Gulfstream: Closer Looks for December 20, 2013

Race 1

Capriccio Blue

Lone win was accomplished over a sloppy-CRC main track July, 2012, rallying from 5th at 6F; 48 days since rallying well at longer around 2 turns; getting up in time is the primary concern today; did not show enough kick 2-back in her only GP-dirt start vs. the winner who made it 3 in a row taking another 16K claimer and optional claimer with 80-78 Beyer speed figures.

Elusive Harmony

Claimed by a trainer yielding just 6% winners with this angle since 2012; away over 5 months since the beaten-betting choice 1st time on GP dirt and 1st time on a wet track; the maiden victory was 2nd time out so likely to see her best effort with a race under her belt.

Lady Myrka

Her last start at 7F was a last-place finish over the GP main track in July when eased; her career-best Beyer was posted on turf but lone win was accomplished on dirt when rallying from 4th in a CRC-1M-70-yard $12,500-maiden-claimer; the 2-back winner repeated in a CRC-$6,250 claimer with a 57 Beyer.

Genuine Treasure

Races with blinkers for the 1st time while picking up a hot-GP rider for this; projects to battle Letngo and My Big Angel for the lead; her Mile field-best Beyer performance was over a sloppy race track so would assume less-than-fast footing would help her chances; she has never raced on a dry oval yet during career;

My Big Angel

Maiden faces winners but she seems the one to catch; will likely have Letngo and Genuine Treasure breathing down her neck from the bell; ran 2 big races off previous layoffs including a nose loss on GP dirt a career-best Beyer so would not be shocked to see her return with a big race today.

Letngo

Lone win over the track was contested at shorter than 7F; she is 4-0-0-0 since testing winners; 55 days since dueled into defeat; her best game is racing right on the lead but breaks outside of the main speeds My Big Angel and Genuine Treasure for this; the 1-for-18-fresh trainer since 2012 suggests we take a wait and see approach.

Pan Am Lady

Has never raced this far while getting the class tested vs. winners for the 1st time; despite winning latest on a sloppy-race track she posted a career-low Beyer; likes to be forwardly placed but breaks outside of My Big Angel-Letngo and Genuine Treasure which likely leaves her pressing it wide; best Beyer was in the career debut on fast footing.

Aggie H

Was screaming out for more distance in last and gets it here while gets a good-pace flow to rally into for this; lone win was via DQ over the track; 7F seems like an ideal distance although steps up in claiming price off a loss which is not a good-win angle; the 3-back winner repeated in a GP-16K claimer with a 76 Beyer.

I Can See My Dream

Was a Main Track Only entry Thursday in an 8.5F-16K claimer at GP; 47 days since trailing thoughout over the track at today's distance vs. the show runner who Beyered 66-59 in 2 next-out wins including a GP-10K claimer; won her 2nd-career start June, 2012, gate-to-wire on a wet-CRC main track at 1M and 70 yards. By Art Gropper

Race 2

Ultimate Speed

Half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Sporting Art (7-25, 465k, including 5 of 21 turf starts for 432k) is by a strong turf sire and she showed up with an improved performance at second asking with a move to turf; 3rd finisher from latest won next out at Crc on 9/21 going 1m vs. MSW rivals with a 77 Beyer.

Thunder On Tap

Lightly raced 5-year-old took a step in the right direction at second asking with an introduction to turf and this really doesn't look like a bad spot for her to give turf another try; not putting her at the top of the list, but not willing to count her out of the mix either.

Alguna

She's been a pretty consistent performer in her five attempts over turf but she is starting to look like the type that might hang around the maiden ranks for a while; however, perhaps the drop into the maiden claiming ranks can prove to be a key; winner from latest returned to win next out here on 12/14 going 5f over turf vs. 25k OPC's with a 75 Beyer.

Acquisition

Like the idea of this filly dropping into the maiden claiming ranks, and even though she's another who has had many chances to clear the maiden hurdle, there isn't any question that her best effort is fast enough to be competitive against these; note that she's traded decisions with today's rival Alguna in her last two starts.

