Churchill Downs: Closer Looks for November 9, 2013

Race 1

Spartan King

He has some semblance of speed and there is not a lot of that commodity in this race; right there at the top of the lane last time, but he just could not continue with the momentum; last angle to think about: this rider is 2 for 5 for this barn in the last year or so.

Justheguytodoit

Nearly 4 times as many slices as wins; game in the slop two back but some may not have cared for the going; 8/23 place horse cashed next out in an N1X at Fairmount; don't be shocked if this guy is sent along here; note in his local win he set the pace sprinting; value should be there.

Peytonville

Gelding has never won on the conventional; with his style, he can be his own worst enemy as he has no speed; 0 for 4 the last several times in this league; 5th, 8th and 11th finishers in last took $5K claimers next out; takes a lateral training barn move; look for him in the final furlong if at all.

Horned Frog

This runner has owned this league this year; bobbled early when probably overmatched two back; could see him sitting 4 or so off a moderate pace hoping the leaders come back; clever barn overdue to get rolling; repeat well within the scope.

Scariff Island

Four of the 7 wins were local; nice bit of training to have him ready to roll off the layoff tow back and note it took him nearly a full month to post a recorded drill after the last effort; backers have to hope the pace is crazy and the race falls completely apart.

Getta Rhythm

Can't be thrilled with the local slate; runner is basically a marathoner at this point in time as last win came going over 2 miles; must find a way to deal with Frog among others; not seeing it.

Gallant Eagle (IRE)

Beaten 2 lengths twice the last couple of times in this league here; he fits; show horse in the Grade 3 two back cashed next out in a $50K optional at Fairmount with an 85 Beyer; trainer has spotted them just fine all year; major player.

Biker Boy

Senior citizen obviously loves this layout, ran his eyeballs out in defeat in this league last time and he can be placed anywhere and still fire; could see him sitting a garden trip similar to the journey the last time in town; can't fault those that give him another shot at glory after flopping as chalk.-Brian Mulligan

Race 2

Cyber Secret

This is a deep field, with four of the seven horses entered graded stakes winners including this one, who accounted for the Grade 2, $500K Oaklawn Handicap two races back in April; does give up recency to these as he has not see action since May, but he's been known to fire off the bench in the past; he also exits a key race; the fifth-place finisher, Laugh Track, returned in his next start to take the Grade 3 Vigil at WO, with a Beyer Figure of 89, and the ninth-place finisher, Right to Vote, a $62.5K optional claimer at CD, with a Beyer of 80; might get a nice stalking trip over course he ran well on in the fall of 2012.

Mellow Fellow

He set a strong pace and faltered last out in a start that should have him sharp for the move back to two turns; he also is getting back to the grass and note his last win came at a mile on turf at Churchill; drawbacks are that he must face older rivals, and some are quite accomplished, like 2011 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Regally Ready; he also might be pressed by Regally Ready.

Major Marvel

He's pure hickory as a winner of 20 of 50 starts and $594K; picked up the second stakes win of his career last out, when, in a show of grit, he held off the Grade 2-placed String King in the $100K Unbridled at LaD; faces steeper in this spot, but his confidence must be soaring as he has won his last five starts; he also co-owns the field's best last-race turf Beyer Figure, with Regally Ready; is a fresh horse and has fired big off the bench in the past, and might get an ideal trip behind Regally Ready and Mellow Fellow; always a contender.

Guys Reward

He's one of four graded stakes winners in this field, with his score coming at CD, in the Grade 2 Firecracker last July; he will be giving up recency to all of these as this will be his first start in about a year; barn wins at an above average rate with its comebackers, but tough to expect any horse to be on top of his game following an extended break; in his favor are some strong works and an outstanding record over the course at CD; one to preview in the paddock.

Seruni

He put in a nice bid for fifth against allowance rivals last out at Kee, but must again face the horse who defeated him, Regally Ready; the race was this one's first since June, when he ran third to reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan in the Firecracker, and he would seem to have reason to move forward in his second start back; on a few pedigree points, note he is a son of Saint Liam and a multiple stakes-winning mare who ran out $389K and who produced the stakes winner Roman Emperor and the Grade 2-placed winners Doc Cheney and Liberated.

