Gulfstream: Closer Looks for December 7, 2013

Race 1

Rose of Harlan

This filly is out of a dam who won three of seven turf starts for 67k, but she didn't make much of an impression in her one turf start prior to this, and her overall form isn't up to the level of the top contenders in here.

Latique

Her one turf start was her best performance to date and this looks like a decent spot for her to make her second start over turf; there's a chance that the early pace won't heat up all that much and that would be to the liking of this miss.

Raging Atlantic

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and stakes winning dam won 5 of 25 starts for 297k, including 1 of 10 turf starts for 89k; this barn can have one ready to go long at first asking and a couple of her workouts look sharp.

High Heel Kitten

Full sister to multiple graded stakes winner Csaba (10-24, 492k, including 0-for-3 over turf) has produced a couple of fine late running performances to begin her career, and even though her lack of early speed is a concern, she has to be regarded as a strong contender while going out for top connections.

Ruby On My Mind

She found herself in tough in her turf debut in her latest outing while facing winners in a stakes event, and even though she'll appreciate the drop back down into the maiden special weight ranks, she's still going to have to show up with an improved performance to prove to be a threat.

Miss Besilu

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and G2 stakes placed dam won 6 of 23 starts for 224k, including 0-for-2 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to multiple G1 winner Saint Liam (9-20, $4.4 million, including 0-for-1 over turf), G3 winner Congressionalhonor (2-15, 112k, including 1 of 8 turf starts for 77k) and G2 winner Quiet Giant (7-12, 405k, including 0-for-1 over turf).

Palace Gardens

Sire wins with approximately 8% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal from a dam who won once from six starts; tough to give this Darley-homebred the nod over some of the other firsters in here.

Sumba Sunset

Sire wins with approximately 8% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and dam won once from five starts for 14k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to G3 stakes placed Aaroness (2-21, 134k, including 1 of 12 North American turf starts for 72k) and Craving Carrots (2-10, 100k over turf).

Quinnkat

It would have been nice to have seen this multiple stakes placed filly show more in her turf debut in her latest outing but this will be the first time she's faced maidens since her career debut; she's done some pretty nice work through her first six starts while earning 114k.

Dance Craze

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and dam won 3 of 13 turf starts for 70k; this miss is a 1/2 to Dancing to Town (4-14, 212k, including 3 of 10 turf starts for 172k), minor stakes winner Welcome Dance (4-13, 162k over turf) and stakes placed Frederickburg (2-9, 94k over turf).

Fantastic Voyage

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and minor stakes winning dam won 2 of 6 starts for 44k, including 1 of 3 turf starts for 28k; her lack of early speed is always a concern and turf is a question.

Blush Again

Sire wins with approximately 17% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and dam won 3 of 15 starts for 69k, including 1 of 6 turf starts for 25k; this filly is a full to G3 winner Derby Kitten (5-32, 430k, including 3 of 19 turf starts for 188k); she has a turf leaning pedigree and she shows up for a strong win-early barn.

Save the Park

Sire wins with approximately 7% of his turf starters and dam won once from 12 starts for 8k, including 0-for-5 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to Colossal Fire (3-39, 35k, including 2 of 22 turf starts for 20k); it remains to be seen what she can do going long and over turf, but she commands respect after a promising career debut.

Laurensdesanimaux

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and dam was winless from five starts, including 0-for-1 over turf; a couple of her recent workouts look sharp and Lopez has won with 3 of 5 mounts for this barn in 2013.

Temper Too

She needs to see a scratch from the main body of this race in order to draw in, but she looks like she's getting better with experience, and she's a 1/2 to My Phi Temper (2-8, 63k over turf); she's worth keeping an eye out for.

