Churchill Downs: Closer Looks for November 29, 2013

Race 1

Kowboy Boots

Looks headed the right way; lone dull run came vs. straight maidens and in the slop - and after then getting nearly 2 months off and moving in for a tag he improved to be 3rd, albeit a well-beaten 3rd (6 lengths); drops another peg and gets more ground and with his speed and the rail he figures in it from the start...and maybe all the way around.

Dubaele

Been knocking on the door since the spring; last 3 came vs. slightly cheaper but it's no huge step up in value for this; got a taste of a mile last time and gets more ground today, something he may well enjoy being by a route G1 SW with a Ky. Derby winner as his grandsire; lone sib is full-bro Phiil the Bishop (1 win, $11K).

Kodiak Syd

Seemed on the verge of turning the corner as he was 3rd here Sept. 27 then a sharp 2nd (sandwiched between 2 next-out winners) routing at KEE Oct. 12; so what happened Nov. 10?; well, maybe it was just one of those days; at least it's nice there's no big panicky drop, just a 1-level move and maybe that and returning to this trip can get him back on track...maybe; kin to Rocky Zone (2 wins, both routing, $26K) and Kalita (3 wins, 1 routing, $58K).

Wild N Crazy

Oct. 6 KEE debut wasn't much but hey, it was just his debut so you can be forgiving; slow start in that $50K sprint didn't help, either; been given some time since and there's a slight drop; been working in the interim though this marks his first try on dirt and first route, so there are hurdles; horse he chased (Ichiban Warrior) came back to be 2nd in the Street Sense here; all 6 sibs are winners, 3 of them route winners including Young Emotions (4 wins, 2 routing, $143K, SP).

Victory Colors

Found straight maiden waters too deep for first 6 starts; moved in for a $50K tag here Nov. 10, was away slowly but rushed up to press the pace and was still there turning for home; alas, that early use of fuel took a toll and he faded to 8th (Kodiak Boots was 3rd); drops another peg and gets more ground and has a nice Nov. 22 work to encourage; 2 sibs are Kat's Hope (5 wins, 2 routing, $102K) and Cindykat (3 wins, 2 routing, $39K).

Keeneland Kitten

Maker saw fit to plunk down $30K to claim this guy off a not-so-hot try at this trip at KEE last month; in his defense, he was away slowly and just couldn't get involved; still, that was a strong heat (produced 3 next-out winners), he's given an encouraging hike in value and surely with that pedigree the longer the better; all that being said, the Kitten's Joys just LOVE turf and think they own KEE so isn't it a tad worrisome he hasn't really shown much spark in his 2 turf races and lone KEE try, hmmmm?; lone sib is full-sis San Gatito (1 2nd in 2 starts, $10K).

Viva La Vista

Difficult to be too enthused over those first 2 starts except to say they were just his first 2 starts, both came vs. straight maidens, 1 in a dirt sprint the other in a turf route, so you can be a bit forgiving; now tries a dirt route but at least it comes with a significant drop and 2 nice recent works; still, we don't know if he has the talent to take advantage of the drop, do we?; 6 of 8 sibs are winners including Changing Vista (9 wins, $148K), Bachata (4 wins, $163K, SW, G3 SP) and How Good Is That (8 wins, $76K).

Race 2

Da Winner Is

Inside now and the pace figures a bit quicker today; note show horse in last was clear for fun; Richard can keep them going good once they get good to the tune of 30%; toss anything from this powerful barn at own risk.

Smilin in Barbados

Don't be oversold by the margin in last as it was mud aided; he does have a right to have a nice career as a pair in the family banked over $200K including 4-time stakes winner and near $270K player Straight Faced; colt ran his last furlong in :12.60; must prove it locally.

Me Commanche

Only one off effort and it came on the synthetic; like the way he extended late in last and he got a boost when the place horse in last graduated here in a maiden $50K claimer by over 3 lengths; gelding got his last 8th of a mile in :12.95 last time; respect.