Regally Ready

The winner of the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint over this course back in 2011, his horizons were broadened last out when he won at a mile on turf at Kee; it was a strong effort, and for it he earned what ranks as this field's co-highest last-race turf Beyer Figure; he shares the distinction with Major Marvel; has speed, a tactical post and has done some of his best work over the local course; win candidate.

Neck 'n Neck

Grade 2 winner is entered for the main track only; he returned from an extended layoff last out and ran a big race when beaten just a length for everything in the $103K Michael G. Schaefer Memorial at Ind; he did well to close in the slop, and the effort looks like one from which he can move forward; might also get the right kind of setup here if the race goes on dirt as there is a fair amount of speed tucked to his inside; win candidate.-Mary Rampellini

Race 5

April One

Hasn't been a threat in any of his 3 starts thus far and he'll be in for his highest tag yet in his local debut; gelding did blow out well for this earlier in the week but he goes for an outfit that hasn't won yet this year and the inside drawn doesn't figure to help him; have to look elsewhere for the winner.

Rayo Del Sol

Goes for a new barn after showing little in his 2 sprint starts this fall; maybe the change of shedrow scenery helps, but off what he's shown he'll need to improve quite a bit to have a say in the outcome, even in here.

Regally Outflanked

Boasts a few ugly running lines in which he failed to reach positive Beyer territory and now he'll try his fourth new venue in as many starts for his third different conditioner; tough to make any type of case for this big longshot today.

Safely Spun

Geldingf has had his share of chances, but he couldn't have found a much softer spot in which to make his local return; lone try here wasn't much but he did run ok going long at Indiana Downs last time and he's run well sprinting in the past; one to consider.

Giant Hook

Tried MSWs in Florida first out last winter and hasn't been sighted since that weak effort behind a subsequent repeater; this is a pretty good drop in his return from the break especially considering his dam was a G3 SP turfer and route winner and he hasn't been given a shot at those conditions; he's kin to 2 winners; worth a look against this poor bunch.

Firstdownfirstdown

Works aren't much for this guy's unveiling and the barn is winless on the year; first foal to race out of a limited sprint winning dam is by a sire who is 3 for 36 with his first out runners.

Counselor Ron

Toguh to get excited about a runner who hasn't been within double digit lengths of the winner in any of his 6 starts including his last 2 at the level; he does turn back to sprint here and maybe he'll have a little more to offer in the lane for a barn that does nice work second off the break, but he's got his work cut out for him in here.

Grand Music

He's earned some numbers that would put him in the mix here and one of his dirt starts wasn't bad, but he hasn't been close sprinting on the main track; gelding doesn't have much early foot so he'll likely be left with a lot to do in the lane; minor award proves his ceiling.

Donchalant

Adds the hood for the slight stretchout and class drop off a weak try first out on synthetic footing; SW dam won 13 sprints and banked 142K prior to dropping a couple of minor sprint winners; catches a poor field and warrants a look for improvement.

Candid Opinions

Makes his first start off the claim while returning for the price this outfit paid for him at Indiana Downs; gelding will make his local debut here after earning some relatively solid numbers; if he runs back to that last try he's the one they'll have to beat.

Vi's Villian

Gelding has done little on the track thus far and his last out Keeneland try was pretty bad; dirt efforts earlier this year don't suggest a big move forward in his return to the footing will be on tap; looking elsewhere for the money finishers.

Diamond Drop

MSW dropper makes his first start in 2 months off a set of steady, but slow drills; maybe the drop to this cheap level helps get him going and he does get a pilot who has gotten off to a nice start here; this guy's immediate pedigree suggests he'll want more ground for his best but he is kin to a couple of multiple sprint winners.

Alphabet Jeblar

First part of the coupling is first on the AE list for his initial spin on dirt; colt did little in his 2 out of town starts against tougher and there's not much to suggest he'll be set to go all that much better with this bunch.

Red Harley

AE is a 20 time loser who hasn't been close to the winner in 11 months; his lack of lick won't help him much on the turn back to this trip, either; can't make a serious case for him if he draws in.

Nastrovya

AE drops to his lowest level if scratches allow him to meet the starter in this spot; he's earned competitive numbers on dirt and on his best is certainly capable of stepping with this weak field; must be considered if he goes.

