden romp field-best Beyer speed figure at GP 58 days ago looks even better since the runner-up, 5th and 7th-place finishers all graduated next out with 84-70-65 Beyer speed figures taking PIM-WO-GP-MSW wins; last-out GP runners at the current CD through May 18 have won just 9 times.

Metro Dreamer

New trainer/same owner for this; in his 2nd race with blinkers on he tossed up a 21 and 1 opening quarter then had enough left to handle much-lesser maiden claimers; going to be tough for any runner in here to duplicate his most-recent opening fraction; sizzling-CD trainer wins 32% first-time out with new acquisitions; try to catch me.

Springboard

1st dirt start was a CD romp but it's taken a long time to get back to the races for a 32%-winning long-layoff barn; if the trainer wasn't winning everywhere with fresh runners we would be more concerned; the 2-back winner Beyered 86 in a next-out CD-61K stakes win; working like he's ready to fire strongly right off the bench for this.

Be Well

He beat Big Sugar Soda in latest with a career-best Beyer attached now the long layoff for another trainer well known to win right off the bench (26% since 2013); CD graduation defeating the 3-back show finisher who Beyered 73 in a next-out OP-MSW win.

Tachi

The Beyers are light; he is another layoff runner in the field; clearly has plenty to prove right off the bench exiting Indiana-bred events seeking the correct level; today seems to be shooing high with these; the winner from last repeated in a FG-optional claimer with an 82 speed figure.

Conquest Two Step

Woodbine absentee is 1-for-1 on CD dirt scoring his debut over the runner-up finisher who Beyered 91 in a next-out ELP-MSW win; he went on to finish 2nd in last Saturday's Preakness (103); the debut-show finisher graduated next out in a SAR-MSW event with a 79 Beyer.

Bagg O'Day

Speed is his best game but has Metro Dreamer to fend off early then the closers late; through May 18 at the current CD meet last-out OP winners produced 33 winners 2nd only to KEE (47); racing 1st time on CD dirt for a 5%-winning fresh trainer so will be taking a wait and see approach..

Big Sugar Soda

Just 1 win during career but clearly the connections thought he was something special with 4 stakes on his resume 3 of them graded; the 2-back winner repeated in an OP-100K stakes with an 85 Beyer; the 3-back show finisher won next out in an FG-OPC with a 76 speed figure; some of his rivals love CD while he seeks his 1st-Louisville exacta.

Race 8

Positively

Didn't have much to offer in his local return from 3 months on the shelf when off the board at the level earlier in the month; colt's most recent win did come at the local trip last fall and maybe he's better with his last behind him, but that's now 2 bad ones in a row while switching to yet another new pilot so he has something to prove today.

Cozzetti

Switches surfaces while taking another shot at the level after running into a top returning turf earlier in the month; gray ran well at the trip in Florida during the winter and each of his local main track spins was solid; sharp drill for a sharp turf to dirt barn warrants him a good look.

Toston

Shipper has hit the board in each of his 6 career starts and now he'll try 7 panels; his numbers are light of what the better guys in here are capable of running, but he's got a solid early turn of foot and he always gives his all; maybe for a minor share.

Red Hot Randy

Fresh gelding didn't factor in a key stakes heat last time, but he'll drop to an appropriate level for this one; his score 2 back at Gulfstream earned him a pretty sharp number and he's quite capable of securing a spot within striking range of the front runners from the bell; he's settled for plenty of minor awards, but giving him the nod to get back on track in here.

Good Lord

Drops out of the stakes ranks for the first time in quite a long time after being given a little extra time off another weak effort in Florida; 7 year old does own a couple of local scores and he likes this trip; recent drill suggests he's on his toes for an outfit that boasts nice numbers of late with its returnees, but this guy will need to step things up to have a say in the outcome.

Platitude

Wide trip did him in last time after failing to secure a decent spot early from the inside draw in his local return; maybe moving a little further out in the gate helps this local winner and that score did come at this trip; gets a switch to a solid journeyman for this and the price should be ok.

