Gulfstream: Closer Looks for December 8, 2013

Race 2

Zindaya

Her career debut was a sharp runner-up finish against a strong field and this miss is a 1/2 to G1 winner Western Aristocrat (4-9, 224k, including 1 of 2 North American turf starts for 180k); 4th finisher from latest, Zip On, won next out at KD on 9/25 going 6f over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 79 Beyer.

War Blush

Sire wins with approximately 17% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from an unraced dam; she's had trouble in her first two starts, and given a clean trip, it will be interesting to see what she can do in her turf debut with the addition of blinkers.

Lady Liana

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was a multiple graded stakes placed hurdler who won 3 of 12 turf starts for 73k; this filly is a 1/2 to Artie's Jasper (1-7, 30k over turf); her debut was solid and Rosario sees fit to take the call.

Chika

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his first-time starters and with approximately 6% of his turf starters, and multiple graded stakes winning dam won 7 of 28 turf starts for 777k; this filly is a 1/2 to Don'twait Toolong (8-43, 222k over turf) and Achilles (2-7, 76k over turf).

Ascot Momma

Sire wins with approximately 7% of his first-time starters and with approximately 8% of his turf starters, and dam won 3 of 7 starts for 62k, including 3 of 6 turf starts for 62k; her recent workouts look sharp and Davis has won with 21 of 73 (29%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Boom Boom Vroom

Sire is 0-for-9 with his turf starters and dam won 3 of 18 starts for 67k, including 2 of 10 turf starts for 46k; this filly is a 1/2 to stakes winner Sindy With an S (4-9, 330k, including 1-for-1 over turf for 46k) and Rockin' Joe (5-16, 138k over turf); winner from debut won next out at Sar on 9/1 going 7f in a G1 with a 98 Beyer; Desormeaux has won with 5 of 16 (31%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Addar

Respect the fact that she has a good deal of turf in her pedigree, but she's going to need to show up with her strongest performance to date to beat these, and this will be the first time that she's raced at a distance shorter than a mile.

Tough to Stop

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and dam won 2 of 8 starts for 40k, including 1 of 4 turf starts for 13k; she didn't run poorly after a layoff against 40k MCL's two starts ago, but this looks like a tough spot for her first turf start.

Tizgale

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and stakes placed dam won once from seven starts for 55k, including 0-for-1 over turf; connections will hope that the move to turf can bring about an improved performance from this miss.

Javamine

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was winless from five starts, including two turf starts; Maragh has won with 16 of 67 (24%) mounts for this barn in 2013 but this filly hasn't shown much in her first two starts.

Rogue Lady

This filly is going to need to show up with a much improved performance to get the better of this field, but she does go out for a barn that has been doing strong work with turf sprinters, and Castellano has won with 8 of 26 (31%) mounts for this outfit in 2013.

Race 3

Seoul Bullet (KOR)

Steady breeze pattern for this new arrival, son of Peace Rules who won multiple G1 stakes and 3.08 million (his offspring have scored in 34 out of 239 initial starts); the dam did not race and there are no winning siblings to mention.

Maybe My Way

Flashed some decent early speed 2 back on the grass and the latest sprint effort on the main involved a troubled start; lands into a very soft field for the class involved and should upgrade here as a result.

Distinction Image

Newcomer was sired by G3 type With Distinction who captured 447K and whose progeny have won approximately 11 percent of their debuts); the dam went 7 for 30 earning 174; sib to 29K bankroller Distinction Lady; shows average work tab.

Dillon's Actor

Yet to finish in the money but he exits a race which featured a pretty solid early pace (something that seems unlikely in today's event); note legitimate excuse in the run 2 back; may land a minor share at healthy odds today.

Point Rocky Home

Beginner was sired by pure sprinter J Be K who won 5 of 9 and 440K including a G2 score (his descendants have done well first time out, winning 6 of 20); the dam won 2 of 12 and 14K; this is her only foal to start.

Ta Bueno

Some decent efforts thus far and she was caught very wide in the last try at Calder; makes only her second attempt at the claiming level and looks like a true money player here if receiving the right set-up.