Union Square

She has her share of appeal in this spot after being claimed for 25k out of her career debut and the third place finisher from that race returned to win next out here on 12/15 going 1m over turf vs. 25k MCL's with a 70 Beyer; this miss is a 1/2 to Reveal (4-10, 49k over turf).

Bet On Kitten

She's tough to ignore in this spot while going out for an owner/trainer combination that has had a strong 2013 and Lopez has one with 17 of 58 (29%) mounts for Maker this year; her recent workouts look lively and this will be her first start in the maiden claiming ranks.

Dixiedoodledandy (IRE)

It's tough to give her a favorable push in this spot based on her running lines sprinting in Ireland, but can't ignore the fact that she's making her first start with Lasix and that she attracts the services of Lezcano who has had a good deal of success riding for this barn.

Forever for Always

Her form has headed in the wrong direction since an encouraging turf debut at second asking, but she's another in here who can benefit from dropping into the maiden claiming ranks, and she attracts the services of a rider who is best known for the work he does with turf starters; this filly is a 1/2 to multiple stakes placed Dancing Rage (5-32, 136k over turf).

Party Starter

With the possible exception of Alguna, it's certainly fair to question what the others in here have done racing over dirt, so this will be a favorable spot for this filly toeland in if this race has to be taken off the turf; winner from latest returned to win next out at Lrl on 12/4 going 1m vs. N1X alw. rivals with an 83 Beyer.

Shaikha

She may very well prove to be the one to deny in this spot and it's interesting to see that she gets the addition of Lasix while meeting up with maiden claimers for the first time, and it doesn't hurt her to have a strong rider in Rosario aboard; plenty to be positive about in this direction. By Brian Pochman

Race 3

At Large

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and dam won once from three starts for 36k, and all of her starts were over turf; tough to say something negative about a firster when going out for a barn that has been hitting at a 44% clip with first-time starters.

I Want the Roses

Can't ignore the early speed that she brings with her but it's tough to have any confidence in her until she shows more through the stretch in her races; runner-up from latest returned to win next out at Crc on 4/20 going 6f vs. 16k MCL's with a 58 Beyer and 3rd finisher won next out at Crc on 4/19 going 6f vs. 12.5k MCL's with a 53 Beyer.

Rontos' Dream

His overall turf form doesn't look bad when compared to that of his rivals in here but he is making his first start sprinting over turf; winner from latest won next out at Kee on 4/10 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. N1X alw. rivals with an 81 Beyer and 3rd finisher won next out at PID on 9/5 going 1m 70y vs. MSW rivals with a 65 Beyer.

Running Alone

His one start over turf was his sharpest performance to date and that level of performance might be good enough to land him a solid share of the prize against these; leaning toward others for the top spot, but not going to be shocked if he runs well against these.

Rock Idol

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and stakes placed dam won once from seven starts for 27k, and she didn't make a turf start; he hasn't made much of an impression in his first two starts and his connections will hope for better with a move to turf.

Egolyan

He's seeking his first 1-2 finish in his 16th career start, including eight turf starts, and there isn't anything in his form to suggest that he can step up with an effort that is strong enough to get the better of this field.

Struck Gold

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was winless from six starts, and she didn't make a start over turf; this is an outfit that does nice work with turf sprinters and Davis has won with 24 of 80 (38%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Cowboy Prince

His two most recent turf starts haven't been a couple of his better efforts, but if he can remember what he did the first time he raced over turf, he can have a say on the outcome; he appears to be well meant while being reunited with Rosario.

Gee Whiz Wally

Sire wins with approximately 6% of his first-time starters and he's 0-for-5 with turf starters, and stakes winning dam won 10 of 45 starts for 359k, including 2 of 10 turf starts for 166k; this isn't a bad spot to try a firster and his workouts look okay.

Swear

His form sprinting over turf appears to be in line with what it will take to win this race, and this will be the first time that he's faced maiden claiming competition racing over turf; winner from latest returned to win next out at Mnr on 4/30 going 6f vs. N2L alw. rivals with a 72 Beyer and runner up won next out at Mnr on 9/1 going 6f vs. MSW rivals with a 52 Beyer; viewing the presence of Castellano as a positive indicator.