Whyprolongtheagony

Blinks, the drop and the slop proved the remedy last time; a bit more keen to drill last Friday and he was caught wide in the Indy finale; will need to pick it up to repeat.

Easy Solution

Connections thought enough of him to try the stakes but he wanted not part of the distance or the turf; the 8/15 winner repeated in a $150K stakes; gelding has already re-paid his $5K purchase price; tab the snappy drill on the 19th; this guy is live.

Harry's Holiday

Bet like a good thing and he sure didn't disappoint; note rider is 23% when getting a leg up from Maker in the last year or so; probably needs to improve to be super tough here.

Ichiban Warrior

Educated when between foes on the grass to kick it off, he sure exploded when asked to get the sheepskin; despite taking the overland route in last he was 4 clear and this looms an easier spot; there seems to be plenty of speed in here to promote the kick; the one to beat.

Race 3

Professor Midnight

He makes his dirt debut and like that he shows a number of works over the main track at Churchill Downs; the race comes at the same mile and an eighth distance over which he won his maiden last out and note for the start he added blinkers; is appealing for his consistent nature and the fact that he's a half-brother to Grade 3 winner It's Tea Time ($470K); can at least share in first start against more experienced rivals.

Evan's Calling

He'd been a regular on turf for much of his career, but handled the switch to the main track with ease last out, when a sharp, wire-to-wire winner of a $30K conditioned claimer; for the effort, he earned what ranks as this field's best last-race Beyer Speed Figure; now has more win experience than these, and also has more natural speed than a number of his rivals; stakes-placed runner might get a tracking trip off Northern Lion.

Liberal Spin

He's a full brother to Politicallycorrect, a multiple stakes winner of $455K who won the Oklahoma Derby at this mile and an eighth trip; moves back to two turns and the added distance would seem to suit runner for both his pedigree and the fact that he won his maiden at a mile and a sixteenth, here at CD; looking for him to be somewhat prominent on stretchout from seven furlongs.

Moshaagib

He fired a big race upon return to the Churchill Downs surface, when third at this level at 31-1; the race was a strong one, with the runner-up returning to take an N1X at CD with a Beyer Figure of 86, and the fourth-place finisher, Positively, another N1X at CD, with a Beyer of 88; as for this one, he picks up more ground, which would seem to agree with runner who earlier in his career was a regular over a mile and a quarter; is a full brother to multiple Grade 2 winner Casino Host ($578K); choice.

Mean Marine

He moves back to two turns and the move would seem to suit him well as he put up his best Beyer Figure over a route of ground at CD; exits a quick-paced one-turn mile and as such could be somewhat prominent with the added ground he picks up in this spot; recent work suggests as much.

Northern Lion

He might prove to be the one to catch; he stretches back out to a route, site of his wire-to-wire maiden win, following a sprint comeback race last out at CD; faced winners and older horses for the first time in the start, and ran a solid second; leading contender.

Race 5

Sticks Wondergirl

Sire wins with approximately 6% of his turf starters and dam won 6 of 43 starts for 145k, including 0-for-1 over turf; turf is a concern, but have to respect the form that this stakes winning miss has displayed racing over dirt, and she's likely going to look to break running from the rail post.

Dame Marie

She's run well when fresh a few times in her career and her best effort makes her a legitimate threat to walk away with the top prize; it's interesting to see Leparoux get the call as he was aboard for one of the sharper performances of her career in a win over this turf course back in April.

Charming She Is

She's a head shy of being a stakes winner racing over turf and like to see what she did in her most recent start while making her second start back from a layoff and her second start for this barn; however, she is in a tougher spot today and she needs a fast and contested early pace to have her best chance.

Street of Gold

Stakes placed filly sports a fine turf pedigree, and for the most part, she's displayed solid form since getting back over turf in May; she might need to show up with an effort that earns her a career best Beyer Speed Figure to get the job done, but not willing to count her out of it.

