Churchill Downs: Closer Looks for November 23, 2013

Race 2

Platitude

He's a half-brother to Roman Unbridled, who is to run Saturday in the Grade 3, $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot in Louisiana; their dam was a multiple stakes winner of $278K; this one exits a quick overnight stakes and has reason to move forward in his second start since September.

Doc Almon

He ran a big race off the bench last time when he won an N2X allowance in his first start since February; the race was his first on a synthetic track and his third straight win in a streak that began when he added blinkers; Mena has been his regular pilot, but Torres takes over as Mena has stakes mounts this afternoon at Delta Downs.

Bull Dozer

He has lots of appeal as a 13-time winner taking on less experienced rivals; he's also placed in three stakes in his career; caught a wet main track last time and in the race encountered some trouble; shortens up in distance here in a move that would seem to suit him; win candidate.

Calmer Than You

He was a sharp winner off the layoff last out when he won a $35K optional claimer in 1:10; the race was his first since May and for the effort he earned what ranks as this field's best last out Beyer Figure; has tactical speed, and could show the way or track Bull Dozer; making first start on main track at CD.

Channel Marker

He makes the move back to dirt for the first time in a long while, but he has been effective on the main track in the past as he won his maiden on dirt at Fair Grounds; shows a set of forward works over the local main strip in preparation for the task at hand, and is on top of his game as he will be seeking his third consecutive win; dam was a stakes winner of $408K.

Upgrade

He makes his first-ever start on dirt; the bulk of his success has come on turf, where he's a Grade 3 winner; in his last start, he won over a synthetic surface; shows a set of forward works over the local strip, and is one these might have to fend off in the lane; win candidate.

Race 3

Alert and Perky

Maybe he just wanted real estate all the time; sprint only dam earned nearly $140K, was 2nd in best route moment; lone sibling to win cashed once, going short on grass; there are a couple of sprinters here going long so maybe the pace will be hot enough for him; expect him to the party late if at all.

Tiu

Only a brief threat in the local debut; the 10/4 show horse graduated next out in a MSW here with a 77 Beyer; the one for 27 half sis cashed sprinting; due to punch it on in.

Indy Awesome

Can't fault connections for being patient with him; he's in for $300K less than purchase price today; decent blowout on Tuesday shoulkd have him on his toes; look for Court to take a hold, try to save ground, hope they go bonkers up front and the race falls apart.

Mr Blackthorn

Hung out to dry the other time offered for sale; he has the 2 races to build on now and the 9/15 winner repeated in an N1X with an 86 Beyer; tactical speed a real plus the way this race is projected; all systems go.

Best Request

Runner seemed in a good spot in last in the career cheap spot but spit out the bit early; key off the September effort and he is a player; must be left in the mix.

Royal Warrior

Considering the slop was being kicked in his fact last time, the race was not all that bad; runner could be more relaxed and aware of surroundings with the shades off today; Scout Leader exited the 9/6 race to win next out in a MSW with an 88 Beyer; backers can point to fact there is route success in the family and also a near $200K earner; respect everything from this sizzling barn.

Gifted Ruler

At least he got a feel of the surface and he's trained solidly since; sire won multiple Grade 1s routing; dam was unraced; all 3 siblings won; top kin Yankee Fourtune carried speed long on grass successfully, banked over $350K; surprise package.

Coronate

Colt showed grit slipping inside in the solid debut; sire banked $1.2 million and all 6 wins were routes; dam won short and long and both wins came at 2; all 5 siblings won; one was a 6-time route winner in the minor leagues; barn has been firing with absolutely everything they put on the track.

Race 5

Irish Vixen

Light work tab for this beginner, daughter of Unbridled Energy who won a G2 stakes and 282K (his progeny have scored in 6 of 125 debuts); the dam won 2 of 14 and 99K; among the winning siblings is 63K earner The Caller.

Emmabelle

Showed no endurance in either start but this marks her first visit to the claiming world; her sire won a G1 and 450K while the dam won 2 of 8 attempts and 135K; winning siblings include 24K earner Princess Kiha.

