Churchill Downs: Closer Looks for November 2, 2013

Race 1

Kitchen Police

Shows a fair, evenly-spaced, work tab; his sire won a couple of G2 stakes and 1.04 million (offspring of Badge of Silver have scored in 23 out of 180 debuts); the dam lost her only race; winning siblings include 219K earner Wayward Sailor.

Speedy Trout

He showed good prompting speed until the half-way point in his first venture; his sire won a G1 and 727K overall; the dam scored in 2 of 15 appearances earning 83K; this is her only foal to make it to the races.

Me Commanche

Tries claimers for the first time and exits an above average race at Keeneland; the gelding's sire won multiple G3s and 261K while the dam was unraced and this is her sole foal to compete; playable.

Shelby Dean

Newcomer hails from Breeders' Cup Mile victor Artie Schiller who amassed 2.08 million and whose progeny have won 14 out of 179 initial starts; the dam won 2 of 18 and 27K; there are no winning siblings to mention.

Contributor

His sire won 5 of 21 career starts and 288K (descendants of Repriced are 16 for 238 as far as winning their first test); the dam won 2 of 7 attempts and 101K; among the winning sibs is 54K earner Follia.

Ararat

Retired early in both starts; his sire won multiple G1s and 1.52 million while the mom was zero for 2; among the winning siblings is 23K earner Denzel; one of several in this field trying claimers for the first time.

Go Go Sugar

Solid effort first time out against weaker company and he was aided by a soft half-mile fraction that day; his sire won a G1 and 455K while the dam won 10 of 34 and 781K; sib to 290K earner Sermon of Love, a G1 steeplechaser.

Wordly Dreamer

Continues to improve but now cuts back in distance; goes back to journeyman handling now and may be able to handle this numerical rise; shows only a modest breeze pattern last month, however; conflicting signals.

Shirota

Firster was sired by Elite Squadron who won 5 of 14 starts and 507K (his offspring have won 1 of 20 debuts); the dam won 1 of 10 and 11K; among the winning siblings is 84K earner Sooner Humor.

The Third Ace

No factor in the unveiling but he ran into a strong group that day; his sire won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and 1.05 million; the mom won 3 of 23 and 162K; winning siblings include 70K earner Hard Aces.

Salute the L T J G

Tries blinkers after showing no enthusiasm over the mud at Saratoga; since that defeat, he has been breezing in progressive fashion and seems capable of handling this outside slot with an alert getaway; consider.

Race 3

Depeche Chat

A little concerned with the time off he's needed between starts lately but this stakes winning veteran is capable of showing up with a competitive performance at this level of competition; note the success that Lanerie has had riding for this outfit.

Burning Bush

He ran well when making his first start for this barn after a claim three races ago, but that level of performance appears to be about as good as it gets for him, and he's going to need a stronger performance than that to beat these.

Fair Dinkum

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and G2 stakes placed dam won 9 of 26 starts for 233k, including 0-for-4 over turf; he's run some decent races over dirt, but looking at this as a tough spot for his first turf start.

Thunder Affair

He might appreciate getting back over turf and a couple of his better performances have been run over the Churchill Downs turf course; however, he's going to have to hope that a few of these show up with less than their best to have a shot at the top spot.

Strike Impact

Multiple stakes winner drops in class while seeking his first win as a 9-year-old and not going to put it past him to show up with a competitive performance against these; 3rd place finisher from latest won next out at Kee on 10/26 going 1m over turf vs. N2X alw. rivals with an 83 Beyer.

Night Party

He's going to need to improve over his recent form in order to get the better of this field, but this multiple graded stakes placed veteran has run some pretty nice races over turf in his career, even if he hasn't posted a win racing over grass.

Joinem

This veteran carries multiple graded stakes placed credentials with him as well and he has to be considered a top contender while dropping in to face 50k claimers; he routinely runs races that are strong enough to get the job done in this spot, and if he feels up to one of his better performances, he can make it very tough on this field.

Lonesome Street

He's another who hasn't been on top of his game lately but he's a G2 winner racing over the synthetic surface at Keeneland and he's done some nice work racing over turf in his career; tough to count him out of it while going out for Ramsey and Maker.