Twist of Silver

She earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure and a stakes win in an off-the-turf event at Hawthorne two races ago, and that might be something to consider if this race has to be moved to the main track; her turf form hasn't been quite strong enough to suggest that she can threaten the top contenders in here.

Irish Dixie

She's by a top turf sire, and she deserves credit for the way that she was able to get the job done in her turf debut in her latest outing, but she's obviously going to need to be ready for a much sharper run in order to threaten these.

Pavla

This filly has a good deal of turf on the bottom of her pedigree, and she deserves her share of credit for her consistent approach to the game, but she is going to need to be ready for her best performance to date to beat this field.

Classy Zip

Multiple stakes placed mare has run some nice races over turf in her career but she does appear to be much more comfortable sprinting than routing; have to respect the fact that she hails from a sharp turf barn, but the 1 1/16m distance is a concern.

Lily the Pink

She carries multiple stakes placed credentials with her as well, and this mare looks like she's very comfortable at today's distance; this is another strong turf barn being represented in here and going to look for this miss to prove to be a tough one to keep out of the mix.

Royal Fury

If you only focus on what she's done in her two most recent starts over turf, she can be viewed in a favorable light in this spot, and her fine positional speed can help her manage a comfortable trip after breaking from the outside.

Trans Continental

There are a couple of horses in the main body of this race that have shown that they can run their race over dirt, but this will have to be considered a good spot for this filly to land in if this race has to be taken off the turf; like to see that she's performed well in both of her starts over the main track here.

Race 7

Ham I Am

This is his 29th attempt in these ranks and he is hard to endorse even though he finally draws an inside slot; has captured minor awards at healthy odds when the pace is honest; very hard to endorse for the top spot.

Toolpusher

One of the main speeds to consider in the field, he draws a comfortable slot and may not face much in the way of pace opposition; certainly bred to handle this extension in distance, he could last much longer than many bettors anticipate.

Won'tualwayswonder

Fair try at the straightaway mile, a race featured major gaps among the first few finishers; has shown rallying kick when negotiating 2 turns and could be a stretch here if the early fractions are accommodating.

Wisdom and Truth

Interesting item considering he was part of a lengthy pace battle in his last try when attempting this demanding distance; could rate kindly off presumed pacesetter Toolpusher and move forward; playable.

New Found King

Finished midpack in the latest run despite a troubled trip; although failing in his only attempt at this distance, it was a respectable effort and if he equal, or surpass, that particular performance, he has true money chances here.

Westerly

New face in this crowd hails from Come On Jazz who won 5 of 36 and 267K (his progeny are zero for 2 as far as winning their first race); the dam won 7 of 20 attempts and 60K; there are no winning siblings to mention.

Rakete

Keeps earning healthy checks and is actually a cozy fit here despite the long history as a maiden; makes only his third start for this expert trainer and figures prominently as one of the main stalkers to consider.

Amazulu

Not that far behind Rakete last month and he lost significant ground during the running; should receive a much faster half-mile fraction to run into and that will brighten his prospects; worth some backing if all the speeds remain in attendance.

Forty Four North

Set a fairly soft pace over a tiring turf course earlier this month; he remains a difficult runner to fathom as this is his first outing in the claiming ranks and at this distance; should be inviting odds once again.

Skilltopaythebills

Showed no enthusiasm when cutting back to a sprint 2 weeks ago; best lifetime Beyer by far was achieved over the green and he cannot been endorsed as a serious candidate until he returns to that surface.

Tapit Quick

Continues his drop down the ladder but draws a dismal post and that may prove tough sledding; worked 4 times this month in search of a rebound and tries this level of competition for the first time; conflicting signals.

Race 8

Sweet On You

Goes from an outside slot to the fence for her first local spin after a solid try first time at one turn on synthetic footing; she does have some positional foot and with just 4 races under her belt she certainly has a right to take a big step forward second time back from the break; worth a look.