Dun Won

Never fired from rail position in her maiden voyage; her sire won 2 of 5 starts and 393K while the dam won 6 of 60 and 134K; among the winning siblings is 88K earner Kiss of Thunder; latest half-mile breeze was modest.

Dash to the Flash

Flashed decent fighting speed until midstretch in her first run; her sire won several G1s and 698K while the dam won 2 of 12 attempts and 131K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Trio of Mischief

Unleashed a strong middle move before tiring in her last assignment when facing males; her sire won multiple G2s and 998K while the dam won 2 of 8 and 20K; this is her sole foal to compete; can upgrade with the return to her own gender.

All Lute

Sired by sprint champion Midnight Lute who amassed 2.69 million and whose offspring have won 7 of 96 initial starts; the dam won 4 of 32 attempts and 54K; among the winning siblings is 82K earner All Tiz.

Zimbabwe Lady

Bold finish turned in 15 days ago when dropping from special weights; her sire won the Belmont Stakes and 890K while the dam was unraced; there are no winning siblings to highlight; can overcome price tag increase.

Missdixieactivist

Not much to highlight thus far but she is another in this field trying claimers for the first time; her sire won 1 of 5 and 51K while the dam never made it to the races; winning siblings include 126K earner Dixie Jackpot.

Brown Baggin It

Legitimate excuse to that first defeat; her sire won the Derby and 3.61 million in total; the dam went 2 for 12 lifetime earning 63K; winning siblings include 166K earner Corey County; can rebound at a healthy price.

Lady Mickelson

Firster hails from multiple G3 type Ecclesiastic who captured 346K and whose progeny have won 3 of 56 debuts; the dam won 3 of 19 and 57K; among the winning siblings is 64K earner Bougainville.

Diamonds for Gi Gi

Nice blowout recently for this new arrival; her sire won a G1 and 239K (descendants of Majestic Warrior are 9 for 109 as far as winning their first test); the dam won 3 of 13 and 79K; among the winning siblings is 64K earner Favrette.

Race 6

Aripeka

Gets back to the lawn after getting third money in the off the turfer in his first crack with winners; dam's 2 wins came on the green so maybe he goes better second time over the stuff; lightly raced gelding could move forward and get in the mix here.

Paroled

Gelding has been sitting in this condition for quite a while now while earning a handful of minor awards; late runner cuts back off a marathon try at Keeneland and maybe that provides him with a stronger late kick, but he'll likely find himself with a lot to do late in a big field from this inside draw; limiting his use to underneath in exotics.

Empire Knight

Lightly raced sophomore cuts back after tiring from his pace efforts in the Keeneland marathon while trying winners for the first time; colt negotiated tricky Kentucky Downs course quite easily in the maiden score and he is kin to a 2 time surface winner so he's got a right to bounce back here; doesn't figure to be too far off the pacesetters early and can contend from there.

Majestic Bay

Steps up to the allowance ranks after holding second money in the local slop on Halloween; colt broke his maiden over the sod here in the spring so the return to the lawn can help and the barn does a nice job with its runners switching surfaces.

Point Piper

Goes first time for an outfit that excels with this type and gets the services of a top turf pilot for his local debut; didn't do much on the Retama Park main track last month, but this is the surface he's supposed to run over and he showed he has some ability overseas earlier in the year; expecting a much improved try today.

Vindication Now

Four year old enters this fresh after being given time off a fade at 13-10 on the board at Saratoga; his win here over limited winners in June earned him a number that fits well with this bunch and maybe the local return helps bring it out in him.

City Connect

Should have some bottom from the off the turf marathon try last time and he did break his maiden with a big number over a heavy local course 5 months ago; pace and a big field are concerns, but he should be rolling late and figures a big presence in the lane.

English Pound

Stretches out a bit after a wide trip did him in second time back from the freshening at Keeneland; gelding was good on the green out of town this summer and he will switch to a solid journeyman pilot for this, but a minor award looks to be his ceiling here.

River Lemon

Earned the field's highest last out turf number over heavy ground in the Keeneland marathon spin; expecting he'll have more to offer late on the cut back to this trip but he could well encounter traffic issues and he's certainly shown a knack of settling for minor awards.