Macho Bull

He's tough to back in this spot when seeing that his recent form hasn't been up to par, and he just seems to be better off racing over dirt than any other surface; willing to upgrade his chances if this race has to be moved to the main track.

Lucky Rave (GB)

Have to respect the effort he showed up with at Indiana two races back, especially when considering the long layoff he overcame, and even though he might not have been at his best in his latest outing, feel that it's probably a good idea to respect his chances against these; Santana is a go-to rider for this barn.

Awesome Bet

It looks like the Asmussen barn will have a live one to send out in this spot whether this race is run over turf or dirt, but there is some respectable dirt form to look at in this event, and this 5-year-old will need to bring his 'A' game to the table to beat these.

It Happened Again

Grade 3 winner will have the look of a top contender if this race gets taken off the turf, and he'll look especially good if he gets a fast surface to run over; Moss-owned gelding is 11-32 racing over fast dirt surfaces with more than 500k in earnings.

Son of a General

He's capable of dialing up a performance that is strong enough to make him a legitimate threat in this spot and he might be ready to give a good account of himself after a useful performance after a layoff in his latest outing; must consider.

Race 4

Ghost Is Clear

He was part of a competitive field last out in the Phoenix, and note the race's winner, runner-up and fourth-place finisher, Gentlemen's Bet, are all set to run back in this afternoon's $1.5M Breeders' Cup Sprint at SA; as for this one, he is returning to Churchill Downs and note his last two wins have come over the local main track; dam was a stakes winner of $382K.

Laurie's Rocket

Multiple stakes winner is another who exits the Phoenix, which has produced three starters for this afternoon's $1.5M Breeders' Cup Classic at SA in Sum of the Parts, Laugh Track and Gentlemen's Bet: this one was beaten just four lengths for everything in the Phoenix, at 64-1; has reason to move forward in his second race since August; is also a winner and Grade 2-placed at CD; goes for the Will Take Charge team of Willis Horton and Wayne Lukas.

Jasizzle

Grade 3-placed runner is another who comes out of the Phoenix, which has produced three starters for this afternoon's $1.5M Breeders' Cup Sprint at SA; this one encountered trouble at the start and regressed from there in a rare off-the-board finish; back on natural dirt, site of his last four wins on form; he also has more natural speed than a number of these and is a candidate to do some damage on the front end, either showing the way or tracking Right to Vote.

Good Morning Diva

Stakes winner finished third last out behind a pair of runners who were to start in the $1M Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita on Friday; he shortens up some in distance here and the move would seem to suit runner whose last win came at a similar trip; for that effort, he put up a career-high Beyer Figure; also owns this field's best last-race Beyer Figure.

Marchman

He is yet another who exits the Phoenix, with the winner, runner-up and fourth-place finisher from it all to run back in this afternoon's $1.5M Breeders' Cup Sprint at SA; as for this one, the Phoenix was his first out following a freshening and he can move forward; also gets off the fence after breaking from the sometimes tricky rail last out; bullet he turned last suggests he will be closer to the pace than he found himself last time, perhaps tracking Jasizzle.

Right to Vote

He's cross-entered in the $130K Mountaineer Mile and Mnr; exits the Ack Ack at that same distance and note the Ack Ack produced two starters for the $1M Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile that was to be run Friday at SA - winner Pants On Fire and runner-up Taptowne; has more natural speed than most of these, and that could give him a tactical advantage as he might set the tempo here or track Jasizzle and/or Marchman, both of whom break to his inside; is a stakes winner and Grade 1-placed and a half-brother to Grade 2 winner What a Song ($179K); win candidate.

Rothko

He exits the $150K Remington Park Sprint Cup and note the winner from the race, Wine Police, is set to run in this afternoon's $1.5M Breeders' Cup Sprint at SA; as for this one, he has class appeal as a Grade 3 winner - here at CD - and a half-brother to Grade 3 winner Electrify ($667K); contender.

