Gulfstream: Closer Looks for December 6, 2013

Race 1

Pompous Miss

Ran quickly two back in winning a N3L here, posting a career-best 58 Beyer, but then didn't fare as well against open company; wasn't able to make the lead and ended up losing by 3 1/4 lengths to My Schatzi; likely to be hustled from the fence but will likely have company for the lead coming from Spirit of Storm and perhaps All a Twitter.

One Wild Kitty

Is obviously a good fit on the basis of current form and class, having just won for 10K at Kee; the issue, of course, is the surface switch; this horse has been a synthetic specialist, and looks ripe to regress on dirt, where she is 7-1-1-0 with a top Beyer of 41.

Spiritofstorm

Did everything but win last time out at Calder, dueling for the lead and just getting edged late; take note of the slow closing split of the race, and today's presence of other speed to keep her honest; 6-0-0-1 in past attempts on this track; expecting a fade.

All a Twitter

Has been out of action for almost two months after finishing pretty well to be third behind Pom Pom Power after a sluggish start; normally this horse races on or close to the pace; last race was her best in quite some time, but would have liked to have seen a quicker return; just 3 for 34 lifetime; limit use to the bottom of the exotics, if played at all.

Ad Meliora

First start for her new connections didn't go well; she was up close for a quarter mile but then fell 9 lengths off the pace and essentially stayed there; earlier starts were good for her prior peeps, though beaten by Pompous Miss three back; first or second in 8 of 14 starts on dirt; so it would not shock to see her rebound with a better effort.

Pom Pom Power

Won three back for a nickel, and after disappointing in late October, came back with a nice try at this level with a third; has shown the ability to stalk in 5.5f races and should get her preferred outside trip just behind the speed on the stretch out to 6f; contender.

My Schatzi

Though low-end claimers do not repeat victories as much as higher-level horses, this one is the choice to score another victory; there are at least three speed horses in the race to set up her rally, and she just defeated a comparable field over this track; is 6 for 17 lifetime, too; strung together victories earlier in her career. By Byron King

Race 2

Top Excitement

He figures to appreciate going turf-to-dirt for his second start back from a layoff and this looks like it will be a favorable spot for this gelding to land in if this race has to be moved to the main track; his lack of early speed is a concern, but he has the look of a contender.

Gallant Patriot

Sire wins with approximately 8% of his turf starters and dam won once from 12 starts for 36k, including 0-for-1 over turf; runner up from latest won next out at CD on 11/7 going 1m vs. 7.5k N3L claimers with a 70 Beyer.

Wilko's Bullet

He was beaten by a number of today's rivals in his most recent turf start two races ago and he'll have to be ready to take his game to another level in order to have a say in the outcome.

Cantinero

He finished behind a few of these in his most recent start, but it is worth noting the wagering support he attracted that day, and he does seem to be capable of a sharper try than that; Davis has won with 21 of 72 (29%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Solicitation

He's a tough one to back with confidence for the top spot when seeing his 1-for-28 race record, and he's winless in his last 20 starts going back through 2012; he's clearly fast enough to run with these, but it's fair to question his desire to win races.

Rey Rocket

Rey De Cafe has been a poor influence as a turf sire, and even though this gelding looks like a solid fit at this level of competition, he's light on winning form after 18 starts, and he's seeking his first turf win in his 12th turf attempt.

Cathedro

He shows up for a barn that has been doing nice work with their turf starters over the past few months and this 5-year-old is capable of dialing up a performance that is strong enough to make him competitive in this spot; winner from latest won next out at CD on 11/7 going 1 1/16m vs. 15-10k claimers with a 75 Beyer and runner up won next out at CD on 11/28 going 15-10k N2L claimers with a 67 Beyer.

Logan Street

His lack of early speed has been known to leave him with a lot of work to do when he hits the top of the stretch but this gelding appears to be very well meant while dropping in class in getting a rider switch to Castellano; must consider.

Tizracer

Obviously it would have been nice to have seen him show more in his latest outing while making his first start back from a long layoff but still viewing this as being a good spot for him to land in if this race has to be moved to the main track; Castellano has won with 57 of 190 (30%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Saturday's for Fun

He ran a couple of decent races over turf earlier in the year when previously a member of this barn so perhaps the trainer change is a reason to look for him to improve over what he's been doing lately; nevertheless, others entice more.