Rivendell

Gelding hasn't been able to clear this condition and needed the drop to claimers while moving to synthetic footing to get his second score; he'll get another new pilot for this one and hasn't had much to offer in either of his local sod try; have to side with others on the win end.

Bold Challenger

Wide trip may have hurt him some in the off the turfer but he did run well second time off the break in that heat; gray broke his maiden over the local sod around this time last year and does have the positional foot to secure a decent spot early here; giving him the nod to get back on track and beat these home.

Mt Tronador

Outside drawn gelding broke his maiden from a tough post the last time he stepped on the green at Keeneland; can toss the main track spin last time and maybe that poor effort serves to dull the price on this lightly raced gelding in his return to his favorite kind of footing.

Pick of the Litter

MTO just missed in each of his last 2, most recently at the local level in his second start back from the break; he's yet to try a wet track and that will likely be the condition if he gets to go, but he kept some pretty good company earlier in the year and arrived on the scene with a strong maiden score in Florida at this trip; one to beat if the rains come.

Barrio Baby

MTO makes his first start off the claim by a hot barn that excels with this type right back; gelding has been runner up in 3 straight and he's another whose never faced footing with excessive moisture in it; using him underneath if this gets moved off the green.

Le Mans

AE toyed with an overmatched bunch on the Mountaineer lawn, but that was over 3 months ago and now he'll start for a different outfit; still, the effort was impressive and he blew out the other day as if he's on his toes for the class rise.

Religious Ed

AE has the hood removed for the cut back after failing to factor in the Keeneland marathon spin first time on the lawn last month; gelding likes to make his run from well out of it, but don't know that this is the footing that he really wants; looking elsewhere if he goes.

Gold Megillah

AE looks for his third straight score while going first off the barn's claim on the rise to this level; gelding overcame trouble in that last one and he has run well on the green out of town, so he's worth a look if he draws into this spot.

Eriugena (IRE)

AE is mired on the list and not likely to draw into this heat; cut back to this trip should help him if he does get to go and he did look pretty good in beating cheaper 2 back over the Saratoga green; he'll get a top pilot if he's able to find a way to meet the starter.

Race 7

Parktown

Claimed off his lone win racing at today's distance over the track but enters this 5-0-0-0 since; needed last start when setting the pace but is here off a career-low Beyer speed figure; new rider is his 4th different pilot in as many races which is not a good win angle; needs a big-wakeup call.

School Spirit

His last CD-dirt start was a field-best Beyer peformance at slightly shorter than this; lacked stamina in the pre-rest starts including a fade over the track at today's distance 8 weeks ago; has been working forwardly with a new rider and there is clearly talent here; the 3-back show runner Beyered 78 in a next-out SAR-20K-claiming win.

Geothermal

Winless on dirt a good sign that his wet-turf win occurred at today's distance; races 1st time with blinkers on trying to shake up the form off his lowest Beyer since August, 2012; the CD-dirt workouts do not help the confidence level for this.

Candy Street

Claimed for more than double today's price tag with 3 dull efforts since the June purchase; best Beyer at shorter on wet grass; the 2-back winner repeated in a KEE-40K claimer with a 78 speed figure; did not help in latest over the track that he broke slowly then stayed far back; would be a complete surprise.

Cross Hammers

More than a 1-year layoff since finishing last in a key race; the 4th and 6th-place finishers from latest both Beyered 77 taking RP-optional and 5K-claiming wins; 1st time in a claimer with a steady worktab for the 1st-CD start; the 2-back winner repeated in an RP alw. with an 82 speed figure.

Pass the Pico

Lone win was right on the lead and would like to make the front here by himself; just 2 races racing 7F or longer were subpar double-digit length defeats which makes today's event a lot more challenging; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 83 in a next-out SAR-optional-claiming win.

Chalybeate Springs

9 weeks since his show finish in this same spot over the track; 2-back posted a career-best Beyer at 7F when stalking the speed then holding on well; winless over the CD-main track and latest did not help the confidence level however seems like he fits at this grade.