Who Is He

Other half of the coupling doesn't figure to draw in and make his debut off a set of slow breezes; sire is winless from 2 debut runners and the dam's 2 wins came routing prior to dropping 2 foals who were a combined 0 for 13 on the track.-Steve Grabowski

Race 6

Blueblend

Raced evenly in an above average race at Indiana; his sire won a G1 stakes and 1.76 million overall; the dam was without a victory in 3 attempts; among the winning siblings is 30K bankroller Blending.

One More Night

Pressed the pace until the midway point first time out; his sire won multiple G1s and 1.33 million while the dam won 2 of 14 and 57K; winning siblings include 57K earner Won Won Oh Five; draws much more comfortable slot now.

Commandment

Newcomer hails from G1 type Sky Mesa who notched 633K and whose offspring have won 47 out of 355 debuts; the dam won 7 of 18 and 260K; among the winning siblings is 31K earner Statehood.

Brewing

Has flashed respectable early speed in both attempts before fading; his sire won 1 of 2 and 62K; the dam never made it to the starting again; winning siblings include 123K earner Trip Mom; slower early fractions today would help matters.

Zip Trip

Sired by G1 sprinter City Zip who captured 818K and whose progeny have won 80 out of 525 initial starts; the dam won 2 of 17 attempts and 145K and this is her only foal to race; moderate gate breezes of late.

Flat in Charge

The grey's sire won 4 of 6 attempts and 148K (descendants of Flatter are 29 for 327 as far as winning their first test); the dam won 10 of 25 races and 150K; winning siblings include 44K earner Kristy N Charge.

Nate's Dynamite

Slowly but surely improving and he was caught extremely wide in the last run at Keeneland; can be along for a share today if the early pace is far more accelerated; tries fourth different rider in as many starts, however.

Yankee Dime

Has shown a decent first gear thus far; his sire won multiple G1s and 1.23 million while the dam won 1 of 12 and 132K; sib to 160K earner Elusive Scheme; latest drill over the deep Saratoga training track was an upgrade.

Street Chief

Firster hails from Derby winner Street Sense who notched 4.38 million and whose descendants have scored 11 percent of their first encounters; the dam won 1 of 26 and 32K; siblings include 136K earner Blairs General.

Doubly Distinct

Some upbeat a.m. moves for this new arrival; his sire was a G3 type who garnered 447K (progeny of With Distinction have won 27 out of 239 debuts); the dam won 3 of 14 and 49K; sib to 224K earner Solemn Promise.

Angry Moon

Drifted out at the beginning of his maiden voyage and did not recover; his sire won multiple G1s and 698K while the dam won 3 of 18 and 208K; among the winning siblings is 34K earner Who's Mr. Hughes.

Raging Market

Made a fair middle move in his turf route debut a month ago before tiring in the final furlong; although still in search of his first exacta finish, he has turned in some superior workouts in the last few weeks and can upgrade in a hurry.

Cry Summation

Nowhere in the first run but lost plenty of energy prior to the stare of that one; his sire won a G1 and 1.22 million while the dam won 1 of 7 and 49K; among the winning siblings is 93K earner Sugarbuzz.

Broadway Zen

Should be a pace factor if escaping AE imprisonment today; his sire won multiple G1s and 669K while the dam never competed; among the winning siblings is 70K earner Mr Bluegrass Music.

Divine View

New face in this crowd was sired by G1 Divine Park who captured 612K (his progeny have performed very well first out, winning 8 of 42); the dam was zero for 3 lifetime; winning siblings include 115K earner Window Bay.

Viva Wildwood

Solid breeze pattern for this firster, daughter of multiple G1 victor Henny Hughes who notched 1.12 million (his descendants have won 16 percent of their first ventures); the dam won 2 of 20 and 49K; sib to 830K earner Itsmyluckyday.-Jim Kachulis

Race 7

Almost Famous

Is the one to catch while Bump Start seems the one he will have to fend off from the bell then hold off the closers; adds blinkers trying to improve his stamina while the 3F-gate workout for this was superb; clearly has the distance question to answer adding yardage off latest fade; defeated the debut runner-up who posted an 82 Beyer speed figure in his next-out KEE-MSW-win then repeated in a CD-61K event with an 86.

