Gulfstream: Closer Looks for February 15, 2014

Race 2

When We Act

She's by a top turf sire, but not wild about what she's shown in her first four starts, and that includes a couple of turf starts in her most recent races; prefer to keep looking around in here.

Addar

She has plenty of turf in her pedigree and she might appreciate the slight turn back in distance for this; if she can find her way back to one of her better efforts from 2013, she'll have a say in the outcome.

My Mom Santina

Sire wins with approximately 22% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; she showed a little something in her career debut, and not only was that race originally schedule for turf, but she's by a strong turf sire.

Saratoga Karaoke

A little concerned that she wasn't a bit sharper off of a layoff in her latest outing, but she did run comparatively well the first two times she raced over turf, and this will be the first time she's performed over turf in the maiden claiming ranks.

Bullheaded Lady

Sire is 0-for-5 with his turf starters, and during his career he was multiple G1 stakes placed while winning 9 of 20 starts for $2.3 million, and he didn't make a turf start; this is the first foal from a dam who won 15 of 48 starts for 345k, including 0-for-1 over turf; she exits the Walder barn but her career debut was encouraging and she retains the services of Rosario.

Thinkofyou

Not wild about what she's shown so far, but she deserves another chance to see what she can do over turf after a poor start compromised her chances in her turf debut in her latest outing; runner up from latest won next out here on 2/12 going 5f over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 73 Beyer.

Siyawe

Half-sister to multiple graded stakes placed Eighteenth of March (11-50, 278k, including 5 of 23 turf starts for 131k) earned her first top-three finish in her latest start but she will need to step it up over that performance to prove to be the one in this spot.

Top Notch Blue

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his first-time starters and with approximately 8% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; interesting to see Prado take the call, and this really isn't a bad spot to take a shot with a firster.

Secret Fascination

She's shown enough in her three turf starts to be given a competitive look against these and the third-place finisher from her latest race returned to win next out here on 2/12 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 25k MCL's with a 61 Beyer.

Midnight Bliss

Sire wins with approximately 8% of his first-time starters and with approximately 8% of his turf starters, and multiple stakes winning dam won 5 of 20 starts for 257k, including 2 of 11 turf starts for 142k; 80k purchase makes her career debut for a high win percentage outfit, and Chamafi has had success riding for this barn. - Brian Pochman

Race 3

Capital City

Got bounced around at the break before a bounce-like performance in a recent optional claimer; can rebound in this slightly easier spot under Prado, who was aboard when he put up a career high 83 Beyer off a layoff in a tough optional event Dec. 14; possible for the bottom of vertical wagers.

Katz My Song

Ran cold and hot in his two outings since being claimed for $6.25K here in late December; relished the slop when he led most of the way to take a recent $12.5K tilt for NW3 or non-winners in the previous six months; only merits serious consideration if the track contains some moisture.

Chief Carlson

Got drilled in his debut for Dibona, who has a good 24% strike-rate second-time off the claim during the last five years ($1.85 ROI); 5yo is dropping in price while going from conditioned to open $25K company, and is probably in too deep with these.

De Price

Crushed $12.5K conditioned opposition following a five-month absence nearly six weeks ago; veteran is meeting much tougher here off the claim by a trainer who won at a 15% clip first-time off the halter switch over the past five years ($1.28 ROI); horse-for-course finished second in a third of his starts, and can make his presence known.

Be Brave

Trainer Farro scored at an 8% rate first-time off the claim at Gulfsteam going back five years ($1.35 RO); gelding is dropping off a fourth in an optional claimer, and top jock Castellano is sticking with him; returning on short rest is a bit of a concern, but he's definitely in with a shot.

My Charming Clyde

Classy 7yo was stakes-placed at 3 and 5, and this is his fourth stint for the productive Ness barn; 14-time winner notched a recent seven-furlong sprint at this price in the slop at Tampa, receiving an 81 Beyer in the process; Clyde won here going six and a half in 2010, and should be in the thick of the battle; trainer/rider combo is 4 for 13 at the meet. - Ron Gierkink

Race 4

Jamie's Catch

The freshening helped this filly as she ran the best race of her career last month when a rallying fourth; she may be compromised by rail position now as well as the lack of a strong early pace; cannot vote for the top spot.