Al's Rosie

Moves back to the dirt after a wide trip did her in on the local lawn; her effort 2 back on the Keeneland green was pretty good and she's handled dirt in the past; expecting her kick will help her get involved in the lane and that could help her grab a share.

Midnight Sweetie

Synthetic grad needed the drop to claimers to get through the maiden ranks at Keeneland and now she'll try winners; barn hits at a nice clip with its runners off short breaks such as this one and maybe she's turned the corner now that she's figured the game out, but neither of her dirt spins was anything special.

Two to Tango

Tired from her pace efforts going long first time on dirt earlier in the month; maybe the turn back helps and she did show some ability on synthetic footing in Canada, but she's going to need to take a good step forward to have a say in the outcome here.

Moonlight Caper

Sophomore gets an extra panel after making a sharp move to contention when third last time out; her effort 2 back this trip and level was excellent and she's returned to breeze like she has a move forward in her; giving her the nod to beat these home.

Town Flirt

Field's highest last out Beyer earner really responded to the addition of shades in that score; she'll make her first start for a new outfit in this barn and may not be up to running back to such an effort in here, but with her last staring straight in the face she certainly can't be overlooked.

Lake Michigan

Speedy filly moves towards the outside after tiring from her pace efforts at this trip and level last time; she's had her stamina issues so don't know that she'll have enough to offer late, but they'll probably have to come and get her to win.

Liberated

Removes the hood for her return to the main track after collapsing late in her local return; filly ran pretty well here earlier in her career and maybe the return to dirt for the first time since early summer will help move her forward at a decent price.

Race 9

Dream Man

Nice bit of training to have this guy run so big after taking 13 months off; like fact he broke his maiden off the layoff and although he needs help on the front end, there seems to be enough zip in her to help the cause; must be left in the mix.

Chalice

Must respect his consistency but not almost 4 times as many slices as wins; the 7/10 placed horse cashed next out in a $40K optional; he does have the three races now to draw from and he doens't have to be 16 back this time; look for him late if at all.

Tahoe Lake (BRZ)

Pro set the slow pace and still gave up the ghost in last; winner of the August debut repeated in a $100K Laurel stakes, was then 3rd beaten a length at Keeneland in another $100K stakes; note he was losing ground late in the lone race he ran in the money; must hurry.

Silver Tongued

Ohio player may need own kind to shine; stakes winner also has to prove it on grass; looks like trainer may be trying to get this guy to focus more with the blinks but not sure that's the cure all; would be careful here.

Any Given Royal

Forced to steady in the stakes here last year; he has to show that he can win on grass but he fits the conditions nicely and note he improved on the Beyer scale in the third off the layoff run in the June stakes; in good barn, Garcia got a chance to figure him out; respect.

Tazz

Veteran ran his eyeballs out in defeat in the return effort in May; place horse in the last win succeeded next out in a $40K optional; love fact he has natural speed but he doesn't need the lead to win; he came from 6th to win an $80K optional in July of last year in Chicago; in good hands, nearly 5 clear last time; primed.

Depeche Chat

Overmatched two back when hung wide, gelding comes to this race relatively fresh for this time of the year; a couple of solid drills since the last race and the 7/19 winner won twice since, the last in a $100K Remington stakes with a 94 Beyer; toss the race that have not been on grass and the form brightens; have always like runners like this that invent ways to win.

Easy Crossing

Fully extended in the lone win vs. winners; wonder if that 2012 closer on the yielding course zapped him?; he had to take the time off and has not been all that sharp since; the 8/3 place horse cashed next out in a $50K Ellis stakes, then ran third beaten 2 in a tougher spot in Philly; must pick it up after posted a pair of 74 figures.

Southern Parkway

Five times as many sections of the purse rather than a win makes him a tough on-top only ticket; he's had his chances at this level and just has had a tough year; needs a rebound effort.