Purple Sky

The fast track, mile distance and 2nd-time out improvement were all factors in his last-to-1st victory over the track; his debut race in the slop looks better since the runner-up finisher Beyered 85 in his next-out BEL-MSW win.

Dobra Historia

The win rider takes Plug Catcher off the synthetic-surface diploma earner with a light-Beyer attached; has worked well on CD dirt but that did not translate well when racing over today's oval in September; would have to up his game to a brand-new level to compete well here.

Plug Catcher

Has not raced past 6.5F; sire took the G1 Haskell at 9F on dirt; dam went 0-for-2 in dirt routes; the win rider stays right here offf the promising-debut score stalking the sprinters on a wet track; has worked like he will love a fast track too; has plenty of upside.

Phenomenalmoon

8 weeks since finishing last in a key-turf loss; the winner and show finishers from last Beyered 75-74 in next-out KEE-Grade 1 and WO-251K stakes wins; lone-dirt start was not his best effort while the CD-worktab for this is not very enticing.

Gone Mountain

Defeated 1 runner combined since shocking the 2-back maiden breaker right on the lead but has Almost Famous and Bump Start to fend off from the gate for this; has been best on dirt but seems to be shooting high off recent form.

Arctic Slope

Lone-dirt start was a win at today's distance over the track while racing very well vs. G1 company after breaking in the air in last; the debut winner repeated in a SAR-G2 with an 81 Beyer while he beat the show runner a next-out 70 speed figure BEL-MSW winner who repeated in a BEL-100K event with an 85 speed figure.

Myositis Dan

Exits a field-best Beyer when loving the synthetic surface with a massive 48-point speed figure 2nd-time out improvement; has not raced past 6.5F; sire won a G3 going 1M on dirt; is the 1st foal out an unraced dam; clearly there is plenty of talent here off latest number.

Matuszak

Lone-dirt start was a win and has worked nicely leading up to this; broke last then did not make any move when facing winners for the 1st time but there is a great chance that he simply did not like that synthetic surface; should be flying late into a hot pace.

Bump Start

Figures to chase Almost Famous to the front; would have to be scratched from a seemingly-tougher spot November 8 in an RP-100 stakes at 7F on dirt; has not raced past 5.5F; sire went 0-for-2 in dirt routes both in Grade 1 events; dam went 1-for-10 in dirt routes; posted a mild worktab off the debut romp 88 days ago.-Art Gropper

Race 8

Embarr

Doesn't exactly come here riding high; had things going well in 2012 (won 4 of 8) and won her first start of this year but things have gone south since; at least Cooney still feels good enough about her to try another stakes but it also means facing some toughies including Abaco who beat her fairly comfortably in her last 2 starts.

Starstruck (IRE)

Those are 2 beasts she chased home in SA's G1 Rodeo Driver Sept. 28, as both came back to run in the G1 BC F&M Turf; this gal was not disgraced by any means and she returns to a course she's handled very well and faces no one like Tiz Flirtatious or Marketing Mix today; in fact, another G1 SW, Lady of Shamrock, finished 5th BEHIND this gal that day, too.

Soft Whisper

Speed should have her in the hunt from the start and she's been pretty darn solid this year; even so, she's up in class and must deal with at least a couple gals to whom she lost this spring/summer (My Perfect Ten, Miz Ida), and that doesn't even include Abaco and Starstruck; 2 of 3 turf wins at least came on this course but all her work has been at trips SHORTER than this, too.

Street of Gold

Not far at all behind Startstruck when they met here May 19 (1 1/4 lengths) so doesn't it follow that if that gal is a big player here (and she is) that this gal can be, too?; well, usually you'd agree but she comes here a so-so 5th in a turf stakes at IND Oct. 5 and this spot is surely much tougher; maybe getting back to firm turf and back to CD can get her back to that good form that had her close to Starstruck...maybe.

Miz Ida

One tough cookie; couldn't handle Laughing (had everything her own way up front) in the G2 Ballston Spa at SAR and then was a well-beaten 4th in the G1 First Lady at KEE (not only facing some of the division's best but caught a bog-like course); this is surely a better situation for her not only in terms of the level of competition but the site as she as recently as June 8 won a G3 stakes over this course.