Chuffed to Bits

This gelding has a fine turf pedigree but he's also had his chances to show us what he can do and he will need to show up with his best performance to date in order to get the job done; note that he's finished behind a couple of today's rivals in recent starts.

Starship Windsor

His form has taken a noticeable turn for the better since being placed over turf four starts back and he finished right behind today's rival Solicitation in his latest outing; looking in another direction for the top spot, but a spot underneath in the exotics appears to be within reach. By Brian Pochman

Race 3

Salamera

They thought enough of her in the summer/fall of 2012 to run in a G2 at SAR (ran 2nd), in a G1 at SA (5th) and a G3 at DED (5th) so she's got some quality; trouble is, she hasn't been seen since so we're talking of a layoff over a year; drop may help, and her 2 wins came sprinting, too; long layoffs haven't been one of Garcia's power moves (0 for last 7 off a layoff over over 180 days); kin to 6 winners, 3 of them SWs.

Sweet N Discreet

May have turned the corner; form wasn't bad at all this summer/fall but she went through the roof here Oct. 27, blasting some nice optional claimers; Bravo handled her perfectly and keeps the call for Pletcher; worked nicely 3 times since, too; 2 sibs are Travelin Man (5 wins, $309K, G2 SW/SP here) and Discreet Dancer (4 wins, $365K, G2 SW/SP here).

Magic Mesa

Dueled and stayed on to be a game 3rd in a tough turf sprint at MED last time; moves to dirt which may actually be a boon; after all, 3 of her 4 wins have come on dirt, and she ran 2nd in her only prior start on this track; has speed but is also versatile enough to stalk and finish; all that being said, is this caliber a tad too much for her, hmmmm?

Blazing Bling

Looked good winning a sprint at TDN Nov. 9, earning one of her career top Beyers; trouble is, while that's all well and good, the Beyer itself (68) leaves her well behind a few of these; at least it shows there are no ill edffects from her sizzle-and-fizzle in a route stakes there Oct. 12; does have speed but she must deal with tougher foes and new surroundings; we're not in Ohio any more, are we?

Love to Score

Has speed, yes, but note that speed has been utilized ROUTING; we're sprinting today; at least that Nov. 24 3rd going a mile came here so she handles this place, and the Beyer came back nice, too (82); back fairly quickly; still, if she couldn't handle this caliber playing her game (routing) what's she to do against this caliber when trying a new game (sprinting)?

Jane of All Trades

Found stakes foes too much to handle at BEL May 19 and MTH June 15 and she hasn't been seen since; at least she's run big before off the bench and while she drops it's nice to see she's NOT offered for a tag; sure been working well and McLaughlin is strong off the bench, too; kin to Mamma Kimbo (won G2 Fantasy).

Four Aria

Toss that Oct. 12 try when she was routing for the first time, turfing for the first time and running in a stakes and you're then left with 5 strong dirt sprints; in fact, she next was a good 3rd in a spot like this here Nov. 17, showing no ill effects from that Oct. 12 run; plenty of speed in her arsenal, but note that July 27 win here came when PRESSING the pace, so she's no need-the-lead type; worked smartly here Nov .30 to say she holds her edge. By Michael Hammersly

Race 4

Race 5

Sharp Words

Passed a few runners after a troubled start in her debut; her sire won a G2 stakes and 490K while the dam involved was unraced; among the winning siblings is 97K earner Fast Jak; must avoid being shuffled back early in the proceedings.

Go Solo

Nowhere in that first run while huge odds but the surface switch should help; her sire won at the G1 level while banking 795K; the sturdy dam went 10 for 95 earning 134K; sib to 15K earner Carson Vision.

Felicidades

Failed at odds of 3 to 5 last month but should appreciate the extra distance today; lands into a very paceless field compromised of some slow-breakers and that should brighten her prospects here; can atone.

Seduccion

She did not get involved in either start but returns to a realistic level today; her sire won multiple G1s and 4.91 million while the dam went zero for 2; among the winning siblings is 9K earner New York Chick.