Platitude

He's in the zone right now, with two wins in his last three starts; shortens up some in distance here and might be a little farther off the pace than he was last time on account of the distance move; again draws outside, and the post might also make for some options; dam was a multiple stakes winner of $278K; like several in competitive race, he can share.

Race 5

Southern Sara

Southern Image about 10% with debuters in a 154-runner sample; sire took debut at 2, won three Grade 1s, banked over $1.8 million; 5 for 34 dam banked nearly $70K; family is solid; all 4 siblings won multiple times including 14 for 97 near $600K earner More Than a Reason; Highpoint Farms drills not really inspiring, lean toward watching here.

I'm Straight

Came in at the break in last but at least she flashed speed; note wraps were added to the equation last time; 2 for 6 dam did win at 2; lone half bro to race Old Ring took 4 of 22, earned $30K; top last race Beyer in the resume; respect.

Broadband Betty

Miss teased a few times, but in West Virginia; the synthetic route experiment was far from a success last time; connections would love to see her start acting like top kin Endless Circle, who won a G3, banked over $450K; would have liked to have seen some local drills.

Majesty Goddess

Hung out to dry when an ice cube on the tote; 3 for 26 dam earned nearly $70K; 2 of 3 siblings won; top kin St. Ivan took 2 of 15, earned nearly $70K; could need softer to shine.

Grand Dame

She has the 3 races now to draw from but lack of speed is a concern; the 8/16 winner repeated in a $30K N2L seller with a 70 Beyer; backers can point to the fact there is a $175K earner in the tree; the hotter the pace the better for this miss.

Hope's Rose

Maybe she was intimidated by the rail in last; she has sneaky speed, could show more with the hood now; stakes winning 14 for 39 dam earned nearly $400K; 4 of 5 siblings won; 2 banked over $40K; looms brief threat at least.

Sunandsea

Miss was not herself last time as she dumped the rider in the post parade; that is always obviously unsettling; like fact she flashed sub :22 speed in the grass race and the show horse that day graduated next out in a MSW at Mountaineer, then was 4th beaten over 11 in an N2L allowance; she has a lot of work to do to match near $400K earning sibling Sailors Sunset; can't fault those that give her another shot here.

Flashy Bertie

Nice middle move to get within a neck of the lead last time, but then reality set in; multiple Grade 2 winning dam banked nearly $800K; both siblings banked 6 figures including 11 for 27 near $300K earner Homerun Berti; must pick it up.

Cue E Dee

Wide in Chicago 3 back, ran evenly here in September, was forced to steady last time; she could be more relaxed and aware of the surroundings with the shades off here; 8/22 place horse graduated next out in a maiden $50K seller, then was crushed in an N1X spot; at least there are 2 in the tree that banked at least $90K; needs a turn around.

Broken Blues

Considering she was mugged at the break, the return was not all that bad; note rider has had success for Lopresti; 6 for 28 dam banked nearly $125K; both siblings won, but just once a piece; homebred has a right to improve here.

Silken

Shows for a tag but maybe she belonged here all the time as a $6500 purchase; dam 0 for 5; 3 of 8 siblings won; top kin General Partner took 8 of 28, banked nearly $100K; needs a total reversal of fortune.

Honor Bright

Shows for a tab but is still in for double her purchase price; like fact she flashed speed in the debut and she has trained like the proverbial Swiss clock for this; considering she is fresh and with shades suggests she could be on the muscle from the get go; she got a boost when the winner of the 2012 closer took a $62.5K optional next out, then ran out of the money in 3 stakes; dam was unraced; both siblings won, both earned under $35K; backers have to hope the drop shakes her up.

Race 7

Catbird Seat

Moves to the fence for the stretchout after hitting the board in each of her last 3 turf starts out of town; fresh filly worked well over synthetic footing last week for this and maybe that has her closer to the pacesetters early; can get in the mix for a share.

Cage Fighter

Runner up in her last 2 ran big from an outside slot when dropped in for a tag at Kentucky Downs; she'll move back in to face MSWs here and does have course experience from her roughly run debut heat; new barn excels with this type so have to think a move forward is on tap; contender.