Solid Appeal

Flashed talent last year to be sure but she's really blossomed this year; 3 straight big wins off the bench (2 in G2s on turf at WO) earned her a shot at the G1 Beverly D.; she was no match for Dank that day when 6th but heck, that gal is a monster (just won the G1 BC F&M Turf last week) so no shame in losing to her; that run took its toll, though, as she was then no factor in another G2 at WO; freshened since and brought south and she's fired fresh before and certainly has the quality; very interesting.

Somali Lemonade

No match for Laughing when that gal had things all her own way up front in the G2 Ballston Spa and then tried to force the issue more against that gal in the G1 Flower Bowl but that didn't work at all and isn't the way she wants to run; gets away from tha ttough gal - not to say these are pushovers or anything but she can revert to her normal sit-and-go tactics; shorter trip may be a help as well, though it's worth noting her only 2 prior outings here weren't very pretty.

Abaco

That's a G1 SW who finished just behind her in 3rd in the G3 Athenia at BEL last month; this gal certainly has quality and it's noteworthy Shug opted to ship here instead of staying in NY to try the longer (1 1/2-mile) G3 Long Island; this is surely the type of trip she wants as she's proven she can blast home at this tryp of trip; it's her first start here but hey, she's handled GP turf, both SAR courses, both BEL courses, and LRL turf so odds are she'll have no trouble adjusting to these new surroundings.

My Perfect Ten

Had things going along nicely in the spring/early summer including a SW at ELP (beat Soft Whisper); prior to that she was 2nd here (beating Starstruck) so she's shown the necessary oomph; that being said, it's a little disconcerting that after her ELP SW (which she did easily) came 3 months off and then a dull run at BEL last month; at least there's not another layoff, there's no class drop and she's handled this place well, but it's hard to say she needed the race when her other off-the-bench starts were so good, isn't it?

Rare Event

Battled gamely in a turf stakes at MTH when last seen only to falter a bit late, finishing 5th; remember, though, that was at 11fs and that may not be the game she wants; her effort still looks good when you note 2 she faced that day came right back to win; Oliver has given her time to regroup and the works for this are most encouraging; also reunited with Court who has been up for all 4 career wins; still, it's probably the toughest spot she's seen so far so the hurdles are not insignificant.-Michael Hammersly

Race 9

He Be Somethin

Draws the fence for the stretchout in his first with winners after running them down from a wide spot on the drop to claimers at Keeneland last month; gelding did run ok on dirt earlier this year but he's yet to run fast enough to threaten the best of what some of these have to offer; have to side against the repeat.

Pick of the Litter

Just missed as the chalk at the level in his return from the freshening at Keeneland following an ambitious spring campaign; he'll get back to dirt for a solid second off the break outfit and he's earned his 2 best career numbers over similar surfaces; sophomore will need to get a little more involved early with the move inside, but he has a right to move forward off that last one and looks to be the one to beat.

Scout Leader

Earned a career best number in beating Keeneland maidens in his sixth start; he'll get off the fence for his first with winners and he was ok over the local dirt 2 starts back but note that each of his 2 top career Beyers came over synthetic footing; consider.

Dipsy Drew

Came up a neck shy against limited winners the last time he stepped on the local main track and his return to dirt last time out at Indiana Downs was ok; he's got some positional foot which could help him work out a decent trip in here, but he's also been stuck at the level while dancing every dance for a while; prefer to limit his use to underneath in exotics.

Moshaagib

Got caught fighting through solid fractions from the Keeneland fence off the freshening last time and has little left for the drive; moves further out into the track which can help him settle a bit more this time and he has run well on dirt surfaces in the past; expecting better from him today.

Argosy

Stretches out off the wide sprint run in his third start back from the layoff and he'll get a top pilot for this; sophomore did break his maiden 2 back at a 2 turn trip and he's run ok here in the past, but a minor award figures to be his ceiling in this spot.

Hard Aces

He's earned several minor awards at the level including a big figure placing over the track against fellow sophomores back in June; colt ran out of racetrack on the stretch back out to 2 turns while getting a solid pace in front of him at Keeneland last time and don't know that he's going to get a much better set up than that in here; rather look at others on the win end but he's another capable of getting in the exotics mix.

Positively

Coughed up a clear midstretch lead in his return to the local main track last time, but still held second money in a career best Beyer performance; sophomore showed solid tracking foot in that one and that could help him hit a good spot off the pacesetters in here; been a while since that maiden score, but a repeat of his last makes him a contender.