Herecomeshoneybobo

Made 2 moves in the last assignment, at today's trip; a decent effort; should improve via the third start back angle and should also be more inviting odds as well; worth some follow-up in this spot.

Scarlet Dixie

Down a notch after being caught wide against better sprint runners in the last go; bred to be more of a router, she can be a late factor here if receiving the proper pace set-up; switches to apprentice handling for the first time.

Slazarra

Stayed within range in her first route attempt and makes the all-important first visit to the claiming ranks; her sire won the Derby and 1.99 million overall; the dam was zero for 7 lifetime; among the winning siblings is 71K earner Sheik Polis.

Jamie's Catch

Did improve in the latest but her ability to handle the mile remains questionable; she did have a real excuse in her last attempt at this distance but still cannot be endorsed as the one to key on top.

Docura

Firster need not be much to make an impact today; her sire won multiple G2s and 621K in total (progeny of Northern Afleet have won 77 out of 591 debuts); the dam did not compete; among the winning sibs is 98K earner Taken by the Storm.

Cinderella Time

She is one of several in this line-up dropping from special weights; exits a very strong race at Monmouth which turned out to be a key affair and, if avoiding another slow getaway, can be a major player in the cast. By Jim Kachulis

Race 6

Trading Secrets

This gelding is out of a stakes winning dam who won 4 of 18 turf starts for 165k, and he showed a little something in his one turf attempt prior to this; he is going to have to step up his game to prove to be the one, but he clearly deserves another chance to see what he can do over turf.

Defiant

He had to be dropped in with 35k claimers to get the job done when last seen, but feel that this is a reasonable spot for his first attempt against winners, and like to see him being reunited with Lezcano as he's won with 18 of 80 (23%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Musical Journey

Western Pride has been a below average influence as a turf sire and this gelding is going to have to show up with a performance that a sharper than anything he's done to this point in time in order to come out on top.

One Golden Road

He looks like a good fit at this level of competition and his form has been clouded a little bit by a dirt attempt and a start over yielding turf course going 1 1/2m two starts back; viewing him in the light of a top contender and Rosario has won with 45 of 135 (33%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Get Back

He hasn't finished worse than third from five starts over turf but he had to be dropped in with 25k maiden claimers in his latest outing to get his first win, and now he meets up with winners for the first time; Lopez has won with 37 of 101 (37%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Mr. William

He has some respectable turf form on his card to consider and like the idea of him dropping in class for his second attempt against winners; runner-up from latest returned to win next out at Aqu on 11/10 going 6f vs. 20k OPC's with an 85 Beyer.

Z Maitre D

He ran well in his first two career starts over turf as a 2-year-old, and even though it would've been nice to have seen him show more when shipped to New York for his three most recent races, he looks like a legitimate contender while dropping in class for this; his dam was a multiple graded stakes winner while winning 4 of 20 turf starts for 368k.

Colossians

Have to be at least mildly concerned when seeing what he's done in his two most recent races, but when considering what he did in his one start over dirt, it's tough to ignore him if this race has to be moved to the main track; Rios has won with 8 of 25 (32%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Farmers' Club

He earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in his turf debut in his latest outing and he won't mind the drop in class for this; he's by a top turf sire and he's out of a stakes winning dam who won 5 of 23 starts for 203k, including 2 of 7 turf starts for 45k.

Starship Avenger

Like to see the positional speed that this colt brings with him, and even though it was against 16k maiden claimers, he ran well in his first attempt in a turf route two races ago; lightly raced 3-year-old might be set to give a good account of himself while making his second start back from a layoff.

Cairo Six

The 82 Beyer Speed Figure that this stakes placed 3-year-old earned for his latest performance represents the best last race figure in this field; she has a live look to her while dropping in class and making just her second start for this barn.

Simon Eyes

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and dam won once from seven turf starts for 65k; this gelding is a 1/2 to Passion Reddy (3-34, 64k, including 1 of 11 turf starts for 24k); Davis has won with 21 of 72 (29%) mounts for this barn in 2013. By Brian Pochman

Race 8

Bythe Grace of God

Catches a weak bunch in his debut and he does draw the fence, but it's certainly no easy task scoring first out at a 2 turn trip; sire is just 1 for 48 with his newcomers and 1 for 30 with his initial turf starters; unraced dam dropped 4 winners who were a combined 0 for 9 on the green.