Sandbar

Showed some early foot from an inside slot on Derby Day and understandably came up short in the lane; gelding should be tighter with that one behind him and he does figure to benefit from the move off the fence for his second crack at the level; giving him the nod to get back on track and run them down in here.

Sir Bond

Field's highest last out Beyer earner was given a little extra time to get over the sharp placing in his Oaklawn finale; don't know that he's as good as he hinted out earlier in his career, but maybe the return to sprinting is what he wants and this barn is going quite well at the local stand; contender.

Squadron A

Returns to the scene of his maiden score after being freshened off the open lengths score over cheaper in his Gulfstream finale; gray rode the slop to score at this trip in that one and his interim drills suggest that he remains on his toes while going back to a pilot who knows him rather well.

Vigorous Titan

Goes first time for a new barn while returning from time off after a couple of impressive open lengths wins in Texas; sophomore will tackle older foes for the first time in this spot and his interim synthetic drills are nothing special but his speed does look to afford him the chance to sit off the front runners in a stalking spot and prove he's good enough at a trip he's yet to try; nice to see Bridgmohan take interest. - Steve Grabowski

Race 9

Wee Biscut

Was freezing on the tote and fans were on the money; stakes winning dam won over $200K, cashed on grass once; the sibling that won took 2 dirt routes; could need softer to shine.

Indian Outlaw

Indian Charlie about 11% of his first-time turfers in a 341-horse sample; sire took debut at 2, won first 4 starts including the SA Derby, never turfed; dam was 0 for 5; this is her first to race; look for rider to send hard and hope for the best.

Here Come Da Po Po

Officer about 14% with debuters in a 421-runner grid, about 6% with first-time turfers in a 199-runner sample; sire earned over $800K, never turfed; 3 for 10 dam took debut at 2, won thrice, was 0 for 2 on grass; several multiple race winners in the family; one earned over $200K, several tried grass to no avail; would have liked to have seen local activity.

Red Solid Perfect

Street Cry about 8% with debuters in a 345-runner grid, about 11% with first-time turfers in a 236-runner sample; sire won at 2, banked over $5 million, never turfed; Grade 1 winning 2 for 15 dam banked over $300K; was third in best turf result; this is her first to race; colt looks fit enough.

Dr. Hal

The good Dr. should be fit enough by now; rider got a chance to figure him out; will be out winding and just might get brave.

Smokin After Fun

After Market 7 for 74 with first-time turfers; sire took debut at 2 won two Grade 1s, banked over $900K, was grass only; dam lost only start; this is her first to race; he has trained fast for this; expect better effort.

Bocelli

Brings speed and was well clear in last turf try; 6th and 9th finishers in last took MSW events next out and the winner was 2nd a length in an N1X here; there is no grass success in the tree but kin Stay Thirsty banked over $1.9 million; overdue.

Golden Story

Beyer going in the right direction and he did hook the repeater two back; last race came back live; 2nd and 9th finishers won in this league, show horse was 2nd in a MSW, 6th finisher took a maiden $50K claimer and the trailer beat $16K maiden sellers at Woodbine; Grade 3 placed dam took one dirt sprint; the sibling that tried grass lost thrice on the turf; fits nicely here.

Buck Magic

Broken Vow about 11% with first-time turfers in a 428-runner sample; sire took a G2, banked over $700K, never turfed; dam took 2 dirt sprints, never turfed; this is her first to race; he could be more keen to run early with the blinks this time.

So So Worth It

Pretty much went through the motions in last; 3 for 12 dam banked over $100K, lost only attempt on turf; lone half bro Ghostbuster took 3 sprints, never turfed; tough to pull the trigger here.

Souza

Has flashed speed but has been away; dam was 0 for 6; 2 siblings won multiple times but not on grass; has some things to iron out.