Denim N Pearls

Beginner was sired by Montbrook who won a pair of G3 stakes and 373K (his offspring have scored in 62 out of 604 debuts); the dam won 2 of 9 attempts and 269K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Kikiy's Toni

One of the most consistent performers in the field, she was game to capture the place in the last run; she earned some strong comparative Beyers at the beginning of her career as well; obvious true contender today but far less appealing odds.

Felicidades

Used up in a pace battle in her last route attempt, she faded by the half-mile pole; should appreciate this turnback in distance (she went off as the 3 to 2 choice in her last sprint assignment); the early fractions in this event should be ordinary.

Benne First Baby

Stayed within range a long way in her first try going a mile; previous placing was noteworthy as she might have been best if not for a slow beginning; blinker addition has certainly helped her move forward; appears to have legit money chances today.

Harbor Mistress

Beaten choice gained some ground after the fact in her last run and did not have a smooth getaway that day; makes only her second try at this low level and the return to six furlongs should help matters; should offer better odds now.

Dunkirk's Best

Maiden voyage was a solid second against similar company; her sire won 2 of 5 and 393K and was G1 stakes-placed; the dam won 1 of 4 and 12K; among the winning siblings is 38K earner Peekytoes; looks like a cozy fit against this crew.

Formal Quality

Flashed improved early speed in her last assignment but endurance issues certainly remain; has been clearly beaten by some of these same foes in recent efforts and seems up against it once again; cannot endorse at this time.

Gladis True Love

Did not seem to handle the turf last month after being bet down to 4 to 1; her sire won 5 of 19 and 481K; the dam won 1 of 9 attempts and 44K; sib to 121K earner Jan Telmo; drops significantly today and should fare better. - Jim Kachulis

Race 5

Quinnkat

Stakes-placed at today's distance on CRC dirt in October with a field-best Beyer speed figure attached; if she could repeat that effort the rest may be racing for 2nd money; the winner and runner-up finisher from last Beyered 77-76 in next-out TAM-66K stakes and GP-MSW wins; the 2-back show finisher graduated next out in GP-MSW with a 73 Beyer; the 3-back runner-up scored next-out in GP-optional claimer with a 79 speed figure.

Lucky for You

Favored in both losses fading at shorter distances; she projects as a major-pace presence for this; worked better prior to her other 2 in-the-money losses than for today's start; any runner loose on an easy lead has every chance to go all the way; hopes to fend off Quilt from the gate then keep on going to make amends.

She's Justified

Has not raced past 5.5F yet; Grade 1-stakes winning sire at 9F on dirt; dam's lone win was at 8.5F on dirt; some runners wakeup dramatically 2nd-time out; was screaming out for more yardage in the debut and gets it here; wish the trainer yielded better than 8% winners sprint-to-route since 2013.

Mei Ling

Another who gets her longest-distance test ever for this; wish she did not fade 2-back at shorter but in latest was gaining ground; a well-timed ride is needed for a high-percentage fresh trainer; the debur runner-up finisher 82 in a next-out BEL-MSW win.

Lollobrigida

Debut rider sides with Lucky for You; not much in the wet-main track unveiling stalking the pace then fading badly; barn has been superb winning with 2nd-time maiden starters since 2013 at 33% suggesting an improved effort is on the way today.

D' Orsay

Some runners improve dramatically 2nd-time out and she plenty of room to move forward; adds Lasix after breaking slowly then finishing nowhere racing to the 52-1 debut odds; latest workout was one of his her best ever but still has plenty to prove.

Quilt

Projects to battle Lucky for You for the lead; she has not raced past 6F yet; sire was a Grade 2-SW at 9F; dam was unraced; super-long layoff trainer does not fare nearly as well with 1st-blinkered starters (2-for-31 since 2013); working like she will fire a big race but the added 2.5F is a big question mark; view as a pace presence. - Art Gropper

Race 6

Unikat

Sire gets about 15% winners from his first out runners overall and is 9 for 49 (18%) with his initial turf runners; he's the first foal to race out of a limited winning dam who ran just 3 times and was G1 SP overseas; his most recent gate breeze was improved and the barn boasts nice numbers right out of the box.