Saturdayatbernies

Finished last of 12 in the only other dirt start during career and that was accomplished over today's CD oval; lacked stamina at shorter in recent losses which does not help the confidence level here that he can go all the way up top; drops to lowest-price tag ever trying to get brave on the lead.

Silver Antelope

Primed for this at longer but wanted no parts of 8.5F while tiring at shorter than this 2-back; 1st time ever in a claimer trying to shake up his form; 0-for-11 route-to-sprint trainer since 2012 while view as a pace presence for part for this.

Fiddler Blue

Graduated on dirt in his 1st start of 2013 but is 6-0-0-0 since; best spot today among his losses this season but has 3 double-digit length CD dirt defeats on his resume so clearly has plenty to prove locally; the worktab for this suggests we seek the winner elsewhere.

Mr Garde

Away since troubled when claimed off a high-win percentage trainer which is not a good win angle; the show finisher from last Beyered 78 in a next-out SAR-20K-claiming win; beat the 3-back runner-up who posted a 76 speed figure in his next-out CD-40K-maiden claiming graduation; the win rider is on Fiddler Blue for this.

Brink of War

Lacked stamina in latest off the 48-day absence which makes the added furlong here a major hurdle to overcome; big-post change after breaking from the rail and now moves all the way outside; the 2-back winner repeated in a CD-optional claimer with an 86 Beyer; stalked the pace well in his only win but off recent-local start others appeal more.

Race 8

Unbridledcharacter

Faded after launching a mild middle move first out; his sire won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and 1.31 million; the dam won 1 of 11 attempts and 35K; among the winning siblings is 281K earner Castaway.

Broadway Zen

Respectable try from an extreme post position a month ago; his sire won a trio of G1s and 669K; the dam involved never competed; among the winning siblings is 70K bankroller Mr Bluegrass; worth some follow-up here.

Alpha Roadster

Newcomer hails from G1 type Bellamy Road who captured 811K and whose progeny have won 11 percent of their debuts; the dam went zero for 3 lifetime; winning siblings include 27K earner Alpha Luck.

Nantucketeer

Sired by Derby winner Street Sense who won 6 of 13 career starts and 4.38 million in total (his descendants have won 17 out of 160 initial attempts); the dam won 2 of 8 and 64K; winning siblings include 51K earner Twitch.

Schivarelli

His sire won multiple G3 sprints and 373K (offspring of Montbrook are 61 for 598 as far as winning first timeout); the dam won 2 of 10 and 77K; winning siblings include 104K earner B C's Train; long set of half-mile breezes on view.

Claymaker

Finished midpack after an extra-wide journey first time out; his sire won a G1 and 480K while the mom won 1 of 12 and 41K; among the winning siblings si 162K earner Alura Michele; can improve from this slot.

American Reign

Beginner was sired by G2 winner Spellbinder who captured 499K and whose descendants are 4 for 16 in debut attempts; the dam won 1 of 17 and 16K; winning siblings include 40K earner Classy and Serene.

Grateful Life

Definite upgrade to the latest a.m. breeze; his sire won the Derby and 3.61 million; progeny of Big Brown have won 12 of 69 initial tests; the dam won 6 of `15 and 428K; there are no winning siblings to mention.

Be Well

Very fine try when rallying for the place in his maiden voyage; the sire won multiple G1s and 3.63 million; the dam scored in 4 of 14 attempts earning 122K; there are no winning sibs to mention; blinker addition can help him move forward.

Bitters 'n Bourbon

Fair breeze pattern for this newcomer, son of G2 winnner Old Fashioned who netted 583K and whose offspring are 4 for 25 first time out; the dam won 3 of 14 and 75K; sib to 102K earner Minuesandtouches.

Teniente Coronel

Progeny of Colonel John, a multiple G1 winner who garnered 1.77 million have won 3 of 26 debuts; the dam won 1 of 7 and 18K; winning siblings include 398K earner Sean Avery; trainer/jockey combo has done well with a limited number of starters.