Frasero (ARG)

His first North American start was solid and he was gaining as the wire approached in that sprint heat; gelding goes for an outfit that is white hot right now and he did show in his native Argentina that he's capable of handling some added ground; expecting improvement on the stretch back out.

Silver Antelope

Hood comes off this quick sprinter who will make his first local start under this new outfit's care today; colt draws outside and doesn't figure to face much opposition for the top today; both sibs are multiple sprint winners and the one to try routing was 0 for 11 going long; he's already had his stamina issues and don't know that he'll love the added trip, but they'll probably have to come and get him at some point.-Steve Grabowski

Race 10

Tilden Lane

This looks like a pretty competitive gathering and this gelding has been beaten by a few of today's rivals in his recent starts, but if he performs the way he did off of a layoff at Ellis Park back in July, he can find himself in the hunt through the final furlong.

Sound Effect

Don't like to see that he's seeking his first victory over turf or that he's winless from 10 starts this year, but it isn't like his turf form has been bad and this will be the first time in his career he's raced without blinkers.

Southern Parkway

He's going to try blinkers for the first time and he's run some races over turf in his career that suggest that he can step up with a competitive effort against competition of this caliber on his best day; not willing to count him out of it.

Chalice

Stakes placed veteran has a chance to be ready for a better effort while getting back over turf for his third start back from a layoff and it doesn't hurt to see that he's had some success over this turf course in the past; he can prove to be a major player if he brings his 'A' game to the table.

Any Given Royal

He's G3 stakes placed over the synthetic surface at Woodbine, and even though he's yet to post a 1-2 finish racing over turf, his turf form has been solid; note that he ran well in his one start over this turf course against graded stakes competition.

Cup of Joy

Simply feel that his best effort is short of the mark of what it will take to get the job done in this spot, and from two turf starts, his best Beyer Speed Figure is a 69; he looks like more of an outsider.

Klisz

Half-brother to G3 winner Wander Mom (7-25, 357k over turf) has shown some real ability in his seven turf attempts, and his recent form has been clouded a bit by a couple of troubled trips; not going to argue with anyone for looking favorably in this direction.

Tahoe Lake (BRZ)

Grade 1 stakes placed performer is winless in his last 13 starts going back through 2013; not going to put it past him to show up with a competitive effort in this spot, but this might be a tough spot for him to snap his current losing streak.

Cozzetti

He earned a G3 victory racing over turf as a 3-year-old, but he's been sharper racing over dirt as a 4-year-old, and he has to bounce back from a sub par performance to get the better of this field; he's certainly not out of the question, but leaning in another direction.

Irish Sea

Connections have to be very pleased with what he's done in his three starts since being returned from a long layoff, and like the idea of this colt getting back over turf; however, this is a tough bunch of optional claimers he's meeting up with today; Bridgmohan has won with 19 of 75 (25%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Burn the Mortgage

He's won six of 18 turf starts, and if he shows up with the level of performance that he did over this turf course just two starts ago, he'll be tough to tackle; note that Arroyo was aboard for that sharp win two back.

Film Making

He has a strong turf pedigree to fall back on and his best effort can get him into the mix against these; he is light on winning form after 24 starts, but he's clearly a good fit at this level of competition.

It Happened Again

Cozzetti has shown the ability to run well over dirt, but this will be a favorable spot for this G3 winner to land in if this race has to be moved to the main track; Goncalves has won with 36 of 123 (29%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Silver Tongued

Sire wins with approximately 7% of his turf starters and dam was winless from two starts and she didn't make a start over turf; this looks like a tough spot for this multiple stakes winner to try turf for the first time.

Braveman

He's been a consistent performer since day one and he has a G3 stakes placing to his credit, but he will need his sharpest performance to date to get the better of this field; looking toward others.

Tazz

Multiple stakes winner will merit top contender status if he draws into this race and he's the only one in here who has earned a triple-digit Beyer Speed Figure; he's a seven-time winner over turf and he appears to be going better than ever at the moment.

Flattermejim

His recent turf form has been solid but he appears to be another in here who will have to step up with a career best run to get the job done; Albarado has won with 7 of 29 (24%) mounts for this barn in 2013.-Brian Pochman