Lofty Heart

Obviously the time off he's needed between starts to begin his career is a concern but have to respect what he did sprinting over turf in his career debut over this turf course with Dominguez aboard; he's a 1/2 to stakes winner Mimi's Bling (3-11, 121k, including 3 of 6 turf starts for 112k).

Crazy Clown Time

Flatter has been a poor influence as a turf sire, but this gelding is out of a dam who won 2 of 3 turf starts for 53k, and he's a 1/2 to Ambitoness (7-20, 152k over turf); he's tough to recommend based on what he's shown so far. By Brian Pochman

Race 5

Billie Skirts

Begins her career for a tag and from the fence for an outfit that's had little recent luck with first out runners; gray gets Lasix off a slow worktab and her sire is just 1 for 32 with his debuters, but has seen 3 of his 24 turf runners win first time over the stuff; dam's lone win came as a baby on the lawn, but her lone foal to race was winless from 11 starts, 2 of which came on the green.

Sassy Salsa

New York bred stretches out in her first route try while facing open claimers in her local debut; she does have some speed and the inside draw means she should find herself up with the pacesetters early; dam's lone win came first time on the green and her other foal to race also scored first over the stuff; with a clean break she may prove to be the one to catch.

Natural Bling

Tries turf for the first time following a decent main track sprint try first time down here; she'll get a weight break with the bug named and her sire gets about 17% first time turf winners from his offspring; dam has won both routing and on the lawn so maybe she has more to offer given today's conditions.

Contend

Top pilot gets aboard for a barn that fires with its newcomers as well as those trying the green for the initial time; she's the first foal to race out of a dam who finished second while sprinting in her lone trip to the gate; sire gets 14% first time turf winners from his offspring.

Cinderella Time

Didn't improve that much with racing in Jersey earlier in the year, but she did hit the shelf off a career best number earned in a key open company maiden heat; barn hasn't started many this year and there's not much surface pedigree here as her sire gets only 5% first turf winners and the dam's lone foal to try the green was winless in 17 spins over the stuff.

Chuckle of the Day

She's shown little stamina in her 2 starts and now she'll try the green on the stretchout; sire is 2 for 23 with his newcomers and her dam was 0 for 1 on the green prior to dropping a 3 time turf winner; maybe she'll have some more to offer on the new surface.

Dance for Megan

Gets back to the green and she wasn't terrible over it first out in New Jersey; barn hits at a decent clip second back from the break and this gal is kin to 2 SP, multiple surface winners including 311K earner Pasta Lover who won 3 times over the footing; consider.

Hidden Intentions

Filly improved since they moved her to the lawn here a few months back and she ran a solid second in the local off the turfer last time; return to the green should move her up and she catches a pretty weak bunch today; looks like they'll have her to beat.

Zentillating Miss

They offered her for a cheap tag while sprinting first time out and she didn't have too much to offer; sire is 0 for 8 with his initial turfers and her dam was 0 for 3 on the track but this filly is kin to a couple of turf winners including G3 SP, SW amd 149K earner My Magic Moment; has a right to show more over this stuff.

Djimmah

Sire gets about 20% first out winners overall and 22% first time surface winners from his offspring; she's the first foal to race out of a limited route winning dam who was off the board in her lone turf spin; barn has been on a poor run with its newcomers and though a top pilot will get aboard, this filly's recent drills aren't too quick.

Shakesperian Dream

Sire is only 4 for 57 with his debut runners overall but he's hit with nearly 20% of his first time surface runners; G3 SP dam won twice on the green while banking 248K and dropped 2 turf winners from 5 foals to try the stuff; barn excels both right out of the box and over this type of footing and a top pilot gets aboard.

Margarita Island

Outside drawn filly did little in her 2 main track sprint tries and now she'll stretch out on the move to the infield for a barn that's recently profitable with its first turfers; sire is 4 for 9 with his initial surface starters but the dam failed to hit the board in her 4 turf tries; one of her 3 sibs to race won 5 times on the green, including the first time he stepped over the stuff.

Go Solo

AE improved when stretched out on the drop to claimers over the local main track and now she'll move back to the lawn; she'll start from a tough spot if she does get to go and the New York turf debut was pretty weak, but her last does give her something to build on.