Ptolemaic (GB)

Gelding ran well fresh when 2nd in July and he may not have adored the yielding course that day; 8th finisher in last took a $35K optional next out and the winner repeated in an $86K Hawthorne stakes; the May to July freshening has helped him; look for rider to send hard and try to steal it.

Sound Effect

Pace figures quicker here and not sure he'll get another ideal 3-hole trip; he always showed he belongs in this league and he did it against a well-subscribed field; off the rail, basically out to prove the 32-1 shocker was no fluke.

Knights Nation

Soph has more speed than he just showed; he did only beat 4 foes and some may not have cared for the going; note she show horse was by his lonesome at the end; needs to improve to repeat.

Joy Boy

Three clear when hooking the freak in the W. Virginia mud; gelding did post the 100 Beyer the last time in an optional seller and a repeat of that effort would make him a player here; clever barn due to get rolling.

Saturday Launch

Pushed into the stakes after the last win and it may have just knocked the starch out of him; even after the tough beat 3 back, fans didn't exactly embrace him at 10-1 and they were right on; not seeing it.

Acaffella

Not Hall of Famer Mandella had this runner for awhile in Cali; gelding goes from one good barn to another, note place horse was over 5 clear and he drilled decently on the 19th; the concern: he has yet to win on grass.

Malibu Way

Been given time for this new barn but can't fault those that are gun shy with the triple chalk flop in full view; colt's tactical speed is a plus and he has run well at multiple venues; toss anything from the Maker factory at own risk.

Ridge City

Three for 57 is a tough number to beat into with any degree of confidence; the 1st and 3rd finishers in last took $5K starters next out; runner has a nice turn of late foot when in the mood, but he probably needs easier to thrive.

Race 10

Montezuma Express

Was also entered Wednesday in a CD-32K claimer at 6.5F on dirt; finished 2nd best to the 2-back winner who posted an 82 Beyer speed figure in his next-out HAW allowance win; toss the August-synthetic surface start and he fires every single time out.

Barnyard Fiddler

Ranked a notch below the top contenders after handled by 3 of these in latest his 4th CD dirt defeat without an exacta finish over the track; last win was as a deep closer and looks like he wants more distance than 6F to see very-best form; the 2-back show runner Beyered 75 in his next-out MNR-10K-claiming win.

Stage Street

The one to catch but stamina has been lacking in recent losses; wet-track CD winner ran very well in his 1st two races here but latest last-place finish is disconcerting; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 89 in his next-out CD-optional-claiming score.

Street Hoss

Long layoff for a trainer 1-for the last-13 with runners coming off a 180-day layoff or more; away since a career-low Beyer when defeated by the runner-up finisher who posted an 88 speed figure in his next-out OP-optional-claiiming victory; lone win on turf which may be the answer down the road.

Defer Heaven

Offered brief speed in latest and will have to battle Stage Street and Weekend Wildcat to make the frontend here; loves the sloppy going 2-back and a wet track clearly moves him up; 1st race off the claim was a poor effort the 2nd-lowest Beyer of his career when handled by this same bunch; clearly his best game is breaking strongly then keep on going.

Drum Roll

Figures to work out a good-stalking trip setting up just outside of Weekend Wildcat, Stage Street and Defer Heaven; mixed reviews off the August claim; the SAR-4-back win is a field-best Beyer which saw the runner-up and show finishers Beyer 88-78 in next-out PRX-starter alw. and SAR-25K-claiming wins.

Weekend Wildcat

May, 2010, graduated on CD dirt at 4.5F; speedster adds to a projected hot pace with Defer Heaven and Stage Street; best Beyer and last win over a synthetic surface while doubling the claiming price off a loss is not a good -win angle; the 2-back winner repeated in a MNR-10K claimer with a 73 speed figure.