Starship Sassy

She deserves another chance to see what she can do racing over turf after going from 11th to 3rd in her turf debut in her latest outing; not going to put her at the top of the list, but a spot underneath in the exotics might be within reach.-Brian Pochman

Race 2

Ghost to Ghost

Great sign that the 1st time sent long on turf represents a career-best Beyer speed figure and that the rider from that CD event travels to GP for this; the 2-back winer posted an 86 Beyer speed figure winning a CD-61K event next out; high-percentage turf trainer while figures to save all the ground then make one-big run.

Four More

Sire is 5-for-127 with 1st-turf starters; 16-123 with 2-year-old debut runners; is out of an unraced dam who produced 3 winners from 3 other foals to race including 1-for-1 turfer Naples Gold (24K); the Hall of Fame trainer is not known to win with 1sters.

Nowhere to Run

Blinkers on for the 2nd-career start; is in need of a strong improvement off the debut fade where defeated by the show runner who Beyered 81 in his next-out BEL-MSW victory; the trainer has a super-win mark with a limited number of 2-year-old starters since 2012.

Paper Street

Was screaming out for more distance in the debut and has 3F extra to uncork the late punch; late runners fare well on the LRL-turf course so the debut may look better because of that fact; wish the worktab off the 38-day absence was more enticing.

Eduardito

Sire is 17-for-191 with 1st-turf starters; SW dam (3-for-7, 76K) did not race on grass; her only foal to race on turf is 3-for-6 grasser El Gran Bebe (40K); troubled-dirt debut effort when flying from the gate then clipped heels; can better rating with a clean trip.

Gala Award

Sire is 5-for-127 with 1st-turf starters; 16-123 with 2-year-old debut runners; 0-for-10 dam went 6-0-0-2 on turf (15K) producing 4 winners from 5 other foals to race including G2-SW turfer My Best Brother (4-for-11 grass 357K); has a few-bullet workouts on the tab but Pletcher's other 1ster Global Strike attracts Castellano to pilot.

That's a Kitten

Sire is 46-for-285 with 1st-turf starters; 36-211 with 2-year-old debut runners; 1-for-14 dam (83K) went 2-0-0-0 on turf (1K); her only other foal to race is full Gentleman's Kitten (3-for-7 turf 135K) won finished 7th in his debut then won his next 2 starts.

Global Strike

Sire is 71-for-611 with 1st-turf starters; 55-387 with 2-year-old debut runners; is the 1st foal to race out of a G1-ARG dam (5-for-10, 86K) who went 1-for-2 on turf; with Castellano riding this Pletcher runner have to assume he is the better of the two among Gala Award.

Veya

54 days since posting a field-best Beyer speed figure when outfinished by the runner-up finisher who posted a 77 Beyer in his next-out AQU-MSW win; 1-for-33 fresh trainer since 2012 does not help the confidence level; the 2-back winner took BEL-GP 100K stakes in his next 2 races with 85-67 Beyers.

Texas Zip

Expected a lot more run 2nd-time out with 1st blinkers but produced a lower-Beyer speed figure when encountering lots of traffic problems; the debut show runner was an 81 Beyer next-out BEL-MSW graduate; new rider is the 3rd different rider in as many races with a clean trip needed to see best form.

Ringold

Sire is 32-for-275 with 1st-turf starters; SW-dam took 5-of-22 on the lawn (327K); 3 of 4 foals to race on grass are turf winners including 2-for-2 grasser Bobina (93K); 27-point 2nd-time out Beyer regression when going long and catching a wet-main track; wants this to remain on the green.

Valid Concept

Saved best Beyer for last when racing at today's distance on GP sod; hit the board in last 3-MSW starts so fits well here; can he get up in time is the issue because he often lingers far back in the early stages then comes into the picture with a strong rally.

Dylan Ward

Changed styles 2nd-time out when sent right to the lead 10 weeks ago; the added distance here is the issue after beaten as the odds-on choice; steady-worktab posted for this while in his debut rallied well which might be better tactics for this; owns plenty of upside if ready.