Giant Shadow

AE drops out of the MSW ranks for her local debut after offering little at 73-1 first out in New York; maybe the new Lasix helps and she's had a while to acclimate here, but the fact she's in for a tag so quickly suggests she's not nearly as good as her brother, G1 SW and 804K earner Officer; just watching her here.

Secret Fascination

AE will start from a tough slot if she gets to stretch out in her second career spin; gray's sire is 0 for 3 with his first turfers and the dam never tried the green prior to dropping this gal; barn doesn't hit at a big clip with initial turf starters, but it profitable in the category.

Charanga

AE is mired on the list and not likely to start from this outside slot; sire is 1 for 4 with his first time turfers and the dam never tried the green prior to dropping a surface winner; debut try wasn't much and the barn's numbers second out are weak. By Steve Grabowski

Race 7

Queen of the Spa

In her debut over the lawn, she stayed within range until the stretch; her sire won multiple G1 stakes on the main while amassing 915K; the dam won 1 of 9 attempts and 41K overall; this is her only foal to compete; recent works are strong.

A P Tigress

The extra sixteenth of a mile should work in her favor today; her sire won 4 of 11 and 97K while the dam lost her only race; this is her sole foal to make it to the starting gate; switches to Lopez who is riding in top form.

Money Game

Not far behind A P Tigress last month and perhaps she will receive a more accelerated early pace today; can round out exotic payoffs at a healthy price regardless of the soil condition at post time.

Spring Blossom

New face was sired by the brilliant A.P. Indy who won multiple G1s and 2.97 million (his progeny have scored in 94 out of 825 debuts); the dam won 6 of 20 and 1.03 million; there are no winning siblings to mention; respect.

Gauge

Steady gaps between workouts for a Hall of Fame trainer; this filly was sired by G2 winner War Front who captured 424K and whose descendants have won 10 percent of their first races; the dam did not race; sib to 726K earner Brilliant.

Shogun Samurai

See the first runner in the field for same sire information (progeny of First Samurai have won 15 out of 176 initial starts); the dam won 5 of 16 and 146K; among the winning siblings is 259K earner Night Party.

Lucky for You

Noteworthy gate breeze on 12/9; her prolific sire won 1 of 2 and 33K; descendants of Malibu Moon have scored in 105 out of 726 debuts; the dam won 7 of 22 and 107K; winning sibs include 85K earner Situational Ethics.

One Proud Gal

Respectable rally first time out; her sire won a G3 and 444K in total while the dam was unraced; among the winning siblings is 75K earner Peeds in a Pod; improved in the latest half-mile breeze over the track.

Bourbon Warfare

Her sire won multiple G1s and 1.77 million; progeny of Colonel John are 3 for 31 as far as winning their first test; the dam won 5 of 11 and 107K; among the winning siblings is 117K earner Las Maleugas. By Jim Kachulis

Race 8

Right On Course

Was claimed off a field-best Beyer speed figure when racing right on the lead at CRC; this event is top heavy with other frontrunners; today marks his 1st GP-dirt start and the 1st start beyond 6F in distance; raced on the lead in 4 of 5 career races try to catch me; Dec. 8 GP workout was right on the money; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 55 in his next-out CRC-40K-maiden-claiming win.

Lorjim

53 days since the turf debut produced an even finish with 1st blinkers; wish the worktab for this stood out more because his style suggests the added distance can benefit; trainer began the GP winter meet sizzling; saves ground then makes one run.

High Roll

104 days away since badly overmatched when facing Grade 3 stakes rivals; high-percentage fresh trainer adds to the appeal but has something to prove 1st time racing on dirt; the GP worktab for this does not inspire; obviously there is talent here winning on the lead 1st time out when well supported at the betting windows; view as a pace presence with Right On Course among others.

Harry's Holiday

1st race off the claim produced a 15-point Beyer improvement; seems set to move forward again 2nd time back off the 83-day layoff; the Florida workout for this does not inspire but brings a sizzling-GP rider to the dance; hopes to sit just off the inside speed before getting 1st run on the deep closers.