Forty Four North

Gelding hasn't been involved in the outcome in any of his 4 starts and his 2 turf spins were pretty weak; maybe he's tighter second time back for a barn that does a solid job off the angle, but he's going to need to improve signficantly to have a say in the outcome here; longshot.

Bold Shot

Fresh gelding ran well for third from an outside slot while making his surface debut at Ellis Park this summer and took a little step back subsequently over the local sod; he did show some improved kick in that one and maybe he's now set to move forward; worth a look at an improved price.

Dyna Kohinor

Tries lawn for the first time while returning from more than 7 months on the shelf; colt is by a sire who is 0 for 5 with his first time turfers and the winless dam tried the lawn 5 times prior to dropping this guy; has the look of a big longshot.

Ledokol

He's had plenty of chances but did run pretty well for second money behind a next out winner (86 Beyer at Keeneland) over the course 3 starts back; his speed should be sharpened from his late running synthetic sprint last time out and there doesn't look to be a whole lot of lick in here; pace player is one to consider.

Aaron Again

Firster goes for a barn that doesn't do so well right out of the box or with turfers; sire gets 11% overall first out winners from his offspring and 10% first time surface winners while the winless dam was 0 for 3 on the green; lone sib to race was a South American G2 SP, 2 time sprint winner who never stepped on the lawn.

Skinner

Took some tote support first out here and did show some early interest before backing out of it; gelding goes for an outfit that does much better with its runners who have had a race and he is kin to a surface winner so he has a right to offer more in this spot.

Adranos

Barn is capable of firing with a newcomer and they've been working him regularly of late for his debut run; sire gets 11% winners from his firsters and 10% initial surface winners; limited route winning dam failed to hit the board in her lone turf spin, but she did drop 3 turf winners including G2 SW and 728K earner Adriano as well as promising juvenile debut winer Tap It Rich who is entered to go in today's Breeders Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita; bred to have some ability.

Delta Golf Alpha

Failed to settle when making his local debut last time and as a result took a big step back off a couple of solid runner up finishes on the Indiana Downs lawn; colt has run ok without hitting the board in 3 spins over the course and though he doesn't get a lot of pace to run at here should be doing his better running in the lane.

Grand Giant

Starts from the outside slot in his return from Kentucky Downs where this twice beaten chalk ran out of ground at a shorter trip; he's certainly had his share of chances, but he often gives a solid account of himself on the lawn and he's prove handy enough to keep from losing a significant amount of ground from this starting slot; barn holds a nice hand with 2 big players in here and this one looks like the one they'll have to hold off.

Race 8

Miraculousmo

Colt exits the best race and must be respected off that fact alone; not disgraced in the local outing, like fact he won from the Saratoga rail; totally overmatched against Capo and company two back and he had the excuse of the off going on the stretch out; 2nd and 8th finishers in maiden breaker graduated next out; expect a rebound effort.

So Raise Yourglass

No speed a concern but she has caught off surfaces in the last pair; there does seem to be enough speed here to help the cause but the trip could be everything; note show horse in last was nearly 3 clear; best of 28 bullet on the 17th screams off the canvas; should be picking up steam in the final stages.

Marshall Raylan

Runner looked good last time and like the fact the runners in the company line were both clear; the drills since the last win are solid including the blowout last Monday; slight improvement and he'll be a handful.

Divine Thunder

Gelding has been given time since the professional win; in good hands, he seems to have some try in his heart and the way he extended in the debut suggests he has some room to grow; got a feeling we have not seen the best of this one.

Drum Roll

Connections were high on this guy early as they tried the stakes; it took him a couple of races to figure it out this year but he's turned it around; 8/7 place horse took a $16K starter next out in Philly with an 88 Beyer; can't fault those that give him one more shot.

Candy Street

Synthetic to turf on a yielding course produced the lone win; he has been on the dull side since; he has to prove he can go this far and with limited speed, he can be his own worst enemy at times; like the spacing of the return drills, the hotter the pace the better.

Recalling Memories

Both Wilkes have similar styles so don't see an angle there; all out to hold on for the win and he got an ideal trip that day; okay, he had the excuse of the slop two back and maybe he just hated the synthetic; backers have to hope they go bonkers early and the race falls apart.