Part

Sire gets 10% debut winners and 12% first surface winners from his offspring; dam was a SW main track sprinter and 165K earner whose other foal to race was limited sprint winner Ration who was 0 for 1 on the green; worktab is steady but the barn isn't known for its work with newcomers.

Charge Now

Sire gets 7% winners with both his initial turf starters and overall debut runners; dam won 3 times on the main track including 1 route prior to dropping 4 winners including G3 SW router and 386K earner Brethren who was off the board in both turf tries and G1 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver who banked nearly 1.9 million while never stepping on the green; barn has been better of late with its debut runners and a top pilot does take the call.

Rico Rolando

Sire gets 12% debut winners from his offspring and 13% first turf winners; he's the first foal to race out of a turf G3 SP dam who banked 124K; he didn't go for much at auction and his recent drills aren't particularly quick; barn's been on a poor run with its firsters.

Private Relations

Sire gets 10% first out winners and 13% first time surface winners from his runners; dam was a limited route winner who finished off the board in her lone turf try; lone sib was a limited sprint winner who never tried routing or the green; colt went for 325K at auction as a yearling and he has been working on the green for a while now; gets a top pilot for his unveiling.

Rompin Reid

Didn't have much of a say in his initial route spin, but this guy did earn a solid number while up the track in that one; barn hasn't done much of late with its initial turf starters and this guy's G1 SP, G2 SW dam never tried the lawn prior to dropping foals who were a combined 0 for 3 over the stuff.

Big Island Boy

Didn't offer much more in his turf debut that he did in the poor sprint unveiling in the fall at Churchill; gray goes for a barn that moves them up second back from the break and he has been working better on the Palm Meadows green for his second try over the footing; dam dropped SP turf winner Belle Evangeline.

H Town Brown

Goes first time for a new outfit while moving to the lawn off 3 straight runner up finishes to begin his career; colt brings speed to the table and should be prominent from the bell with a top pilot getting aboard; his sire is 8 for 55 with his first time turfers and the dam did hit the board twice in 3 surface tries prior to dropping a pretty good one in multiple G2 SW dirt sprinter and 686K earner D'Funnybone; may have to be run down.

Dance Champion

Outside drawn colt ran well for a newcomer chasing a tepid clip at a 2 turn trip first time out on the local lawn; he's had some time to get over the effort and a sharp turf pilot returns for a barn that does well with its second out runners; with a good surface try under his belt he owns an edge over his foes and his dam did go on to take a G3 turf stake while banking 586K in her career so this guy has a right to take a good step forward; one to beat. - Steve Grabowski

Race 7

Highrate

He had a high rate of speed out of the gate in that debut last summer, dueling through torrid fractions with the eventual winner; the 2nd place finisher came back to win his maiden with a 91 Beyer and gain a big reputation and 3rd placed colt won with a 79 Beyer next time out; this guy had a lot of time off (he was wobbly through the stretch) but his prep times have been smart; layoff and longer distance are questions.

Victory Nor Defeat

Had a long, low and smooth stride when he worked 3 furlongs in a rapid :34.40 for that 2yo sale in Maryland last spring; he is by a sire who is above average at 15% as a debut sire; mare was graded stakes placed and precocious; this is a half brother to 3 runners, all modest winner; barn's overall record with debut runners is solid although last FTS winner was back in August; lures big name jock.

Athens

Cost a bundle at auction and he looks like one who is going to go forward off that learning debut outing; he hopped at the start and broke slowly, as did the eventual winner; half brother to graded stakes winning speedster Pomeroy likely had his new blinkers on for that sizzling Tuesday workout, maybe the Jan. 28 move too; Mott is 3% with blinkers on 2nd time starters in last 5 years but we are expecting big things.

Hallowed

He debuted on New Year's day and chased the pace wide but faded; the 3rd place finisher came back to win his maiden in style while this guy came back with some very strong workout times; trainer is just 3% with 2nd time starters-winners in last 5 years.

Yap Yap Yap

January foal is by a Belmont Stakes winner who is just above average as a debut sire at 12%; 2nd foal of an unraced mare; barn not known for the beginners coming out roaring.