Kitchen Police

More-gate speed here with Right On Course and High Roll; snuck through the claim box in 1st pair while facing winners for the 1st time is often any runner's toughest assignment; worked well on GP dirt for this; main knock is that he has gate speed in a race filled with it.

You Lie

Filly against the boys; she adds more gate speed in an event loaded with other early zip; loved the wet track in latest while fading 2-back on fast vs. the runner-up finisher who Beyered 67 in her next-out GP-MSW graduation; the added furlong for this does not add to the appeal; know her early while unsure about late.

Sweepin Romance

47 days away since closing well to finish behind lesser; off latest the added distance is a plus while figures to rally into a hot pace here; behind Tell Me a Joke and the 2-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 75 in his next-out 50K stakes win; posted a bullet-GP dirt workout for this.

Tell Me a Joke

While most of these are stretching out he cuts back in distance which is a good sign in a race loaded with gate speed; can he get up in time is the issue but his 2-back loss looks a lot better since the runner-up finisher captured a 50K event next out with a 75 Beyer; the debut runner-up Beyered 68 in his next-out MTH-MSW win; reunites with the winning-debut rider who has been sizzling at the current GP meet. By Art Gropper

Race 9

Levy

Half-brother to G2 winner Trail City (5-20, 644k over turf) has been so-so at best in his three turf starts and he will need to find a way to show more to get the better of the top contenders in here.

Horse Latitudes

This colt has a fine pedigree for turf, and if he feels up to one of his better performances, he can prove to be tough to tackle in this spot; Rispoli has won with 15 of 54 (28%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Yankee Kitten

He's shown the ability to dial up a performance that is strong enough to make him a player against these and the runner up from his latest race returned to win next out at Aqu on 12/11 going 1m 70y vs. 12.5k N2L claimers with an 82 Beyer; Davis has won with 24 of 80 (30%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Gallant Patriot

He didn't make much of an impression in his turf debut in his latest outing and he's going to have to find a way to show up with a much sharper performance in order to have a say in the outcome.

Hudson Miracle

Sunriver has been a poor influence as a turf sire but this gelding has done some decent work over turf from seven turf starts; he hails from one of the sharpest turf barns in the country and Lezcano gets plenty of live calls from this outfit.

Happy Runner

Maybe this son of top turf influence Giant's Causeway deserves another chance to see what he can do racing over turf, but he looks like more of a sprinter and perhaps he'll be worth looking out for with a turn back in distance the next time around.

Cashleigh

He exits the same race as today's rival Yankee Kitten, but not sure what to make of blinkers going back on for this, and this is an interesting choice of riders for this barn; he's not a bad fit at this level of competition, but others entice more.

Take a Hint

Western Pride rates poor as a turf sire and this gelding has yet to produce a performance that is strong enough to suggest that he can be competitive against these, and that does include a couple of turf starts.

Chepstow

Harlington is another poor turf sire being represented in here and this gelding finished fifth of eight in his one start over turf prior to this, and that was a race that saw him get backed to favoritism; leaning toward others.

Saturday's for Fun

He has just a single victory after 21 starts, and he's 0-for-10 in 2013; he has run some races over turf in the past that suggest that he has the ability to run with these, but it's tough to build a favorable case in his direction based on recent form.

Sir Leslie

His lack of early speed has been known to leave him with a lot of work to do late in his races and he really hasn't proven to be much of a threat in his six starts against winners; note that he was sent out with a 6.5k tag attached just two starts ago.

Roman's Avenue

230k purchase has some turf in his pedigree, and when seeing that his only turf start was against G3 competition, it's not unreasonable to give him another chance to see what he can do racing over grass; interesting to see the hot-riding Lopez take the call. By Brian Pochman

Race 10

Station Commander

Hate to see them give up clear leads like he did in Jersey; toss last and he could not stand up in the off going; 3 for 15 dam didn't win on grass or at 2; the sibling that won cashed once sprinting as older horse; can t be dismissed.