Wild Conceits

Raced evenly in her maiden voyage when defeated by a repeat winner; her sire won a G1 and 570K; the dam won 3 of 13 and 83K; among the winning siblings is 484K earner Bear Tooth Tiger; appears nicely positioned.

Insumsweetsunset

Finished far back in each try with no known excuse; makes the always dangerous descent from special weights; his sire won a G2 and 1.22 million; the dam won 1 of 13 and 36K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Race 4

Fort Loudon

Most of these guys have been the best sprinters on this circuit the past couple seasons; 2nd in this last year (to today's foe Bahamian Squall); multiple G3 SW and G1 SP runner soured this past winter/spring but has worked nicley for this and is back in his surroundings and at a much better level; and hey, he's just a 4yo so it's not as if his tank should be empty quite yet; he was probably just in too steep in those last 2; that isn't the case today.

Close It Out

Tried a turf sprint stakes here Oct. 26, after nearly 3 months off, but was no factor; hey, he had already run off the board in 2 prior turf starts so apparently that ain't game; nice to see no layoff since and the move back to dirt has to help; 3rd in this last year behind 'Squall and 'Loudon and you know he 'A' game puts him in the thick of things; question is, was that Oct. 26 turf dud merely a function of turf and a troubled start or has he gone the other way?

Bahamian Squall

That G1 BC Sprint try was very nice; had a troubled start, was very wide turning for home but kept to his task well to be 6th, beaten just 2 3/4 lengths; 4th finisher Majestic Stride flattered that form by coming right back to win BHP's G3 Underwood easily last week; 4yo has done his best work here and while his last 2 results weren't much remember he was facing the best of his division; not only is he back in his sandbox, but the elite of his division isn't here; won this race impressively last year.

Star Harbour

Capable of big things when in the mood, as you can see from that monster SAR win Aug. 29 (108 Beyer); that came for a tag ($35K), yes, but he was claimed, tossed right into a stakes and was a good 3rd, validating that claim; freshened since, comes south and while he's run just twice here he did run well; question is, which guy do we get, the guy who was so huge in NY this summer/fall or the guy who last winter/spring posted a couple modest sprint stakes efforts, hmmmm?

Cat Five Hurricane

Probably the least likely in here to end up posing for pictures as he's facing some legit graded stakes types and has not had that type of success; that being said, note a freaky-big win in the slop here June 1 so if it pours, well, that would help level the playing field some; even so, a few of the others handle the goo just fine and this guy also hasn't run in over 4 months.

Jackson Bend

Still good enough a few months ago to nearly win a G1 (2nd in G1 Forego); next 2 weren't so hot but those were routes and maybe that big Forego try took some of the starch out of him; back to Florida and back to sprinting and surely if he returns to his summer form he'll be awfully tough...though after those last 2 outings that's no small 'if', is it?

Race 5

Frere Pilgrim

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and G1 stakes placed dam won 3 of 12 starts for 205k, including 0-for-1 over turf; she owns the early speed to take full advantage of the rail post and there's a chance that the early pace won't heat up all that much.

Secret

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and stakes placed dam won 2 of 14 starts for 115k, and she didn't make a turf start; this filly is a 1/2 to multiple stakes winner Inspired (8-22, 439k, including 6 of 15 turf starts for 360k); this is a barn that can jump up with one over turf when least expected.

Shaikha

Half-sister to G2 winner Princess Haya (4-21, 441k, including 4 of 18 turf starts for 384k) is starting to look like the type that might hang around the maiden ranks for a while, but her form has clearly been strong enough to label her a contender against these.

Satisfaction

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and G1 stakes placed dam won once from three starts for 64k, and she didn't make a turf start; this filly is a 1/2 to G1 winner Dancing Forever (5-22, 901k over turf) and Puzzling (2-14, 112k over turf); this is a very interesting firster, especially with Castellano aboard.

Princess Zaima

She didn't run poorly the first time that she raced over turf but she is going to need to be ready for better in order to get over on the top contenders in this spot; perhaps a minor award is within reach, but looking in another direction for the winner.