Sky Lover

Part of an entry Thursday in CD's 7th a 1-Mile dirt 50K claimer; the runner-up and 8th-place finishers from last Beyered 77-52 in next-out BEL-20K-claiming and SUF-$12,500-claiming wins; beat the 2-back show runner who Beyered 78 in his next-out SAR-35K-claiming win.

Marchwood (GB)

Tough-beat as the odds-on choice over the track; today is getting a 2-pound positive weight swing from Montezuma Express for the rematch; toss the turf start and his form has been rock solid; beat the runner-up finisher 2-back who Beyered 78 in a next-out CD-50K-claiming win; August-exacta finish saw the winner repeat in an IND-optional claimer with an 86 speed figure.

Shut Up Chris

Great sign that his 1st race on CD dirt is a career-best Beyer performance; figures to work out an ideal trip sitting just off the main-inside speed; the 3-back exacta finish looks better since the winner repeated in an IND-allowance with a 60 Beyer.

Grey by You

Exits his best finish on CD dirt when chasing similar rivals getting a positive 2-pound weight swing from Montezuma Express for the rematch; gets a great closer's setup with 3 pure-speed runners signed on here; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 73 in a next-out KEE-50K-claiming win.

Race 11

Game On Dude

Part of a hot pace in the Breeders' Cup Classic before floundering in deep stretch; toss out his BC Classics the last 2 years and he has 6 wins in a row; finished 2nd on CD dirt in the 2011 BC 'Classic; his other race on CD dirt was over a wet-main track finishing 5th; beat the July runner-up finisher who posted a 101 Beyer speed figure in a next-out DMR Grade 2 stakes victory.

Finnegans Wake

Is still eligible for n2x or non-winners of 3 alw. events; last win was a 9F turfer and seeks his 1st-dirt exacta finish in a very-ambitious spot exiting his lowest Beyer since May; in his only-CD dirt start November, 2011, finished 8th-beaten 26 lengths vs. MSW company at 1M and 1-16th on a sloppy-race track.

Bourbon Courage

Negative 2-pound weight swing off the wet-track CD loss to Our Double Play; his last win was at 9F so perhaps the increased distance can help him turn the tables?; hasn't handled wet tracks in the past so willing to excuse latest; the 3-back winner repeated in a BEL-Grade 2 with a 103 Beyer.

Golden Ticket

Great sign that his career-best Beyer was posted on CD dirt at today's distance; the 2-back winner repeated with a 112 Beyer taking the Breeders' Cup Classic on SA dirt; last win was right on the lead but in recent races has been a deep closer; hopes to set up just outside of Game On Dude and Our Double Play then wear him down in deep stretch.

Prayer for Relief

Also entered at 7-2 morning-line odds in the G2 HAW Gold Cup at 10F on dirt; displayed front wraps in latest loss over the track at today's distance; beat the 3-back runner-up and show finishers who Beyered 103-97 in next-out MTH-G3 and MNR-200K stakes wins.

Easter Gift

62 days since tiring at shorter; his only CD dirt start was a fade at 1F shorter than this; high-percentage fresh trainer adds to the appeal; his 3-back win was accomplished at today's distance when beating the show runner a next-out 98 Beyer MTH-G2 winner then repeated in a CD-G3 with a 107.

Will Take Charge

That was a tough beat when nosed in the Breeders' Cup Classic the 1st time facing older rivals; 2-for-4 record including a Grade 1 win since blinkers were removed and has been a much-improved runner since competing in all 3 Triple Crown events; main concern is finishing 8th and 13th in 2 other CD-dirt defeats.

Our Double Play

Has never raced this far but is currently at the top of his game exiting a career-best Beyer racing on the lead on a wet track; has to outbreak Game On Dude to make the front then will have to hold off the closers; defeated the June show runner at PRM who Beyered 82-94-80 in next-out PRM-allowance and optional-claiming wins.