Contributor

Repriced about 16% with first-time turf runners in a 159-runner sample; sire didn't race at 2, won second start, won next 2 including a division of the Oceanside at Del Mar, was best on grass, earned almost $300K; stakes placed 2 for 7 dam earned over $100K, was 3rd in only try at 2, never turfed; one sibling lost 20 times; the other cashed on grass as older horse; Kitchen Police exited debut to take a maiden $50K claimer with a 60 Beyer; respect.

Pared

Harlan's Holiday about 13% with first-time turf runners in a 288-runner sample; sire won 4 times at 2, banked $3.6 million, never turfed; dam lost only start; several multiple race winners in the family; 3 won at 2; top kin Spice Island won 4 times at 3, earned nearly $500K; needs a turn around.

Ransom Paid

This guy is figuring it out; Grade 3 placed 2 for 18 dam earned over $150K, lost once at 2, was grass only; this is her first to roll out; this guy looks live.

Lador Vador

The bright spot is his turf race was his best ever; even if you figure he hated the slop in last, it s hard to get past 4 pretty much non-efforts; not sold on chances.

Ten and Four

Shows for the tag but maybe he belonged here all the time as a $15K purchase; 7th finisher in bow graduated in a maiden $30K claimer next out, place horse took a MSW and the winner repeated in the Grade 3 Bourbon; dam 0 for 4; 2 of 3 siblings won; and there was juvenile and success in the tree; not buying.

Little Rocco

High Cotton 1 for 29 with first-time turfers; sire won at 2, took a Grade 3, won 4 of 17, banked over $450K, lost only turf try; dam lost only start; all 3 siblings won; 1 cashed at 2, two tried grass to no avail; 4th finisher in last took a maiden $35K claimer and the winner repeated in an N1X fray with an 80 Beyer; look for rider to send and hope for the best.

Distinction Image

With Distinction has hit with about 10% of his juvenile firsters in a 159-runner study, about 6% of his first-time turfers in a 125-runner study; sire didn t go at 2, lost only turf out, banked nearly $450K; dam won 7 times at 2, never turfed, won a Group 1 in S. America; lone full sis won twice at 2, never was on grass; shopping elsewhere.

Ready Mecke

Good speed in last and the drop can only help; one for 28 dam cashed on grass as older horse; one of 3 siblings won; that runner, Madame Cactus, took a G2, won twice at 2, earned $325K; will at least muddle the pace.

Skarabajo

Concerto 5 for 142 with first-time grass runners; sire won 3 times at 2, took multiple stakes including a Grade 2, took 10 of 21, earned over $1.3 million, never tried grass; dam was unraced; one for 17 sibling cashed on dirt as older horse; can t endorse.

Thunder Punt

Indygo Shiner 4 for 61 with debuting juveniles, 2 for 46 with first-time turfers; sire won at 2, took a Grade 3, won twice on grass, banked nearly $450K; 2 for 12 dam won at 2, never turfed; all 3 siblings won multiple times; none at 2 but Minnie Punt won 4 times on grass, banked over $250K; could need experience.

Wild Cal

Youngster took a shot in the stakes for some reason last time but never kicked; 10/19 show horse graduated next out in a maiden $25K seller, then beat $32K claimers with a 61 Beyer; connections would love to see him act like top kin West Virginia, and undefeated juvenile that lost only turf out but banked over a million; may like it here.

Sunshine King

Homebred could be on the muscle on the stretch out; dam was unraced; 2 of 3 siblings won; one cashed at 2, none tried grass; rider has had success for Zito.

Devils Peak

Montbrook has hit with about 10% of his juvenile firsters in a 365-runner study, about 4% of his first-time turfers in a 276-runner study; sire did not race at 2, won his debut at Laurel by 13 and a half lengths, earned almost $400K in 8 outs; 2 for 6 dam didn t go at 2 or on grass; 2 of 3 sibs won; neither cashed at 2, one cashed once on grass; lean toward watching a race.

Green Diamond Cat

He could have sulked after the poor start but he tried hard and was tons best of the rest; 2 siblings were precocious and one banked over $200K; Beyers are going in the right direction.

Strategic Keeper

Got a feeling we have not seen the best of this guy; SP 4 for 17 dam didn't go at 2, won thrice on grass, banked over $150K; this is her first to roll out; toss anything from this potent barn at own risk. By Brian Mulligan