One Tango Charlie

Excellent workout on the morning of 11/8; his sire won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and 1.58 million; descendants of War Pass have won 7 of 48 initial races; the dam never raced; wib to 44K earner More than Minted.

Declan's Fast Cat

Began his career with a bold finish at Delta; his sire won a G1 and 1.76 million; the dam won 3 of 24 and 127K; sib to several multiple winners including G2 victor Force Freeze who won a total of 853K.

General Ike

Tries the sprint scene for the first time and can upgrade in a hurry; his sire won a G1 and 752K overall while the dam never made it to the starting gate; this is her only foal to compete; the trainer is going well at the meet.

Flat in Charge

Rallied after the fact first time out while huge odds; his sire won 4 of 6 and 148K; the dam won 10 of 25 and 150K; among the winning siblings is 44K earner Kristy N Change; may encounter different set of early fractions this afternoon.

I'mbetterthangood

All kinds of trouble in his first venture; the sire won a G2 and 479K while the dam never raced; winning siblings include 71K earner Lea's Exchange; curious possibility if somehow escaping AE imprisonment.

Race 9

Villandry

Relatively lightly raced 4-year-old shows up for a barn that has been doing very well with turf starters and this gelding ran a big race over this turf course to close out his 3-year-old season; obviously he's being handed a tough assignment, but he's an interesting option to consider as he gets ready to make his first turf start as a 4-year-old and his third start back from a layoff.

Olympic Thunder (BRZ)

Two of his first three starts in America were strong performances and he figures to appreciate getting back over turf after a flat performance over the synthetic surface at Keeneland; that said, it might be worth noting the presence of Garcia aboard another in here.

Set the Sail

One of two signed on in here for the Lopresti barn, and can't help but feel that Villandry is the more interesting of the two; nevertheless, this gelding is capable of a pretty sharp run on his best day and he has performed well over this turf course.

Keep Up

He upset 11 rivals in this event in 2012 when getting the job done at just over 30-1 and it looks like his connections have him peaking as he tries to defend his title; he has to be respected as a top contender and he benefits from the services of the hot-riding Lanerie.

Kalamos

He's stakes placed racing in France, and even though this Juddmonte-homebred made his American racing debut a winning one, he's probably going to appreciate getting back over turf for this; he's going to need a sharper try to beat these, but Mott must feel that he's doing well to sign him up in a tough spot like this.

Exothermic

He's the only one in here racing without Lasix and he is going to need to produce his best performance to date if he's to put pressure on the top contenders in here; respect his overall form, but this bunch might prove to be too much for him to handle.

Coalport

Multiple stakes winner has been very good racing over turf this year, and not only will he be glad to be getting over turf again for this, but he's going to like to see that Wise Dan isn't out there with him; Hill has won with 48 of 160 (30%) mounts for this barn in 2013; must consider.

Seruni

His most recent race can serve as a useful conditioner after a layoff and the third place finisher from that race returned to win next out at RP on 11/9 going 7 1/2f over turf vs. 25k OPC's with an 80 Beyer; he's run well over this turf course in the past and his best effort can get him into the mix.

Daddy Nose Best

Multiple graded stakes winner is riding a three-race winning streak and the third-place finisher from his latest race returned to win next out at RP on 10/17 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 50k OPC's with an 86 Beyer; Santana has won with 84 of 325 (26%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Tahoe Lake (BRZ)

Respect the fact that he has a G1 stakes placing to his credit, but this 7-year-old has not been on top of his game lately, and he can't afford to show up with anything less than his best againt these; prefer to look toward others.

Ol Army

Can't ignore the impact that his early speed can have on the way that this race shapes up, but looking at this as being a tough test for him, and he appears to be better off at distances shorter than today's 1 1/8m assignment.

Grand Arch

It's interesting to see Garcia land here and this gelding might be ready to produce one of his better performances while making his second start back from a layoff; winner from latest won next out here on 11/16 going 1 1/16m over turf in a G3 with a 93 Beyer; can't ignore.

Potomac River

Stone-cold closer has done well in recording four wins from 13 turf attempts but not sure that his best effort is quite strong enough to get the better of the top contenders in here; feel that he's likely going to have a tough time trying to reel these in through the lane.