One Tango Charlie

War Pass 9 for 67 with debuters, 1 for 22 with first-time turfers; sire was unbeaten in 4 juvenile outs including BC Juvenile, earned over $1.5 million, never turfed; dam was unraced; backers can say kin More Than Minted did win on grass once; can never dismiss this kind of speed.

Five Boys

Unusual Heat about 12% with first-time turfers in a 377-runner sample; sire won debut going short in Europe, won multiple stakes, was Group 3 placed, was 6 for 16, earned over 140 grand, all on grass; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; debut less than exciting.

Iamdonewithmylawer

Can't be thrilled with fact he lost for a tag to kick off career; looking elsewhere for a key top horse.

Splinter

Malibu Moon about 14% with debuters in a 776-runner grid, about 10% with first-time turfers in a 446-runner sample; sire graduated in second start at 2 at 5 furlongs on dirt for only win in 2-race career; dam was unraced; the sibling to win took 3 routes, was third in best turf result; may need experience.

Highrate

Exchange Rate about 11% with first-time turfers in a 290-runner sample; sire took debut at 2, took G2 Tom Fool, earned nearly $500K, won twice on grass; dam was 0 for 5; lone half sis took 3 sprints, lost only turf try; shorter trip could be right up his alley. - Brian Mulligan

Race 10

Jamaican Smoke

Blazing-gate speed but have to go back to 2012 to see the last time she held on for a win picture; seems in tough here after fading vs. lesser-non-stakes starters; she beat the 3-back show finisher who posted an 81 Beyer speed figure in a next-out BEL-optional-claiming win; know her early but unsure about late.

Aireofdistinction

CD gate-to-wire graduate has Jamaican Smoke to contend with from the gate then the closers late; seems in tough coming right off the 50-day layoff to test graded-stakes rivals following her lowest Beyer since August; it was easily her worst placement since blinkers were removed .last summer as she obviously doesn't handle wet footing at all.

Cozze Up Lady

Deep closer returns to dirt where she is 1-for-1 (in the slop) and still has a lot of upside; the main concern is her best racing surface had been synthetic but has was no match for Apropos in latest; the good news is last-out KEE runners have dominated the current-CD meet; needs a pace metdown to score.

Socialbug

In 2 of her last 3 races she was the beaten-betting favorite including latest vs. Anahauc who follows her here; working like she could be set to turn tne tables while latest was with 8 weeks off and is likely to come back sharper with just 30 days idle for this; the 3-back winner repeated in an SA-Grade 2 with a 95 Beyer then finished 3rd 'on Oaks' Day in a G1 (84).

Sweet Cassiopeia

She seems good enough to win on any racing surface; exits a career-best dirt Beyer when rallying on a wet-main track; her 2-back turf loss looks better since the winner and runner-up finisher Beyered 87-86 in next-out BEL-PIM-100K stakes wins.

Anahauc

Snapped an 0-for-3 losing streak on CD dirt in last with a best-last-race Beyer while 2-back is a field-best speed figure; toss a synthetic-surface 2-turn race out and her form is very consistent; she hasn't been as good on wet ovals but the 10-for-11 exacta record on fast dirt is noted; sheds a couple pounds off the win which is another plus; hard not to like.

Apropos

The trainer has been superb this CD meet with fresh runners although she exits her lightest Beyer since August returning to dirt which is her best surface and could be a big lift; no excuse in latest while working lights out for her return to Louisville.

Warm Breeze

The long layoff after a light-Beyer does not help the confidence level especially when the trainer is 1-for-11 with similar-fresh runners since 2013; hasn't been best on CD dirt in 2 starts here; the winner from last repeated in a KEE-G1 with a 96 speed figure.

Southern Honey

Has good-gate speed but would have to fend off Jamaican Smoke early then the closers late; she hasn't rated from off the pace to win yet and obviously have doubts she will make the lead for this if 'Smoke is here; defeated the show finisher from last who Beyered 77 in a next-out CD allowance win; the 3-back winner repeated in a GP-OPC with an 84 speed figure. -Art Gropper