Churchill Downs: Closer Looks for May 30, 2014

Race 1

Myprettylady

Nowhere in that first run but she drew widest that day and now gets an equipment change and post position relief; her sire was zero for 4 lifetime while the dam was unraced; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

She's Slammed

Respectable debut 15 days ago when involved in a lengthy duel before fading; her sire won a G1 and 1.18 million overall; the dam won 7 of 34 and 94K; among the winning siblings is 29K earner Otay.

Sunrise Countess

She made a decent middle move in her maiden voyage but could not sustain it; her sire won at the G3 level en route to earning 361K; the dam scored in 2 of 22 attempts notching 82K; sib to 23K bankroller Twinbucktu.

Haveyouseenmypappy

Deceptive effort last time out at Presque Isle when racing wide; the grey's sire won a G1 and 450K while the dam did not race; among the winning siblings is 23K earner Policio; worth some follow-up if the price is right.

Heart's Song

Newcomer is among the first crop to race from Desert Party, winner of 808K including a G3 tally; the dam was without a victory in 2 attempts; among the successful sibs is G2 winner Delosvientos who captured 371K.

Unbridled Reward

She is one of the first to race from Warrior's Reward, a G1 victor who garnered 565K; the dam involved won 1 of 11 attempts and 62K; winning siblings include 173K earner Southern Parkway; modest breeze pattern of late.

Forever Ruler

Progeny of Roman Ruler, a G1 winner who netted 1.22 million, have scored in 36 out of 275 initial attempts; the dam never made it to the races and this is her only foal to start; no recent workouts to judge. - Jim Kachulis

Race 3

Tiz Windy

Steps up a notch after getting her second win and the margin of victory is a bit deceiving as she was stalled behind horses for quite a while; Handmade, the horse she beat, came back to win a first-level allowance race with an 81 Beyer Speed Figure here May 24; she is the first foal out of a mare that won three routes and earned $119K ; consider for exotics.

Shanon Nicole

She looked good winning a washed off $50K optional race at the Fairounds and then couldn't keep up to Kentucky Oaks winner Untapable in the Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra; she might not have handled Poly two back but it would have been nice to have seen her show more in her latest at Pimlico in the Grad 2 Black Eyed Susan; nonetheless, she will appreciate the class relief and has to be considered a major player today.

Silk Purse

Her first race for Cox was a good one and the second and sixth place finishers won their next starts at Louisiana Downs with 66 and 75 Beyer Speed Figures; not sure why this gal didn't make it back sooner - Cox scratched her out of a stakes at Prairie Meadows April 26 - but shes' been working well enough and the barn has solid stats in all the relevant categories; sibs include route stakes winners Tap Dancer and This Ones for Phil so she should get the distance; contender.

Fast Betty Blue

Like the way she handled a one-turn mile at Gulfstream two back but she wasn't much of a factor in her next start in the $65K Calder Oaks; she earned her career-best Beyer Speed Figure over this surface in just her second start so we know she likes it here; hard to see her trying to run with Cash Control early and having a lot left late, however; prefer others.

Cash Control

Half to $500K stakes winner Country Day is coming off a big effort in the Grade 3 Eight Belles behind Fiftyshadesofgold who finished second to Untapable in the Fairgrounds Oaks in her previous start; she won going around two turns at the Fairgrpounds two back- Handmade was second- so she shouldn't mind the slightly longer distance; she also looks like the one they will have to catch; the pick. - Randy Goulding

Race 4

One Hot Romance

From five starts, including three over turf, this filly has yet to finish better than fourth or within 11 lengths of the winner; this is her first start in the maiden claiming ranks, but she looks like more of an outsider.

Ju Ju Judy

Since an encouraging performance at second asking, she really hasn't made much of an impression, and she must step it up over what she's been doing lately in order to threaten the top contenders in here.

Littlemissperfect

Half-sister to Unaccountable (9-32, 246k over turf) is a little interesting in this spot while dropping in class and getting Lasix for the first time; her lack of early speed is a concern, but she fits right in with this bunch.

Mrs McGowan

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; like the way that she outran her odds in her career debut, but she hasn't been competitive in three starts since then.

Bobby Soxer

Sire has won with 3 of 14 (21%) of his first-time starters and with 1 of 16 (6%) of his turf starters, and dam was winless from 11 starts, including a start over turf; leaning toward No More Apples of the two first-time starters in here.

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 just one start, and it was a turf start; 1 1/16m can be a tough test for a first-time starter.