Therestishistory

Sire is 43-for-407 with 1st-turf starters; G3 dam won 4-of-15 on grass (250K); her 2 foals to race on grass are 0-for-4 combined; 90 days since the debut-dirt fade at 2.5F shorter when defeated by the DQ'd winner and 4th-place finishers from last; they Beyered 68-59 in next-out MTH-DEL-MSW wins.

Our Caravan

Main Track Only entry's sire is 3-for-8 with 2-year-old debut runners; is out of an unraced dam who's only other foal to race is 2-for-8 Shamadaan (31K) who finished 2nd in his career debut then won the next 2 starts.

Good Response

62-point 2nd-time out Beyer increase when racing on turf for the 1st time; finished 2nd best behind the winner from last who Beyered 85-67 in 2 next-out 100K stakes wins; super-fresh barn and jockey-trainer combo adds to the appeal; must overcome the widest draw to graduate but would be a major player if can repeat last while coming in off the also-eligible list.-Art Gropper

Race 3

Daddys Jewel

Proven locally and she could be moving early on the stretch out; he has a right to get the distance as kin Milwaukee Jewel won at a mile and 70 yards; she could have sulked after hopping in the air in last but she tried hard anyway; blinks off, like they were for her last victory; not impossible chore.

Carolina Lizard

Miss proved she could take the head of a duel and live to tell about it last time; the pace could again be contested here with some sprinters in the field going long; she also has to do something here that she has never done in her career and that s put wins together; far too sharp not to take seriously.

Courtney Ryan

What a nice horse to own; take the boys out the emporium, say bet across and watch smiles 14 of 16 this year; out of the money only twice locally, note this miss and the show horse were clear for fun in last; the one to beat.

Dakota Eyes

Soph beat conditioned claimers for the last couple of scores; she has been handled by Ryan in the past and you can ' be thrilled about the local slate; the feeling is she can get this distance as she has on grass; miss may need softer to shine.

Winiliscious

Nothing wrong with winning half of the starts; connections thought enough of her to try the shore stakes this summer; miss has some semblance of speed but she doesn t need the lead to win; not sure she was beating anybody in the romp two back; the place horse that day ran out of the money next out in a $5K starter; has to hustle.

Action Lady

Mare upset in the slop for the lone score this year; toss last, wrong surface; she comes to this race fresh and the last race came back live as the 5th finisher took a $102K Del Mar stakes, and the 7th finisher took an $89K Indy stakes; published moves on the light side; has some things to prove.

Princess Malia

Handled by the DiMauro runner repeated times; miss ran away and hid from foes in the July finale but that race may have had repercussions; she had to hit the pine and has not been able to duplicate that Beyer since; another angle to think about: she did win on the stretch out in that July race; still not thrilled with her.

Special Jak

Wonder if connections had this race in mind all the time; she became eligible for this race the last time she was claimed and she just hooked a freak in last; miss could be more keen to run with the shades and that is a good ploy for Walder; rates upset glance off the connections alone.-Brian Mulligan

Race 4

Starship Elusive

Turns back to sprint after an open lengths score over N1X types at Calder a few weeks back; mare does own a local score and she is 4 for 5 over a fast dirt strip, but she exits a very slow paced route heat and doesn't look to get a lot of lick to run at here; prefer to side against the repeat and back others on the win end.

Ainsley

Makes her first start in over 8 months after hitting the sidelines off a route score which made her a local .500 career hitter; she's done most of her damage going long and her one turn try 2 starts back wasn't very much; solid recent drills suggest she's ready to return but a minor award likely proves her ceiling in this spot.

Lexington Pearl

Field's highest last out Beyer earner looked pretty sharp in beating that second level allowance bunch for her second local score in her return to dirt; barn turns them back well and she does look to hold a class recent edge over most of these but asking her to run back to that last one while picking up weight and returning so quickly may not be realistic; contender.