Giant Diamond

She's by a strong turf sire and when seeing the wagering support that she attracted for her career debut, and that she's getting Lasix for this, it's not unreasonable to look for her to be ready for a much sharper try this time around; her recent workouts look lively and Davis has won with 21 of 73 (24%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Best Try

Sire wins with approximately 17% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and dam won once from six starts for 16k, including 1 of 5 turf starts for 16k; this filly is a 1/2 to Keltish Lass (5-26, 140k, including 2 of 8 turf starts for 32k) and Joe Fire (2-12, 29k over turf).

Thunder On Tap

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and dam was winless from seven starts, and she didn't make a start over turf; she didn't make much of an impression in her belated career debut and it's difficult to give her a favorable push against these.

Rocksie Lucie

She showed a little something in her career debut after attracting wagering support but it would've been nice to have seen her show more at second asking after taking some time off; regardless, not going to be surprised if she bounces back with a sharper performance.

Hit Squad

She earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure for her latest effort, and it is worth noting that blinkers went back on for that race, but it still feels like she's going to need to step up her game a little bit to have a chance that something more than a minor award.

Race 6

Who Is This Lady

Positive 4-pound weight swing off the more than 6-length loss to Liberty Fuze; career-best Beyer speed figure and the lone win was on GP-fast dirt at today's distance; been a new runner since the 55-day absence when offering little stamina over the track but has transformed into a closer; would need a major-form turnaround to turn the tables.

Liberty Fuze

4 of 6 races on the lead and 3 straight; the 7-week absence did her a world of good popping a new-Beyer speed figure Top when widening up top; bounce chance coming back in just 2 weeks for this; both wins during career occurred at today's 5.5F distance.

Magic Lily

Cuts back to her shortest-distance test since July when in recent races her rally suggests she wants more yardage not less; the winner from last repeated in a CRC-starter alw. with a 70 Beyer; major-weight break in with 14 pounds lighter than ever before.

Da Wildcat Girl

Just 2 career races so has plenty of upside; was favored in the betting she gets the rematch with Liberty Fuze while picking up 5 pounds; high-percentage 2YO trainer 1st time PLopez who began this winter meeting sizzling; wish this event was a tad longer because it appeared she was screaming out for more yardage in last.

Maura's Purse

5-0-0-0 record and all double-digit length defeats since the show finish in July over the GP-main track; when she does not break on or near the top then has serious issues making any impact; the addition of front wraps in last which produced a last-place fade does not add to the appeal that a big-form turnaround is on the way.

Springtime Anna

1st time on dirt and facing winners today which is often any runner's toughest assignment; 106 days since latest win at longer; improved GP-dirt workouts for this but the tab does not bowl you over; the debut runner-up Beyered 50 in her next-out WO-40K-maiden-claiming victory; 8%-winning fresh trainer suggests we take a wait and see approach.

La Hija de Olga

Reunites with the win rider who scored with her at longer but off recent losses have her ranked a notch or 2 below the top players; today marks her lightest-weight assignment ever while back to the win surface GP dirt; was not anywhere near her best form coming off the 107-day layoff hoping to move forward 2nd time back off the bench.

La Chuchi

Posted the 2nd lowest Beyer of her career in last coming off a 48-day layoff; willing to dismiss that effort racing on a wet-main track which she has never handled (3-0-0-0) during career however she is on a 3-race exacta streak on fast dirt.

Ya Esta

Wants to get clear on the lead in a field top heavy with frontrunners; reunites with the win rider scoring in the career debut at 1F shorter than this with a field-best Beyer attached; just 1 race in a claimer until today's spot the lowest-class ever; the 3-back winner made it 3-for-3 making a CRC-81K event with a 52 Beyer.

Race 7

No Its Not

Off one of his better Beyers and the place horse in last graduated 11/28 at Laurel in a MSW with a 61 Beyer; connections wouldn t mind if he starts acting like top kin and over $100K earner Fenway Faithful; fits in the Beyer department and like the fact he got a spin over the surface lately.