Skyring

Since recording an upset victory in taking down a G2 back in May, his form hasn't been strong enough to suggest that he can get the job done in this spot; add in an outside post, and he appears to be up against it.

Star Channel

He needs to see a scratch from the main body of this race to draw in and it would've been nice to have seen him show more in his latest outing while making his first start for this barn after a 62k claim; he looks like more of an outsider.

Race 10

Sawyers Trustylady

Speedster has made the lead in 5 of 7 starts however a major-stamina hurdle stretching out to her longest-distance test ever here; posted her best Beyer speed figure at 1F shorter 3-back when defeating the show runner an EVD-20K-maiden claiming next-out graduate (51 Beyer).

Coefficient

Needed last start when racing on synthetic while freshened up 41 days since tiring at shorter; has been working forwardly for this and hopes to be close early then hold off the closers; likely presses Sawyers Trustylady from the bell then hopes to find something in deep stretch.

Twenty Three Darby

Has been working like a runner with a bullet drill for this; sire is 94-for-608 with debut runners; is out of a stakes-placed dam (2-for-8, 35K) who produced 2 winners from 2 other foals to race including 53K-earner Speed Zone (2-for-19) who won her 2nd-career start.

Distorted Music

48 days since her 2nd-straight in-the-money performance; the debut show finish at today's distance looks better since the winner and runner-up finishers Beyered 77-75 in next-out IND-optional-claiming and KEE-MSW wins; the worktab for this does not stand out but clearly there is some talent here; contender.

Taylor Street

92 days since fading at much longer on grass; today's distance fits better but must show more than her first pair on dirt both double-digit length defeats; mild worktab off the favored loss and hopes to carry her speed at least this far; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Sassified

Sire is 83-for-854 with debut runners; is out of a 4-for-11 stakes-placed dam (98K) who produced 3 winners from 5 other foals to race including stakes-winner Out of Gwedda (7-for-30, 230K) who captured her first-2 career starts.

She Be Keene

Rematch with Defoe Street who easily handled her in latest over today's CD oval when she was troubled; her 2-back exacta finish looks better since the show finisher Beyered 70 in a next-out CD-50K-maiden claiming win; 3-back on CD dirt tested the winner who repeated to make it 2-for-2 in a CD alw. with an 82 speed figure.

Hello Charlie

Sire is 101-for-625 with debut runners; is out of a 1-for-7 dam (22K) who produced 5 winners from 8 other foals to race including 90K-earner Nault (3-for-17); has been outworked by the other 2 debut runners signed on for this.

Infliction

Made it 4 consective-new Beyer Tops; the latest was in her return to CD dirt; moves back up to the MSW level while today's added half furlong does not help the confidence level after being outfinished at shorter; clearly has never been better so deserves a chance to hang on for a share.

Not Be Forgotten

Stamina was missing from last when defeated by Defoe Street; the extra yardage attached here does not help the cause; new rider is her 5th different pilot in 5 career starts which is not a good-win angle; have ranked a notch below the top contenders.

Defoe Street

Was screaming out for more yardage in latest and gets it here; the 3-back near-miss CD finish represents a career-best Beyer; it looks better since the winner repeated in a CD alw. with an 80 speed figure; beat many of these in last and despite 12 other losses looks like the one they all will have to hold off late to graduate; the pick.

Dixie Fiction

142 days since her turf-debut fade noting her best Beyer was on a synthetic surface and her lone exacta finish at today's distance on dirt; the 1-for-21 fresh trainer since 2012 does not help the confidence level for a victoy off the bench; the 3-back winner and runner-up Beyered 80-79 in next-out CD-MSW and BEL-optional-claiming wins.

Not My Tap

1st race on dirt today and for a new trainer; exits a field-best Beyer 104 days ago over a syntheic surface defeating the show finisher who posted a 73 speed figure in her next-out DMR-MSW win then repeated in an SA alw. with an 81; good-debut effort defeated by the winner and runner-up they Beyered 79-78 in next-out SA-MSW and alw. wins; the one to beat.