Our Kashmir

Fresh gray returns to his original barn after being given some time off his more recent fades; he does have speed and the barn has had some recent success on the cut back in distance, but this will need to improve significantly to step with the bigger guys in here.

Kiton

Goes for a tag for the first time while also putting the shades back on for his return from the brief freshening; barn boasts some recent luck on the drop to this level and this guy has run well on the sod in the past; consider.

Win Exchange

Absentee returns from 20 months on the shelf while dropping in for a tag for the first time; 5 year old showed good early foot in each of his turf spins and his recent breezes on dirt here aren't bad; tough to imagine he returns with his best, but against this bunch he appears capable of lasting for a share.

Cowboy Prince

Sophomore enters this fresh and he does bring speed to the table; colt didn't do much in either of his tries on the green and don't know that this is the footing he really wants, but expect he'll find himself on the lead here and he may have to be run down.

Lay It Down

Lost his best shot at the break last time, but he wasn't much of a threat at all thereafter in that return to the green; maybe he's tighter with that one behind him and the drop to this level certainly can't hurt; ran big on the Eliis Park green this summer and a top pilot will take the call.

Peter Castleboy

Just missed sprinting first time out but his subsequent effort on the local lawn was pretty weak and he's been away a year since; colt is working regularly for his return but the dam was 0 for 1 on the green and her other 2 foals to try the footing each lost their lone crack over the stuff so don't know that he's going to improve much here; just watching the comebacker.

Majestic Hollywood

Newcomer goes for a barn that boasts nice numbers with its first out runners; works aren't much and his sire gets about 8% winners from his debut runners; sire is 2 for 51 with his initial turfers; dam won once routing and once on the lawn and this is her first foal to race.

Egolyan

Hasn't been close in a long time and his return sprint try over the local main track was pretty weak; those last couple of turf spins up North last winter make it tough to make much of a case for him in the return to this type of footing; longshot again.

To Dare Is to Do

Colt has been idle since making an impressive move to the top before barreling through the fence in the lane at Delaware earlier this fall; his recent drill suggests he's back on his game and his versatility should play out well in this spot; contender.

Duty Paid

Newcomer has a top pilot named for a Pletcher barn that excels with its runners right out of the box; gray's most recent breeze looks to be the best on his tab and his sire gets 14% first out winners and 12% first time surface winners from his offspring; SP dam won twice on the green prior to dropping 3 surface winners including turf SW and 130K earner Medolina; he'll take his share of money but must be considered.

Crazy Clown Time

Outside drawn gelding has shown some early foot but not much stamina in his 2 turf spins; barn's been on a poor run with its runners cutting back and the starting slot won't help this guy much; have to look elsewhere for the winner.

Real Estate Rich

MTO is the barn's second runner in here and they do quite well with second out runners; gelding did little sprinting first time out, but now he'll stretch out and he is kin to a handful of winners including multiple G3 SW and 1 million earner Champali so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him run much better today.

The Culchie

MTO enters this one on the improve after holding second money behind a runaway winner in New York; like the improved lick he showed last time and he did catch a track with some moisture in it which would likely benefit him if he gets to go here.

Put It Forward

MTO makes his debut for a barn that does win too often with this type but they are profitable; sire gets 13% winners from his debut runners and the unraced dam dropped 5 winners including SW and 379K earner La Chica Sensual.

Skip's World

AE wasn't beaten much in his first turf spin a few weeks back and his original outfit re-claimed him out of that heat; gray will start from a tough post if a scratch allows him to go here, but maybe he has a move forward in him second over the footing. By Steve Grabowski

Race 9

Mr. Baker

Sire is 1-for-54 with 1st-turf starters; 0-for-13 dam (15K) did not race on grass; lone foal to race on turf Imperial Queen (5-0-0-3, 6K); is the only runner in the field that has never raced on the lawn; exits a dull effort and would need a massive-wakeup call to shock these.