Easement

Colt pushed issue but he gave way in the lane for the 6th time in a row; more experienced rider hired for this; could see him pushing the issue, not sure he'll be around at the end.

Casa Creek

Nice move in late October but the extended layoff is a legit concern; 3rd finisher in last took a MSW at CD, 5th finisher was 2nd a length in that league and the 7th finisher took a maiden $50K Belmont claimer; dam won only start, earned over $14K; all 3 siblings won, one took the debut, one banked almost $100K; try to get a good look at this one on the track.

Soulsinging

Toss the grass efforts and the form brightens; show horse two back graduated here by a neck with an 88 Beyer, then ran out of the money; this guy looks live.

Game Day

If you figure he needed the last then you can build a case for a move forward; the 2nd and 6th finishers 5/20 graduated next out and the winner that day repeated in a $25K N2L fray; back to the original pilot; expect him to send hard trying to steal it.

Crane Lodge

A. P. Indy about 11% with debuters in a 824-runner sample; sire won thrice at 2, took BC Classic, banked nearly $3 million; Grade 3 winning 10 for 24 dam took debut at 2, earned over $850K; lone full bro to race Stratford Hall took 4 of 6, earned over $160K; drills ideally spaced.

High Five Again

Decent speed so far, stamina is the concern; 4th finisher in last took a MSW at the shore, and the winner repeated in a N1X at Belmont; SW 5 for 23 dam earned over $250K; all 5 siblings won; 3 won at 2 including 2 debut winners; top kin Awesome Feather took a Grade 1 on way to near $2 million career; may need easier crew.

Celebrator

Freshened since walking out of the gate; 5th finisher in debut took a MSW at SA, 10th finisher took a $25K maiden claimer here and the 7th finisher was 2nd a length in a MSW at CD next out; dam was unraced; both siblings won including G3 winner and near $400K earner Southdale; has every right to improve.

Grand Cicero

Barn on patient side so fact he was only beaten a nose in the debut speaks volumes; solid try in New York and note the show horse was 4 clear; pretty snappy move on the 1st suggests he is feeling pretty good about himself; dam was unraced; both siblings won, one banked about $80K; rider 26% for Matz in the last year or so; beat him to greet cashier.

Race 8

Majestic Express

MTO exits a crosstown slop score in which he earned a huge number in beating cheaper; he was used pretty hard in that one and returns in just over 2 weeks for this, but he'll likely be right there early from this inside slot if the rains come and we know he loves it wet.

Bellefire

Starts from the inside slot if this one stays on the lawn and his effort 2 back suggests that's footing he can handle right now; 4 year old has been chasing some decent ones on the main track this year and he should at least get an honest clip to run into here.

No Lift Shift

Couldn't threaten the classy runaway winner last time but he did show some guts to get second money in that off the turfer; off what he's done over it, he'll have to prove he can step at this level in his return to this footing; prefer others on the win end.

Hamp

Ships down here after getting to a length of the winner at the level at Laurel prior to the freshening; he'll need to improve on the figure scale, but the barn does nice work off the break and this sophomore did work well at Payson Park for this earlier in the week.

Nine O Wonderful

Unleashed a furious late kick to just miss a neck at a shorter trip in New York last time; 5 year old was given some time to get over the try and he'll stretch back out to a trip at which he's won twice in the past; local record isn't much, but he's one to fear in the lane.

Speak Logistics

Sohphomore beat older at odds on while earning a big number at this trip over the main track last month; he'll try turf here and his sire is just 1 for 28 with his initial turf starters; dam did drop 3 turf winners including one who scored first time over the stuff; formidable whether this stays on the lawn or comes off.

My Adonis

MTO kept some top company as a sophomore but things hasn't gone his was since taking an ungraded stake in Jersey nearly a year and a half back; he does own a solid effort over a wet local main track and maybe the local return helps perk him up, but the way he's been going it's tough to make much of a case for him here.

Dad'z Laugh

He's in for the optional tag after tanking in the main track sprint in his return from the freshening; sophomore has run well over the local sod in the past and will likely be sent to the top in here but he'll have to earn this one every step of the way and doubt he's able to do that.