Centrique

Filly won her lone local start and she exits a decent late running third in a shorter stakes heat across town; time off looed to serve her well as she crushed N2Xs in her 2 back return and she's quick enough to secure a good spot early on the slight stretchout today; lone poor try this year came against some of the better female sprinters around; they'll have her to beat.

Admitit

Canadian shipper tries dirt for the first time after besting claimers in her Woodbine finale; she owns 5 career scores at the trip and she enters this in solid form, but don't know that she's good enough to step with the bigger gals in here over this new surface.

First Acquital

Ships in from Jersey for her return from a brief freshening for a barn that does well on the surface switch; off the pace type doesn't figure to get a lot of lick up top and the outfit's been on a poor run with its turn backs.

Cuentos

Maiden picks a tough spot in which to try winners for the first time; none of her 4 efforts was close to good enough to step with this bunch and there's not much to suggest she'll go a lot better today; looms a very big price in this spot.

One Fast Frog

Five year old makes her first start for this new outfit while making her local debut off the freshening; she's strung together 3 straight scores and 5 of her last 6 and she looks to be the controlling speed of this matchup; she's yet to go this far but she'll get Leparoux and will have to be run down; one to catch.-Steve Grabowski

Race 5

Ribo Bobo

The 2-back LRL gate-to-wire win represents a field-best Beyer speed figure; has been all-or-nothing at GP with 4 wins and 10 off-the-board finishes; beat the 4-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 108-97 in next-out LRL-350K and CT-50K stakes wins; seems strictly the one to beat.

The Fed Eased

1-for-5 since the August claim and is ranked a notch below these off latest loss to Chelsea Brook and the runner-up finisher who Beyered 78 in his next-out CRC-optional-claiming win; beat the 3-back show runner who Beyered 85 in his next-out CRC-optional-claiming win; seeks his 1st GP-dirt exacta in a very-tough spot.

On Appeal

1-for-8 since the career-best Beyer in May at shorter at CRC; rematch with Chelsea Brook from 3-back but has a declining-Beyer pattern heading into this; has 3 wins on wet tracks but did not fire on wet footing in last or in his July off-the-board off-going finish.

Never Stop Looking

50-day absence since another strong runner-up finish; 11 minor awards with 3 wins he has done a lot of racing well in defeat; career-best Beyer was around 2 turns but rallied well enough to win latest at 6F; last victory was going long on a wet-main track; 1st GP start trying to end the recent bout of seconditis.

Chelsea Brook

124 pounds seems the main issue as he's never raced with this high of an assignment; 1st time ever on GP dirt and 1st time for this rider; have to love that he can win racing on the lead or from off the pace; beat the runner-up finisher from last who Beyered 78 in a next-out CRC-optional-claiming win; contender.

Razzo Succo

In recent races has been screaming out for more yardage but remains at 6F for this; been very best on synthetic surfaces during career; the 3-back winner repeated with an 82 Beyer taking a HAW-16K claimer; wish he showed more 1st time on GP dirt posting his lowest speed figure since April.

Upon Reflection

His 1st loss on GP dirt was 41 days ago when posting a career-low speed figure; won 1st off the claim posting an August-career-best Beyer over today's oval; which runner shows up for this?; won off a 10-week absence so perhaps the added time off will help him to regroup to make amends?

Vero's Hero

Claimed 4 times since July; the 9%-winning first-off-the-purchase trainer does not add to the appeal; defeated the 2-back show finisher who Beyered 79-76 in 2 next-out 5K and $6,250-claiming wins; March posted a career-best Beyer on GP dirt at 1F longer than this.

Trip N Run

Ambitious placement especially after fading 6 days ago posting his lowest Beyer since July which was also on GP dirt; best races are when he makes the lead including 3-back when On Appeal defeated him; off latest would be a shocker.

Bear's Spirit

Career-best Beyer posted on a synthyetic surface but is on dirt again today; some runners have a tough time transitioning after beating conditioned claimers to test open company and he is 0-for-5 since that n3L claiming victory; others appeal more.