Caballo Del Cielo

Colt brings Western speed to the party; far from disgraced in the Vicente and his connections thought enough of him last year to try the Grade 1; the blood is there for him to grow into his skin as kin to Ponzi Scheme, who took several stakes and banked over $400K; long gone?

Ouimet

The fact gelding won at first asking gives him a chance to fire fresh today; wide in the local starts and runner did show more energy in the drill on the 22nd; 5/19 winner took a $62.5K optional next out, then was 2nd beaten nearly 4 in a $100K SAR stakes; don't ignore.

Turncoat

Off slow in bow on a day when he may have just disliked being on the rail; never easy to beat winners right back but he went a furlong farther and got it done; note show horse in last was over 3 clear; he fits in the Beyer department, may like it here.

Royal Dehere

He walked out of the gate in the off going; runner has much more speed than he just showed; love the series of the drills in October and note show horse in the maiden breaker was clear for fun; expect a better effort here.

Northern Lion

Educated in the debut, he flashed good speed in CD bow, controlled pace and outcome in facile style; 5th finisher took a maiden $25K claimer next out by 13 lengths, 6th and 7th finishers took MSW races; he got beat by a nice horse in the debut; the winner that day won 3 times since, the last in a Grade 3 with a 108 Beyer; in good hands, drill on the 26th suggests he is feeling pretty good about himself; look out.

American Bear

Must find a way to turn the tables on Turncoat; he got away with the win when he secured a clear lead going long on grass; that may not happen here; runner did show career speed last time and will at least muddle the pace if he gets a chance to suit up.

Race 9

Billy Two Hats

Tries better off the local trip score in his return from the brief freshening; gelding has the positional foot to secure a good spot down inside from this draw and there is some speed in here to chase, but his last out pilot opts to side elsewhere today; maybe for a minor share.

Stage Street

Sophomore should be tighter for his second crack at the level after packing it on on the front end in his return from the brief break in New York; barn hits at a nice clip second time back and the inside draw means this guy's lick should again be on display but the presence of some other speed means he's going to have his work cut out for him from the bell.

Wild Target

Steps up seeking his third straight score while going first time off the claim by a barn that's been right there with each of its starters at the local stand; 4 year old was quite good as last year wound down and maybe he's rounding into similar form right now; sharp interim drill and solid tactical foot play out well in a field that contains some one dimensional front end speed; contender.

Upgrade

He's another stepping up off a solid score while making his first start off his barn's claim; gelding has been quite good on synthetic footing and the lawn but he'll be making his first start on a conventional dirt surface here and though his more recent morning moves over the stuff are just breezes, they aren't particularly quick; trip may be a little short of his best, but he does bring plenty of back class to the table and can't be dismissed.

Googleado (ARG)

Rode the local slop to a front running, open lengths score over cheaper at odds on last month; he's been given some recovery time while switching to a capable pilot for the rise in class and his lick figures to again be on display, but he'll face a quick rival drawn down inside and will need to be on his toes; won't have it easy, especially if the track holds no moisture.

Twin Engine

Goes first time for a new barn while turning back and moving to the main track off another poor try at the level on the lawn; sophomore doesn't look to be much of a sprinter and though the pace figures to be hot in here he may just find himself with too much to do in the lane to contend for even a minor award; passing on him.

Jake Mo

Just missed after getting a hot clip in front of him in his return from the break at the level at Indiana Downs; maybe that effort is a sign this graded SP colt is ready to get back on his game and he does catch a field that looks to contain plenty of early zip; contender.

Maybe So

Sat on the bench for 14 months after taking the juvenile stake at Mountaineer last year to run his record to a perfect 2 for 2 and he fough hard from the bell before fading in his Indiana Downs return; while he's quick early he's proven he can settle and make a run so the move outside could aid those tactics and he certainly has a right to be better with his last behind him; with Bridgmohan getting aboard we'll give him the nod to beat this bunch home.