Mettlesome

Bred by the owner, he is by a high class sire who is a super 72 with 501 with debut winners from starters; his dam was a Grade 1 winner and her first foaled was placed twice in three races; trainer had a debut winning 3yo filly recently (West Coast Girl).

Maddy Bird

Has had more experience than any of these but only his debut outing was a race to take note of; he turns back and switched back to the dirt; from a powerful family of Weekend Surprise (A.P. Indy and others) but he has work to do yet.

C J's Awesome

His sire is a strong 16% with debut winners from starters; the mare was graded stakes placed on the dirt and a 2-time winner in 7 races; 1st foal for the dam and he has any number of rapid workout times; the gate workout on Feb. 2 was just a shade slower than a similar 5 furlong gate prep by Wednesday's winning 1ster Talon's of Tuscany; respect. - Jennifer Morrison

Race 8

Aigue Marine (GB)

After a couple of good looking performances in her first two starts in America, this mare has been disappointing in her two most recent races, and she was beaten by a couple of today's rivals in her latest outing; this barn is capable of getting one turned around after taking some time off, and this isn't a bad spot for her first start of 2014.

Left a Message

Stakes winning miss is clearly capable of a sharper performance than what she showed up with after a layoff in her latest outing and the assignment of Castellano might be a reason to believe that her connections are looking for her to bounce back with a much better showing this time around.

Seanchai

She appears to be the weaker of the two Proctor-trained horses in here, and after struggling against optional claimers in her latest outing, this has to be considered a tough step up in class for her; perhaps she's signed on with the idea of providing some early pace for her late running stablemate.

Dame Marie

She's been a pretty consistent performer and she's a multiple winner over this turf course, but not wild about what she's shown against graded stakes competition in the past, and today's 1 3/8m distance might not agree with her.

Preferential (GB)

Her form racing overseas prior to arriving in America was solid, and it was nice to see her form take a turn for the better in her two most recent races after a few sub par performances; it looks like she's been doing some fine work in the a.m. in preparation for this, so going to look for her to give a good account of herself against these.

Inimitable Romanee

She surprised a field when leading six rivals throughout in a G3 score when last seen, but that was easily the sharpest performance of her career, and she will need to do better than that to get the job done in this spot; she's been her own worst enemy at times by being a difficult horse to ride, and she can't afford to act up for even a few strides against this solid bunch.

Anjaz

Grade 2 stakes placed mare has every bit the look of a top contender in here and the third-place finisher from her latest race returned to win next out at KD on 9/7 going 1 5/16m over turf vs. 153k stakes with a 93 Beyer; note the rider switch as Lezcano has had success riding for this barn.

Viva Rafaela (BRZ)

She's yet to run a race from four starts in America that is strong enough to suggest that she can get the better of this field, but she does go out for Pletcher and Velazquez, and she does figure to be invovled in the running early on. - Brian Pochman

Race 9

Decaf Again

Only race at today's distance was April, 2010, finishing 2nd on GP dirt in an optional claimer; 0-for-6 record since a wet-main track win over much lesser; January, 2009, a Mile GP grass win accounted for his lone victory over today's turf course scoring in a 50K claimer; May, 2011, field-best Beyer speed figure was posted at 8.5F on fast dirt.

Sky Masterson

Today marks the longest-distance test of his career; finished 6th twice at 11F and 11.5F on GP turf December, 2012, and January, '13 in 30K-claiming and OPC defeats; the 3-back winner repeated in a GP-16K claimer with an 85 Beyer.

Transcend

Seems the one to catch never racing longer than 9F during career; exits a career-best speed figure when dueling for the lead; the winner from last repeated in a GP-Grade 1 event with a 98 Beyer; beat the 4th-place finisher from last who Beyered 82 in his next-out GP-50K-claiming win.

Cinnamon Beach

Longest-distance test ever today while 3 back traveling 11F was a dull effort defeated by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 89-88 in 2 next-out GP-OPC wins; the 2-back winner and show finisher Beyered 85-68 in next-out AQU-35K-20K-claiming wins.

Gold Former

His best speed figure was accomplished on a less-than-firm turf course; is another who tackles 12F for the 1st time; latest is his longest stamina test ever when outrun throughout; the 2-back winner repeated in a HAW-OPC with a 95 Beyer.