Ari's Pride

Just his 2nd start since February and his 1st race in 194 days; new trainer is 1-for the last-53 first-time out with newly-acquired runners; seeks his 1st-GP green exacta with his best grass races on CRC green and the career-best speed figue on less-than-firm footing which would move him up.

Freewest

Just her 2nd start in nearly 14 months and her 1st start in 237 days; has defeated males before winning on dirt Feb 2012; the 39%-winning trainer off long layoffs since '12 suggests she will come back running off the favored loss when posting a career-low Beyer; is 1-for-6 without blinkers; the show finisher Beyered 84 in her next-out PRX-starter alw. win; best speed figure was over a less-than-firm turf course which would move her up.

Starship Sulu

Co career-best Beyers on a sloppy-main track so would not mind this rained off the lawn; his other co-best Beyer was on fast-GP dirt; if this is rained off would likely have to deal with speedy-MTO Megalith and on a fast track the nearly undefeated Black Karma; way off best form since the July win and return from a 50-day layoff; new rider is his 5th different jockey in as many races whcih is not a good-win angle.

A Nice Rendition

Not a good sign that his 1st race for a new trainer produced a career-low Beyer where he beat just 1 runner home; defeated the 2-back runner-up and show finishers; they Beyered 67-64 in next-out DEL-PRX 40K-16K-maiden-claiming wins.

Kingston Bay

99 days since winning a key race defeating the show, 4th and 5th-place finishers from last; they Beyered 80-78-76 in next-out BEL-KD-LRL-MSW wins; the trainer is 1-for the last-46 first-time out with newly-acquired runners; working sharply for this and with just 2-career races has unlimited upside.

Wire Funds

Not a good sign that his 1st race off the claim was his lowest Beyer and worst finish since June; beat the 2-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 77 in his next-out MED-optional-claiming win; 39 days away noting his-April-fresh win off a longer layoff; must show more than recent form to upset here.

Party Lad

Back to the GP green the surface of his career-best Beyer on the lead; he made the front in latest but had no answers late; he's won on dirt, turf and synthetic but his best Beyer posted on the grass where he remains; know him early but unsure about late.

United States Won

In from Maryland off a career-low Beyer where troubled at the gate break; the 3-back maiden breaker looks better since the show runner Beyered 69 in his next-out KEE-30K-maiden-claiming victory; was no match for Kingston Bay in the debut and would have to get by that one here to score.

Dixie Deputy

Been best on GP dirt with just one turf race during his career an outrun-7th-place finish when defeated by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 95-89-84 in his 3 next-out wins including TAM-CRC stakes victories; needs a wakeup call exiting a long layoff following the 2nd-lowest speed figure of his career;

Stourbridge Lion

61 days since the maiden breaker on dirt noting his career-best Beyer was accomplished over a wet-turf course; his Beyers on dirt took a slight hit when moving to the main track and leaving a high-percentage win barn; wish the turf workouts stood out more for this.

Colonel Red

Exits his lowest Beyer since June when troubled at the gate break on dirt; lone win was accomplished on turf and the career-best Beyer on GP grass was posted at today's distance; would need a solid-speed figure boost to land a share here; back in just 19 days while many of these are here following extended vacations.

Black Karma

Main Track Only entry is a nose away from being 3-for-3; 55 days since the CRC romp on the lead; his debut win looks better since the show runner Beyered 62 in a next-out CRC-MSW victory; don't know what happens if he doesn't make the lead but is another who has unlimited upside.

Megalith

MTO's 3-back wet-main track GP romp represents a field-best Beyer; scored 2-back over a fast GP oval beating the show runner who posted a 79 speed figure in his CRC alw. next-out win; was claimed off a high-win percentage trainer which is not a good-win angle.

It's Time to Laugh

Transformed into a closer in last 6 starts after being a pure-speed runner is also entered today at CRC in the 8th for a much-lower $23,800 purse in an alw.-optional claimer at 5F on turf; best Beyer was on the lead at today's distance in NJ noting his last GP-turf start was the maiden-breaking victory in March. By Art Gropper

Race 10

Twin Distinction

With Distinction 7 for 122 with first-time turfers; sire didn't go at 2, lost only turf out, banked nearly $450K; dam was 0 for 4; all 3 siblings won; 2 won at 2, 2 tried grass to no avail; would be careful here.