Shakesperian Dream

She's shown some turf ability and this looks like a good spot for her to get back over turf after a couple of synthetic surface starts; 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; 3rd finisher from latest won next out at AP on 5/15 going 1m vs. 12.5-10k MCL's with a 65 Beyer; Rocco has won with 5 of 17 (29%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Pemaquid Pass

Her one start over turf can be viewed in a positive light and this will be her first turf start against maiden claiming competition; she figures to be forwardly placed right from the bell and not going to be surprised if she's involved in the running throughout.

Our Rockin Ruby

Her second career start over the Fair Grounds turf was a decent effort, and she appears to be well meant while going dirt-to-turf for her seocnd start back from a layoff while being reunited with Hernandez. - Brian Pochman

Race 6

Adios West

Inside again after an eventful debut; dam was 0 for 6; 1 of 5 siblings won; that runner took 3 of 18, earned nearly $45K; a clean start and it could be a whole new ballgame; rider has had good success for Asmussen; respect.

Flying Monarch

One of a number of runners in here that show for a tag, any are eligible to run huge; dam was unraced; 8 of 9 siblings won; a couple won at 2 including Group 3 winner and near $135K earner City Flyer; would have liked to have seen some local works.

Grand Slam Larry

Didn't break and didn't tough them all; 2 for 14 dam earned nearly $25K, was turf only; lone half bro Silver Posse took 2 sprints as an older horse; must display more.

Hold Me Back Kota

Hold Me Back 1 for 2 with debuting juveniles; Grade 2 winning sire won debut at 2, earned almost $900K; 6 for 14 dam banked nearly $40K; several multiple race winners in the family, the best was probably juvenile debut winner and over $60K earner Corredor de Plata; could need experience.

Bold Ransom

Broke poorly and it got worse from there; dam was unraced; both siblings won including a juvenile winner and top kin Nikkis Smartypants, who took a G3, won 4 of 9, banked over $260K; wonder how high expectations can be for this $1,500 purchase?

Lost Kodiak

Yet another that was unprepared to break; dam was 0 for 8; both siblings won but both ran at 2 to no avail; they earned over $80K combined; maybe he hated the rail.

Discreet Song

The race over the track can't hurt and at least he flashed some semblance of speed; one for 10 dam cashed on grass; several multiple race winners in the tree; several raced at 2 to no avail; top earner Lady of Clare took 6 of 26, earned over $200K; don't sell too short.

Shedrow Cocktails

Limited data on Orthodox; sire won at 2, took a Grade 3, banked nearly $200K; dam was out of the money twice; this is her first to race; no published moves beyond 3 furlongs. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Sassy Kitten

Three of her four turf starts have been strong performances, and of the horses in the main body of this race, she boasts the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here; it's Ramsey and Maker, and Leparoux has won with 11 of 41 (27%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Turn by Turn

Her one start over turf was a winning performance and like to see the way that she regained some of her better form in her first start back from a layoff in her latest outing; however, she's going to need her sharpest performance to date to get the job done against these.

Call Me Anna

She has some early speed, and she's shown a little something in her recent starts over turf, but she's just never run a race that is up to the level of the top contenders in here; she has the look of an outsider.

Run a Risk

Nicely bred miss has run some big races over turf in her career and not going to be too hard on her for the sub par performance she showed up with in a turf dash in her latest outing, and the 1-2-3 finishers from that race returned to win with Beyer Speed Figures of 86, 87 and 94; multiple stakes placed miss can prove to be tough to deal with while stretching back out in distance.

Annabird

Late running type has gotten the job done in two of her last five starts, but she's likely going to need to show up with a career best effort to get over on the top contenders in this one; prefer to look in another direction for the top spot.

Gal About Town

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam won 5 of 36 starts for 40k, and she didn't make a turf start; she hails from a strong turf barn but this multiple graded stakes placed filly doesn't find herself in a soft spot for her first turf test.

Molly Morgan

There are a couple of horses lined up in here who have shown the ability to run well over dirt, but this mare will clearly command contender status if this race has to be moved to the main track; she's a proven commodity racing over this surface and this is a barn and rider that win a lot of races together.

Interest Free

Gray filly is out of a G2 winning mare and she's shown the ability to produce a performance that is strong enough to make her a legitimate threat for the top prize in here; she's shown excellent positional speed and she's run well in both of her starts over the Churchill Downs main track; must consider. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Prosecution

Continues his very nice form; save for a couple turf disasters at RP this last fall he's been super and his best form has come on dirt; strong 2nd in a race just like this here shows he handles this place; you also see plenty of versatility as he's run big on the lead, from just off the pace and from well off the pace.