Hierro

G3 SW main track miler wasn't beaten much in his turf debut at a shorter trip and earned another crack over the footing here; he'll get a top pilot for this and does get an added panel in which to make his run; if he gets an honest pace in front of him he's a contender.

Sleepless Knight

Makes his first start in 2 1/2 months after getting within a length of the winner in a Delaware surface stake; he catches a softer bunch in this spot and though he's stuck in the outside slot he does have a little bit of positional foot that could help him secure a good spot early; can't count him out.

Race 9

Sister State

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this isn't a soft spot for her first turf assignment but going to view her in the light of a contender while going out for a very capable turf barn; Saez has won with 16 of 53 (30%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Sharapova Slams

This filly has been in very good form lately and like the idea of her sitting a comfortable ground saving trip just off of the early leaders after breaking from an inside post; she appears to be well meant while getting a rider switch to Castellano.

Glamour N Glory

Multiple stakes placed filly has shown the ability to step up with a performance that is strong enough to make her competitive at this level of competition, and like to see that she's had some success over this turf course, but she has been known to be quite content to settle for a runner-up finish.

Affair Dabbler

Don't like to see how limited she's been in 2013, but she does figure to appreciate getting back over turf for this, and this is the softest turf assignment she's been handed in quite some time; not willing to count her out of it.

Triple Arch

Both of her wins and her career best Beyer Speed Figure have been earned in off-the-turf events racing over dirt surfaces and she will have to step it up over what she's shown in her five turf starts in order to get the job done; Rispoli has won with 11 of 43 (26%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Composition

Stakes placed filly has a good deal of turf on the bottom of her pedigree but she's also had her chances to show us what she's capable of and it does look like a career best effort will be in order if she's to prove to be the one in this spot; respect connections but leaning toward others.

Bold Kitten

Ramsey-owned miss makes her first start for the Maker barn, and if this stakes winning filly performs the way she did three races back at AP, she figures to have a say in the outcome; Rosario has won with 45 of 135 (33%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Medea (IRE)

She hasn't run a bad race in four starts since arriving in America while recording a couple of victories and the third place finisher from her latest race returned to win next out at Aqu on 12/1 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. N1X rivals with an 88 Beyer.

What a Party

She has a lot of early speed to throw at these, and it's certainly tough to argue with anything that she's done in her two most recent races since being placed back over turf, but it is fair to wonder if she owns the ability to carry her speed today's 1 1/16m distance; Lopez has won with 37 of 103 (36%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Creative License

She's become multiple stakes placed in recent starts but she's probably going to need to show up with a performance that earns her a career best Beyer Speed Figure to have a chance at the top spot; prefer to look toward others.

Dreamlicious

In a race where it looks like the winner will earn a Beyer Speed Figure in the mid-80's, this filly has topped out at 79 after 22 starts, and that level of performance hasn't been the norm for her; going to look in another direction.

Wicked Night

She's another in here who carries multiple stakes placed credentials with her, but she also looks like another in here who is going to need to find a way to step it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale in order to see her number posted on top after this one is run.

She's Spooky

If you're looking for the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here, she has it, but she does appear to be more of a need-the-lead type, and with What a Party and Sister State signed on, the shape of this race doesn't figure to favor her.

Vanishing

Stakes placed miss has a strong pedigree for turf, and like to see that she ran well the last time she was entered after taking time off; however, she has to step up her game to get the better of this field; third-place finisher from latest won next out at Lrl on 10/4 going 1m over turf vs. N1X rivals with an 81 Beyer.

Sonja's Angel

There are a few horses in this race who have shown the ability to run well over dirt, but this mare will command her share of respect while getting back over a surface she loves and returning to a barn that she's run well for in the past; winner from latest won next out at Lrl on 10/12 going 1 1/16m vs. starter alw. rivals with a 100 Beyer.

Ceci N Red

Have to respect the fact that she's gotten the job done in half of her six turf starts, and she beat today's rival Composition in her latest outing, but she will have to be ready to take her game to another level to get the better of the top contenders in here.