Jaguar Paw

Leaves a high-percentage win trainer off the MTH loss at today's distance following a 103-day layoff; defeated the 3-back show finisher who Beyered 89 in his next-out BEL-optional-claiming win; likes to be forwardly placed and projects to stalk the speed of Our Double Play and Game On Dude; without a 100 Beyer on his resume would have to show up with a career-best speed figure to upset these.

Race 12

Bermuda Lane

Raced evenly behind some of these same foes in an off-the-turfer; did not show much when negotiating the turf previously although she can improve from the hedge; can be used in the lower portions of your exotic wagering attack.

Make Me Adorable

Offspring of Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker, who won 4 of 8 career starts and 1.98 million, have scored in 10 percent of their grass debuts; the dam won 4 of 16 and 73K; among the winning siblings is 234K earner Exceptional Ridge.

Belle Natalie

Bold finish on the main oval earlier this month; turf form includes a lengthy victory only to be disqualified; obvious true contender regardless of which surface is employed today; note overall post position history.

Derheart

Changed running styles last month when attending the pace for a good part of the running; her sire won multiple G1s and 723K while the dam was without a victory in 2 tries; this is her only foal to compete; appears nicely positioned here.

Stylish d'Oro

Has turned in some mild rallies regardless of the grass distance involved; perhaps she will receive a more accelerated pace today because of the stretchout sprinters in attendance; could prove to be the right value play.

Andri

Tries blinkers after coming up empty in that second run; her sire won multiple G2s and 548K (progeny of A.P. Warrior have won only 1 of 49 grass debutsj); the dam was a G1 winner who netted 747K; sib to 64K earner Greater Glory.

Aspergia

Respectable finish in the last run when visiting the claiming realm for the first time; could not seriously threaten in her sole try over the lawn; can upgrade suddenly, however, with that tightener under her belt.

Civility Pledge

Even showing while favored recently; in the run 2 back, when facing males, she turned in a fine effort despite the yielding course conditions; she should be able to stalk the issue here and is worth some inclusion in exotic wagering plans.

Batiana

Quit early in her main track debut last month; unleashed a soild run 2 back at Indiana when capturing the place but enjoyed an ideal inside journey when doing so; draws an unfortunate slot once again and will have to run a personal best.

Fashion City

Rested since a pace-pressing effort at Monmouth and she was well-backed in both efforts; her sire was a multiple G1 winner on the main oval who had career earnings of 3.06 million; progeny of Bernardini have won 5 of 126 grass debuts; the dam won 3 of 7 and 70K; there are no winning sibs to mention.

Divine Gift

Steady breeze pattern for this newcomer; her sire won a G1 and 612K; descendants of Divine Park are 1 for 21 as far as winning their first grass assignment; the dam involved was zero for 4; sib to 177K earner Lulu Wong who had 4 career wins, 1 on the green.

Naples Gold

Definitely upgraded in the latest breeze at five-eighths; her sire won multiple G1s and 698K in total (progeny of Langfuhr have won 55 out of 633 initial starts on the grass); the dam was unraced; sib to 52K bankroller It's My Passion.

The Lady Scored

Decent set of a.m. drills for this beginner,daughter of multiple G2 victor Even the Score (his descendants have won 13 percent of their first grass try); the dam was zero for 4 lifetime; among the winning siblings is 122K earner Big Tall Paul.

Adventure At Sea

That was a fine effort over the grass 2 back at Woodbine; gained some conditioning in her local debut on the main and the return to her preferred surface can do wonders; legitimate money chances if escaping AE list.

Slant of Light

Held on very well at Ellis Park in mid-summer but was facing far weaker company that day; doubt she can handle this major escalation in class and she will likely have plenty of company on the front end if somehow making it to the starting gate.

Prized Star

No enthusiasm shown up to now but the scheduled blinker addition can help her focus; made up decent ground in her last turf sprint but still has plenty of work to do; cannot endorse as a serious candidate at this time.