J B's Unc

60 days since winning his 4th in a row off the claim for a high-percentage fresh trainer; has been dominant in recent races on wet-main tracks but his 3-back fast win was also awesome; 1st time on GP dirt is the lone issue; another versatile runner who can win from on the lead or stalking the pace but cuts back to his shortest-distance test since May so likely comes off the pace for this; beat the July show finisher who Beyered 61 in his next-out 5K-claiming win; the pick.-Art Gropper

Race 6

Navajo Ca Lo

Zito thought enough of this guy to claim him back; he has some semblance of speed but he got away with a soft :48 and change half in the last win; note runner was not close to the top the last time at this trip; look for rider to take a hold, try to save ground, make the one run.

Be Brave

Game in the win but it could have taken a toll; pretty snappy move on the 30th is a positive sign though; runner in the company line were clear; note he was troubled in the September outings; runner brings back a lot of checks but note nearly 3 times as many slices as wins; contender, far from a cinch.

Grande Shores

Freshened for this and that ploy has worked before; runner graduated off an August to December layoff and also took a $16K optional off about a 6-week vacation last year; the 8/2 show horse cashed next out in an N3L allowance at Calder, lost next pair; consistent and dangerous.

Batito

Guess somebody had to run second last time; gelding only beat 4 horses in the last win; pushed along in last, he may be better off settling and making the late run; needs very best.

Kingsford Drive

Good earner has been popular around the claim box; like fact he has speed but doesn't need the lead to win and he can handle any kind of surface; proven at this demanding distance, nothing wrong with hitting the exacta in 12 of 25; don't ignore.

Ghost Is Clear

Beat 5 in the September return and wonder if it just zapped him?; connections confident enough to try the stakes since but to no avail; place horse in last cashed next out in a $75K FG stakes with a 90 Beyer; if you figure he hated the rail in last you can build a case for an improvement; respect everything from Maker factor.

Goodtimehadbyall

Valid excuse when he reared at the start as chalk in last; the 9/21 winner repeated in a $25K optional at Meadowlands; 2 of the 7 wins came at this trip; and note he beat 7 off the pine in August; barn continues to sizzle; don't ignore.

Loveyouallthetime

Versatility could be his best asset; he can be placed anywhere and still fire; note place horse in last was 3 clear; proven locally going 6 and a half and the way he was extending that day suggests he'll adore this journey; Walder high percentage year in and year out and he can keep a horse going good once he gets good.

Palatine Hill

The good news is he has speed, is proven at 7 furlongs and is sharp now; the bad news is he lost to $8K claimers to kick off the year and has only recorded a couple of published moves since last effort; may need softer to shine.

Silver Day

Still eligible for a non-winners of 4 claimer, runner was beaten nearly 15 lengths the last time at this trip; note runners in the trifecta were clear two back but with his style, things will have to break just right.

Mel Beach

Two for 5 since leaving Plesa barn, gelding ran okay in the stakes in last but was getting a little tired; 5th finisher in last took a $62.5K optional here next out and the 9th finisher took a $32.7K classified allowance at Calder in next; another slice.

Lawyer Daggett

A late 6th the last time in a stakes; not good; runner does have more speed than he just showed and he s drawn right but he has been very dull in his last couple of return efforts; connections have been shopping him in the entries; would think long and hard before taking too short a number.-Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Negrita Tata

It doesn't hurt to see that two offer three wins were earned racing over this turf course but she's never run a race that is anywhere near strong enough to suggest that she can threaten the top contenders in here; she has the look of an outsider.

Marataya's Tune

Stakes placed filly has done well for herself while winning five of 11 starts this year, and have to respect the 8-for-15 mark she's recorded racing over turf; however, she's probably going to need to see a few of these show up with less than their best to have a chance at the top spot, and she's more of an early speed type in a race that figures to have a solid early pace.