Purgenality

Good news is his lone win and only 2 2nds came on dirt; trouble is, that last win came quite a while ago; kept to his task decently in his last 3 to finish 4th, 3rd and 4th; but while those weren't bad, he wasn't really a threat in any of them as he was still beaten 3 3/4, 6 and 6 1/2 lengths, respectively; showed speed on this track a year ago but hasn't shown much of it since; that last 4th does look better when you note 3 he faced that day came right back to win.

Dyker Beach

May well have turned the corner; toss that turf dud at GP March 19 and you're left witih a string of good dirt outings, topped off by a smart maiden win here a few weeks ago; son of 2-time HOY Curlin cost $200K at auction, and his original connections lost him for $30K here Nov. 10; these guys were willing to lose him for $50K last time but off that win they take no such risk today.

Liberal Spin

Showed guts winning here May 17; that being said, that came sprinting, vs. restricted claimers; today we're routing and these are quite a bit tougher; at least he's won at this trip and his 2 wins both came here, and actually it's nice to see that while they were willing to part with him for just $30K last time they bring him back in a spot where they can't lose him via a claim.

Signature Seven

Comes here sharp as a tack having won 3 of his last 4; the 3 wins call came on dirt, including a big 5-length romp over $50K claimers here last time (May 15), the lone loss coming on KEE's Polytrack vs. tougher; last win shows there were no ill effects from the KEE dud and it's very nice to see that McPeek brings him back in a spot where he can't lose him via a claim; horse is, in fact, proven at this level - he won at this very level 2-turning at OP Feb. 27.

Sonicvelocity

Interesting new face; won his debut on dirt at TAM March 1 smartly, moved to turf and a route for his first try vs. winners there April 13 and ran on nicely for 3rd; not only did they see fit to claim him but that was a very productive heat (produced 3 next-out winners); hasn't run since but it's nice to see he returns without a tag attached and gets blinkers; last shows he handles a route and his debut shows he handles dirt.

Mean Marine

On something of a zig-zag pattern of late as he's been alternating good and dull efforts; comes off a good sprint try here May 11; that doesn't necessarily have to mean he's due for a downer but that's been his pattern of late; good news is coming out of sprints that speed can have him prominent from the start, able to get up and over, avoid getting hung out to dry on the first run and possibly in control of the pace here, which of course is never a bad thing; and he's routed decently before. - Michael Hammersly

Race 9

Battle Tale

Only 4th going 2 turns at this level here May 4 but remember, that was her first start here, first in a couple months AND she was away quite slowly; she made a nice run into the lane to show she's got talent; nice to see no drop today; there's a work since but there is one big change - she shortens up to one turn; is this too short for her?

Awesome Jill

Slow start hurt her going 7fs here May 2 but she kept to her task well and while no match fo ra big winners ended up well clear of 3rd; that was her first start in 5 months, too, so she can certainly improve; gets a bit more ground and there are 2 nice works since to encourage, too;

Soul Title

Game winner of her debut at FG March 22; came here for a 7f race at this level but was away slowly and never got involved; still, nice to see no drop and she may appreciate today's added ground; also worked nicely a couple times since so she can surely improve; there's pedigree to help, too, as all 3 sibs are winers including Seeking the Title (2 wins, $273K, G3 SW, G1/G2/G3 SP).

Let It Snow

Debut win in the slop here Nov. 17 was a beaut; ran too badly to be believed next at OP Jan. 11, was freshened and returned here May 9 to do much better, finishing 2nd to a runaway winner; looks as though they have her back on track and there's a nice work since; Bridgmohan was up for that improved run last time but ends up staying on Awesome Jill today, so read into that what you will.

She's Justified

Game winner on turf at GP March 2; first 2 tries vs. winners weren't very pretty, though, as she was 8th on turf at KEE and then set the pace and hit the brakes in 2-turn race at this level here May 2; maybe you can be a bit forgiving about that last run - after all, she was fractious in the gate and then when right out to set the pace and paid the price; she's surely better with waiting tactics; reunited with Lanerie who was up for her previous 5 starts including her maiden win and there are 2 nice recent works here since; all 3 sibs are winners including Dance to Bristol (10 wins, $980K, won G1 Ballerina, also G2/G3 SW).

My Christini

Looked super blasting maiden claimers by 12 1/4 at FG March 21; you'll notice, too, that when they brought her back for her first try vs. winners here May 17 she was NOT again offered for a tag; she ran very well in a sprint here, biding her time and rallying for 3rd; faces tougher but she appears on the upswing and pedigree and style-wise today's added ground should be no issue.