Hurricane Elvis

Was screaming out for more distance in last and gets it here; main concern is a bounce chance posting a career-best Beyer speed figure for his return to GP grass off a 48-day layoff and is back in just 14 days for this; last turf win was at today's marathon distance.

Franklinpark

Makes his 1st start beyond 9F; was also entered Friday in a lesser-stater alw.-optional claimer at 1Mile on GP grass; outsider off latest 14-length loss vs. Hurricane Elvis; last win on wet turf; exits his lowest Beyer since January, 2013, when racing on GP dirt.

Serious Indeed

Raced on the lead in last and figures to be a major-pace presence today; he was also entered Friday in a lesser-stater alw.-optional claimer at 1Mile on GP grass; the 2-back winner repeated in a WO-Grade 3 stakes with an 88 Beyer.

Lumberyard Jack

SA-OPC winner at 12F on grass April, 2012; not a great sign that his 1st race off the claim represents his lowest Beyer since October, 2012; beat the 2-back show runner who Beyered 80 in his next-out SA-50K-claiming victory; July-near-miss finish on DMR grass at 11F represents a co-field-best Beyer speed figure.

Big N Perfect

Just one start during career giving away tons of experience to all of these; shocked the world in the Mile-unveiling upset at 4F shorter than this; the runner-up from last Beyered 43 finishing 5th in his next-out CD-30K-maiden-claiming loss; the show runner Beyered 69 in a 4th-place next-out finish in a CD-MSW loss.

Wings of Fortune

The winner from last repeated in a GP-OPC with an 88 Beyer; beat the show and 4th-place finishers from last; they Beyered 89-88 in their next-out GP-OPC wins; one year ago posted a co-field-best speed figure was on FG dirt at 8.5F; the 2-back winner repeated in a CD-OPC with a 93 Beyer. - Art Gropper

Race 10

Suntracer

Like the idea of this multiple stakes winner getting back over turf for this after running in a couple of off-the-turf events, and he's run races at marathon distances over turf in the past to suggest that he can produce a competitive performance against these.

Dashing David (IRE)

Respect that fact that he has a nice pedigree for turf, but his form racing overseas appears to be so-so at best, and this looks like an extremely tough assignment for his first start in America; note that this barn has been quiet at this meeting.

Mucho Mas Macho

Late running type looks like more of an outsider in this spot, but he showed the ability to outrun his odds when winning a G2 over this turf course to begin his 4-year-old season; regardless, prefer to look toward others.

Slumber (GB)

His two wins in this country were very sharp performances and feel that his latest race after a layoff can be viewed in a positive light when considering the slow early pace that he was trying to rally into; this looks like a realistic spot for him to make a serious bid at his first graded stakes score.

Bingo Bango Bongo

He's going to need to show up with a performance that is much strong than anything he's done in his 19 turf starts to have a say in the outcome, but he does own enough early speed to play a role in the way that this race shapes up.

Twilight Eclipse

Multiple graded stakes winner laughed at seven rivals in an off-the-turf event when last seen, and not only has his overall turf form been very strong, but one of the sharpest performances of his career was run in earning a G2 over this turf course; must respect.

Amen Kitten

His complete lack of early speed can't be ignored, but he did finish his 3-year-old season on a high note while capturing a G1 stakes placing; runner up from latest won next out at Hou in a G3 going 1 1/8m over turf with a 95 Beyer, and the 4th finisher from that race, Gervinho, won next out at SA on 12/26 going 1m over turf in a G2 with a 94 Beyer.

Cozy Kitten

Multiple graded stakes placed performer ran his better races early on in his career for the Ramsey's and trainer Wesley Ward, and even though he has regained some of his better form lately, the move back in with graded stakes competition might prove to be tough on him.

Alpha

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and he's 5-for-134 (4%) with his starters trying turf for the first time, and dam won once from four starts for 25k racing overseas; multiple G1 winner has some strong form on his card to consider, but he does have to prove that he can handle the transistion to turf.

Micromanage

If this race has to be moved to the main track, it will be tough to look past Alpha, but this can still prove to be a decent spot for this stakes winner to land in; Repole-owned colt will clearly have a chance at landing a solid share of the prize. - Brian Pochman