Sharapova Slams

She's been on top of her game lately, and if she's able to reproduce her latest performance, there isn't any reason to believe that she can't find herself involved in the running through the final furlong in this event; she's shown the ability to adapt to any early pace scenario and she has had some success racing over this turf course.

Harbingerofthings

Minor stakes winner looks like another in here who is going to need to find a way to take her game to another level in order to contend; on a positive note, it does appear that she's been training well lately and she attracts the services of a strong turf rider.

Rock On Baby

Her recent form hasn't been her best but a poor start didn't help her in her first start for this barn in her latest outing and not going to be surprised if they have her set for better this time around; she has run races over turf in the past that are strong enough to suggest that she can get herself into the mix against these.

Deanaallen'skitten

She enters this race fresh off of a stakes victory and she has to be regarded as a top contender against these; runner up from latest won next out at Aqu on 11/22 going 1m over turf vs. 25k OPC's with an 87 Beyer; Castellano has won with 66 of 215 (31%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Marie's Music

Her one career win was earned over dirt in a maiden special weight in an off-the-turf event against five rivals, and this has to be considered an extremely difficult spot for her to be going after her second career win; strictly an outsider.

Brandys Secret

Have to respect the turf form that is on display here as this filly has yet to finish worse than third from nine turf starts while winning seven; she might be vulnerable to an early pace dispute, but she looks like the dominant early speed, and she'll be tough to deal with if she feels up to one of her better performances.

Raro

She's been in good form this year and like to see that she's shown the ability to run her race from on and off the pace, but she's yet to surpass the 80 mark on the Beyer Speed Figure scale, and she's going to need to do that to get over on the top contenders in here.

Grandma's Rules

Have to respect her 8-6-1-1 mark racing over turf and she carries multiple stakes winning credentials with her; she owns excellent positional speed and she's run well a number of times when fresh in the past; she deserves to be listed among the contenders.

Edie

She's done some nice work racing over turf in New York this year and it's interesting to see her making her first start for a barn that has a reputation for moving horses forward; going to look for her to give a good account of herself and her tactical speed can help her manage a comfortable trip after breaking from the outside.-Brian Pochman

Race 8

Deputiformer

Gets back to dirt in search of his fourth straight score after winning from an outside draw on the lawn; 8 year old deserves the shot against this better bunch and his early foot should afford him a solid trip from this inside slot; can get in the mix for a minor share here.

Brother Bird

Fresh 6 year old has burned plenty of money in his 3 starts since taking this heat's renewal last year; nice to see the confidence they show in him by bringing him here and he hasn't been out of the exacta in 3 local spins; won this race off a similar break last season and Castellano sees enough to get back aboard him today.

Froggyville

Stretches out in his local debut after sharpening his interest sprinting at Churchill last time; number he earned 3 back raises some eyebrows here, but that came at one turn and routing isn't his best game; siding with others on the win end.

In Rhythm

Broke slowly from the fence in his local return and had little impact thereafter; gelding has been better at 2 turns so maybe the stretchout helps, but it's been a long time since he's seen the winner's circle; though he's a 2 time winner over this track we'll have to limit his use to underneath in exotics.

Flattermejim

Held on to wire through soft splits in the Churchill Downs slop last month; he returns 3 weeks off his career best number so don't know that he's going to get back to it; doesn't need the lead to fire and that versatility can't hurt in here.

Toh's Grey Cat

Gelding exits the second of antithetical scores in which he kicked away from his 4 rivals turning for home; gray can fire from off the pace as well and he does solid running fresh; in his current form it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get involved in the outcome on the class rise.

Red Hills

Ran into much better last time after earning a big number in his prior trip try over the local main track; 10 time winner looks to fit better in this spot and has a right to bounce back with a full month off since the stakes try; one to consider.

Tyler's Wildcat

Got going too late after breaking poorly at a one turn trip last time; gelding should appreciate the stretch out to 2 turns in this spot and the price figures to again be big, but he's going to need to take a big step forward on the figure scale to threaten here.