Sea Zar Run

Burning Roma 2 for 63 with first-time turfers; sire took debut at 2, won a G1, banked $1.5 million, won thrice on grass; 5 for 12 dam didn't win at 2 or on grass; 6 of 7 siblings won; 1 took debut at 2; the one that tried grass was out of the money twice on turf; over 5 clear in last; due.

Ben Jacob

Mizzen Mast about 11% with first-time turfers in a 284-runner sample; sire could do anything while banking over $550K; dam out of the money twice; lone half bro to race Lucas Brady won 4 times at 2, once on grass, banked nearly $185K; best race was here but he has not been in the same zip code of a winner since.

Confederate Money

Dixie Union has hit with about 8% of his first-time turfers in a 308-runner survey; sire was precocious enough to win debut at 2, took 7 of 12 including multiple G1s, never turfed; 2 for 12 dam didn t go at 2, lost only turf out; 4 of 5 siblings won; one cashed at 2, a couple won on grass, one banked nearly $200K; backers have to hope the drop shakes him up.

Skylar Bleu

Heart of the Storm one for 11 with first-time turfers; sire lost 6 times; dam was unraced; lone half sis to race took 4 dirt sprints as older horse; needs a turn around after beating a pair home.

Silver Armor

Pretty solid turf debut; dam banked over $90K, was turf only; this is her first race; decent move on the 20th is a positive sign; may like it here.

Mesa Way

Sky Mesa about 13% with first-time turfers in a 223-runner sample; sire was unbeaten in 3 juvenile starts, took the G1 Hopeful, never turfed; dam 2nd in best moment; one of 2 sibs won; that runner didn't go at 2 but won soph debut in Panama for only win; hard to pull the trigger here.

Malleable

Unraced Kitalpha 5 for 35 with debuting juveniles, 7 for 42 with first-time turfers; 7 for 36 dam didn t go at 2, won on grass once; this is her first to roll out; gelding looks fit enough and doesn't appear to hook any monsters.

Nantucket Sound

Hard Spun 9 for 108 with juvenile firsters, 9 for 101 with first-time turfers; sire unbeaten in 3 juvenile outs, banked over $2.6 million, never turfed; dam was unraced; 3 of 5 siblings won; one cashed 6 times on turf; top kin Fleet Valid won at 2, took 2 stakes, banked nearly $400K; in good hands and the blood is there.

Daddy's Kid

Scat Daddy about 15% with first-time turfers in a 116-runner grid; sire took debut at 2, won multiple Grade 1s, earned over $1.3 million, never turfed; dam was 0 for 5; both siblings won; one cashed at 2; top kin Poetic Kid won 4 times on grass, banked nearly $250K; must pick it up.

Giant Cat

Shows for a tag but maybe he belonged here all the time as a $14K purchase; no help from the 2 siblings that didn't win; that sloppy effort three back may have just knocked the starch out of him.

Track Telling

See Mesa Way for sire stats; dam lost twice at 2, only win came on grass; lone half sis took debut at 2 on dirt, lost next 2 starts; he has been put through the motions since the local debut.

Prague

Chapel Royal about 4% with first-time turfers in a 178-runner grid; sire took debut at 2, banked almost $500K, never turfed; dam was unraced; 4 of 5 sibs won; none won at 2 but kin Alamanda Drive won 6 times on grass, earned over $200K; runner has sneaky speed, don't ignore.

Prospector John

Bob and John 2 for 56 with first-time turfers; sire cashed at 2, took G1 Wood, banked nearly a million, never turfed; dam was unraced; lone half sis was third in best result; needs a total reversal of fortune.

Maybe My Way

Colt cut back with the shades to no avail in last; dam lost only start; several multiple race winners in the tree; one cashed at 2; 3 tried grass to no avail; colt has lost ground late every time.

Insumsweetsunset

In Summation 0 for 4 with first-time turfers; sire won debut at 2, won 12 times, twice on grass, earned over $1.2 million as Grade 1 winner; 1 for 13 dam cashed on turf as older runner; this is her first to race; jury is still out of this one. By Brian Mulligan