Divine Ambition

Tried the lawn in his Keeneland return from the break and didn't have much to offer in the lane; maybe the return to dirt helps as he did win sprinting on the Gulfstream main track last winter and he figures to be tighter today; price warrants him an off the pace exotics look.

Maybesomaybenot

Outside drawn 5 year old showed solid early foot before backing out of it in his local return from the freshening last month; he broke his maiden over the track before taking a juvenile stake in New York, but that was over 3 years ago and he hasn't really been the same since; just watching him today.

Race 10

Don't Tell Sophia

Earlier this year posted a field-best Beyer speed figure at longer than this; lone CD race was a win vs. lesser at shorter; she has been best in dirt routes; just doesn't ever seem to run a bad race; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 104 in a next-out BEL-Grade 1 win; gets a positive 3-pound weight swing off the half-length loss to Magic Hour while eligible to improve considerably 2nd time off the nearly 6-month layoff.

Awesome Flower

Positive 4-pound weight swing off the 2-back 7-length loss vs. Wine Princess on CD dirt; her best Beyer on synthetic a surface she is 3-for-3 over but today races on dirt; the 3-back show runner scored next out in a PID-Grade 2 with a 99 speed figure.

Cho Cho Cat

30-1-morning line odds Friday in a 60K-CD event at 6F on dirt; her last main-track start was a win but owns her best Beyers on turf; the 2-back winner and show finishers Beyered 77-76 in next-out LAD alw. and EVD-optional-claiming wins; beat the 3-back show runner a next-out 83 Beyer LAD-optional-claiming winner.

Devious Intent

7 weeks since fading over the CD dirt with her lowest Beyer since September, 2012; the added distance off last is not very enciting however her 2-back upset win was at today's distance; she defeated the show runner a next-out PID-G2-SW (99 Beyer); clearly has a lot to prove in Louisville as she has been very best elsewhere.

Sisterly Love

Began career 3-for-3 on dirt with her career-best Beyer at 1 Mile on fast dirt; today marks her 1st main-track start since March and is her 1st CD attempt; wish the workouts locally for this were snappier; likes to be forwardly placed so view as a pace presence for part.

Ire

Won a key race in last defeating the runner-up and 11th-place finishers from last who Beyered 88-77 in next-out KEE alw. and optional-claiming wins; defeated the 3-back show runner a next-out 82 Beyer FG-optional-claiming winner; main knock is her 6th-place fade in May, 2012, her only CD dirt start.

Soft Whisper

The 0-for-7 dirt record with one exacta finish and her best Beyer on turf makes her a tough call here; winless since a fresh-Mile turfer on CD green; the July runner-up finisher took a SAR-optional claimer next out with with an 88 Beyer.

Magic Hour

Speedy filly loved the wet footing posting a new Beyer speed figure Top 1st time in the slop and right off the 8-week layoff; negative 3-pound weight swing from the runner-up finisher but cutting back to 1 Mile is a plus; main concern is her 3 losses on CD dirt.

Wine Princess

Back on her best surface noting she has only 2 losses on CD dirt including 2-back when tiring at longer; her blowout April win over the CD main track at today's distance was an eye-catching effort; toss her 9F race in June here and the form is rock solid; hopes to sit just off Magic Hour before getting 1st run on the closers.

Ice Cream Silence

8 weeks since her lowest Beyer since November, 2011, another dull race on CD dirt; in May, 2012, put together back-to-back Louisville wins but came up empty in latest when wide and another ground-losing trip looms; would be a shocker.

Sky Girl

Has not done much wrong in 5 races including latest win over the track; her best Beyer was on a synthetic surface but she is undefeated on CD dirt including a wet-track win; her May win here saw the runner-up finisher Beyer 69 in a next-out CD-MSW win.

Pure Fun

November, 2012, blowout win on CD dirt at 1 Mile she exits a career-best Beyer 1st-time racing on a wet track and hopes not to bounce here off that huge effort following a nearly 5-month layoff; the 2-back winner and runner-up Beyered 105-78 in next-out SAR-G1 and DMR-100K stakes wins; the 3-back runner-up scored next out in an AP-G3 with an 84 speed figure.