Point Finish

Four year old enters this one fresh after getting his neck down on the wire in his Indiana Downs finale; he's been in great form since the summer and he makes his run regardless of pace; he's got a new venue to deal with here, but if he adapts to the surroundings he could prove to be the main danger.

Francois

Held on to score at 2-5 at Hawthorne last time and now he'll make his local debut; gelding's lone poor recent effort came in the open stakes ranks and he looks to fit quite a bit better in this spot; another shipper who can contend if he handles the local footing.

Roman's Avenue

Sophomore is ambitiously placed in his local debut after getting DQed from the narrow sprint victory over limited winners in Kentucky; he'll try 2 turns for the first time on dirt and he did blow out well for this the other day, but don't know that he'll be good enough to have a say in the outcome.

Horned Frog

Off the pace type always takes money and he enters this off 2 straight scores and 5 out of his last 7 starts; these are better than he's been facing, but he usually fires a good shot and his normal effort could make him a threat in his local debut.

Whatthecatdrugin

Speedster gets a top pilot for his local return after sharpening his lick in the Keeneland sprint last time out; while there's some other lick in here, he holds a significant class edge over his foes and she's been able to shake off pace pressure in the past; one to catch and beat.

He's Spectacular

Gray is stuck in the outside slot after another off the board effort at Calder; he did earn a solid number going long across town earlier in the fall, but his recent tries do not make him a very encouraging proposition in this heat.-Steve Grabowski

Race 9

El Uno

He earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in his latest outing while making just his second start for this barn but he's going to have to step it up over that performance if he's planning on putting any pressure on the top contenders in this one.

Plainview

He's two races removed from a G3 stakes placing that saw him finish close behind Za Approval, and that one exited that race to finish second in the BC Mile behind Wise Dan with a 102 Beyer Speed Figure; he has every bit the look of a top contender while being reunited with Lezcano.

Best Actor

He's run well in back-to-back starts since being claimed by his current connections, but he is seeking his first win of 2013, and this does appear to be a difficult spot for him to land in; Lopez has won with 8 of 24 (33%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Avenida Paseo

Although his best finish to date from three turf starts is an eighth, he actually deserves another chance to see what he can do racing over grass; however, this looks like a very tough assignment for him; prefer to look toward others.

North Star Boy (IRE)

His first two starts in America were fine performances, and even though he failed as a favorite in back-to-back starts after that, they had him ready to roll after a layoff in his latest outing; it's tough to look past the like of Plainview and Major Marvel, but maybe this guy has an upset chance.

Grip Hands

He ran some nice races over turf early on in 2012 and perhaps his latest start after a layoff over the synthetic surface at Keeneland is a sign that he's regained some of his better form; he owns fine positional speed and one of the better races of his career was run over the GP turf.

Alley Oop Oop

Stakes winning 5-year-old has shown the ability to dial up a performance that is strong enough to get him into the mix against these, and he's run well in both of his starts over this turf course; a little concerned by the fact that he's making his first start since August, but his overall turf form commands respect.

Major Marvel

21-time winner has had quite a year while winning seven of eight starts and he hasn't been denied in six consecutive starts prior to this; multiple stakes winner is proven over this turf course and he's an obvious threat to walk away with the top prize.

Dreaming of Danny

He's proven to be a sharp 16k claim for his current connections but his best effort doesn't appear to be strong enough to get him into the mix against these; maybe if things get out of hand on the front end, he can pick up some pieces late, but he looks like more of an outsider.

Days Ride

He ran well the first time he tried turf three races back at Woodbine and he was in a very tough spot when he made his second turf start behind a runaway winner who returned to win a G3 at CD; nevertheless, it's tough to give him a favorable push in this spot.

Dr. Goldfarb

He was in good form over the summer racing in New Jersey, but his two most recent starts have been well below par, and this isn't a soft spot for his first start in two months; runner up from latest won next out at Aqu on 11/17 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 62k OPC's with a 91 Beyer.