Streethomealabama

Solid 2nd at about this level routing at OP March 23; then was no factor at all at KEE vs. N1X foes April 11; can't blame the footing - after all, she'd run so well there last year including her maiden win and a 2nd; maybe something went awry; well, they've freshened her since and it's nice to see her back with no big panicky drop and that's she's not offered for a tag; worked well of late and Leparoux climbs aboard.

Conspired

Laughed at maidens on TP Polytrack March 22, and that was enough to earn a shot at the G2 Beaumont at KEE April 13; those waters proved too deep (ran 6th); freshened since and drops; obviously has ability but today's question is can she show it on dirt?; after all, so far she's run only on synthetic; surely bred for dirt, and for bigger and better, too, as she's kin to Happily Unbridled (5 wins, $280K, 2 SWs, G2/G3 SP) and Unbridled Praise (2 wins, $117K, SW, SP). - Michael Hammersly

Race 10

Lightning Angel

Front-running style plays well for CD-5F turf racing; dropped into a maiden claimer for the return to dirt but faded; now leaps back up to face MSW company; the show finisher from last posted an 86 Beyer speed figure in her next-out AP-50K-maiden-claiming win.

English Kiss

Sire is 21-for-131 with 1st-turf starters; 11-for-147 with debut runners; is out of a 4-0-1-0 dam (7K) who did not race on grass producing 10 winners from 11 other foals to race; 3 of 8 foals to race on turf are grass winners including full-565K turfer Skyring (3-for-17 grass).

Best Interest

Sire is 78-for-608 with 1st-turf starters; is out of a stakes-winning dam (4-for-10, 168K) who did not race on grass; 1 of 2 foals to race on grass is a winner (1-for-5 Credit Only 29K); the winner and 8th-place finisher from last both Beyered 67 in next-out FG-50K-maiden claiming and optional-claiming wins.

Reckless Behavior

Sire is 11-for-88 with 1st-turf starters; dam did not race on grass (5-0-3-1 overall); 1 of 2 foals to race on grass is a turf winner (4-for-5 SW-Starry Pursuit 177K turf); switches trainers following a 2nd-time out Beyer regression.

Brown's Baby

Primed for this in the green debut at 1 Mile where she set the pace for a trainer who rarely wins with 1sters; hopes to race close early to the pace as 5F-CD turf races have all been won by frontrunners; the show finisher from last Beyered 60 in a next-out PID-MSW win.

Boom Boom Vroom

Another with good=gate speed who hopes to benefit from a 5F grass event where early zip has ruled this meet; the 2-back winner repeated with an 86 Beyer then on Monday took a Grade 3 at CD with a 99; the 3-back turf debut saw the winner repeat in a GP-OPC with an 83.

Moonlit Stroll

Sire is 7-for-44 with 1st-turf starters; 16-for-78 with debut runners; is out of an unraced dam who produced 1 winner from 2 other foals to race (1-for-4 turfer She Will Rock You 8K); has been working swiftly on dirt for this.

In My Time

Sire is 18-for-130 with 1st-turf starters; is out of a 2-0-0-1 grass dam who produced 4 foals to race on turf (0-fo-14 combined); the winner and runner-up finisher from last Beyered 71-69 in next-out FG-MSW and OPC wins.

Ribbons and Curls

Sire is 11-for-71 with 1st-turf starters; 395K-earning SW dam (4-for-22) did not race on grass; 1 foal to race on turf went 0-for-8; the runner-up, 6th and 10th-place finishers from last Beyered 65-64-57 in next-out OP-MSW-20K-$7,500-maiden-claiming wins.

Zamquick

In 5 CD 5F turf races this meet all of the winners were 1-2-3 at the 1st call and within 1 and a half lengths of the lead; her last grass start 2 back represents the field's best Beyer speed figure; owns a best-last-race Beyer when racing on KEE's synthetic surface for the 1st time; through May 26 at the current CD meet last-out KEE runners have won 59 races.

Belle de Jour

Sire is 1-for-23 with 1st-turf starters; is the 1st foal out of an unraced dam; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 60 in a next-out HOU-MSW win; broke slowly 1st-time out and will need a massive-form and gate improvement to post the upset.

Tizsotiznot

Main Track Only entry posted a slight 2nd-time out Beyer improvement when adding more distance; cutting back to her shortest-distance test ever benefits but maybe not as much as the other MTO Nanette's Spirit who has a ton of gate speed

Nanette's Spirit

MTO did not show the needed stamina 1st time on dirt and racing over a wet track for the 1st time; worked well on a fast track for this and seems the one to catch if gets in; displayed talent in her synthetic debut vs. the show finisher who Beyered 58 finishing 5th in a next-out DEL-MSW loss. - Art Gropper