Blameshifter

He's been on top of his game lately and he earned a stakes placing in his latest outing; however, he's going to need to take a strong step forward in order to threaten the top contenders in here; maybe a minor award is within his grasp, but looking elsewhere for the top spot.

Political Courage

It's a positive to see how well he's run over this turf course in the past, but this late running type is another in here who will need to produce a career best performance if he's to have a shot at something more than a small share of the prize.

All Knight

He was beaten by today's rival El Uno when upset minded in his latest outing and that rival isn't his biggest concern in this event; he doesn't usually show up with the level of performance that he did in his most recent start, and that effort isn't even strong enough to get him into the mix against these.

Dr. Chase

He needs to see a scratch from the main body of this race in order to draw in and he's going to have to show up with a performance that is much stronger than anything he's done in his five turf starts to have a say in the outcome; note that his career best Beyer Speed Figure was earned in his latest outing over dirt.

Vanquisher

Multiple stakes winner has obviously seen faster days and he's going to need to have a serious flashback if he's to prove to be a player in this spot; on a positive note, Maragh has won with 16 of 67 (24%) mounts for this barn in 2013.-Brian Pochman

Race 10

Nevada Kid

Nice inevitable payday for the salt of the earth claimers here; nice; nearly 4 clear the first time going 9 furlongs; bothered early in last but he still controlled the pace and nearly the outcome; with a quick run to the first turn, would expect rider to be on the muscle from the sound of the bell; must find a way to turn the tables on Bernie, but his speed must be respected.

Dominant Jeannes

Almost rang the bell at 10-1 in this race last year; that day he made the huge middle move to make the lead, just could not carry on with the momentum; gelding could have sulked after the slow start in last but he came running; respect.

Nevada

Runner has the two races to draw from now; place horse in last win cashed next out but only against $15K claimers; runner has much more speed then he just showed, he has the 2 races to build on now and he's proven locally and at the trip; rates upset glance.

Sinorice

Not exactly a win machine, note the 9 slices and he gave up the ghost at crunch time in last; wonder if he is a bit fragile as the races are spaced?; distance specialist is proven locally and the 7/31 show horse took a $20K claimer next out, lost next 3; he looms the stalking component of the Zito pair; note this rider was up for the last victory.

Rule Number Six

Colt got good for about 7 weeks this year; he got a nice midpack trip in the win at this distance and lost all chance in last when he bobbled at the break; look for him in the final furlong if at all.

Flatter This

Did the 14-1 win this year just knock the starch out of him?; could be; he had to take a couple of months off, and has only been in the money once since; he didn t exactly scare the winner last time either; handled by a few of today's foes in the past; not sold on chances.

Bernie the Maestro

The Javier and Bernie show should give a good account of themselves here; 5th finisher in last took a $50K CD claimer next out and the place horse won a $150K Penn National stakes on 11/27 with a 102 Beyer; the 8/30 place horse took a $100K stakes next out then was 4th in the Grade 3 Fall Highweight; any horse that wins 17 of 56 is a friend of mine and key off his stakes win here just over a year ago and he s a valid player; love the series of drills coming to this fray; primed.

Voodoo Storm

Don't be oversold by the margin in last as it was mud aided; can t be thrilled with the local slate but this guy has really thrived since entering Glyshaw barn; there seems to be enough speed here to promote the big kick; far too sharp not to take seriously.

Isutalkintome

Colt did something you don't see every day two back when he came back on after being headed; it may have zapped him as he was dull last time; the 8/24 place horse took a classified allowance at Calder next out, then was 4th in a $100K stakes; place horse in last recorded a 103 Beyer next out taking classified allowance; needs a rebound run.

Avenida Paseo

Cross entered in the Emerald on grass; veteran is having a lean year and note he was losing a little ground in the lane last time; runner was well clear and show was the show horse; last issue: he could be compromised by the marooned slot.-Brian Mulligan