Gulfstream: Closer Looks for February 17, 2014

Race 1

Nice to Regal

Her recent form has been improved and it wouldn't be any surprise if she was able to turn the tables on Alondra Sky after that one outfinished her in her latest outing; she's not out of the question while dropping in class.

Foxy Exchange

She's a half to minor stakes winner Class of Seventy (18-91, 316k, including 6 of 38 turf starts for 176k) but this miss hasn't finished better than fifth or closer than 8 1/2 lengths to the winner through her first seven starts.

Alondra Sky

She sports the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in this spot, but that level of performance hasn't been the norm for her and she's seeking her first 1-2 finish in her 16th career start; like the early speed she brings with her, and she can be viewed in the light of a contender, it's just tough to place much confidence in her.

Guigue's Miracle

Not wild about the lack of early speed she's shown and she was beaten by a couple of today's rivals in her latest start; feel that a minor award is likely the ceiling.

Sofialeonor

She hasn't finished better than fourth in her four turf starts, but this really doesn't look like a bad spot for her to give turf another try, and she did finish in front of today's rival Alondra Sky in her latest outing.

Boston Garden

Her best finish through her first 14 starts is fifth, and that includes seven starts over turf; even though this is a soft spot, it's tough to envision this filly getting the job done.

Nobody's a Saint

There's a chance that we haven't seen the best she has to offer in her first two starts and it is interesting to see that she attracted wagering support in her career debut; not willing to count her out of it. - Brian Pochman

Race 3

Now Hear This

Cracked the top three in one of his three excursions, which was a distant second behind a winner who came back to have his head handed to him in a $16K seller; trainer has a positive ROI with short-term comebackers, and this one should be used in tri and super wagers.

Bright Promise

The lone filly in the field placed in five of her nine outings, which included a second against males in the slop Jan. 9; the 10-pound bug Sullivan takes over following a rare substandard effort the other day; obviously a must-use on the bottom of exotics.

Spell Breaker

Was beaten nearly 20 lengths at first asking in a $16K contest at Calder, in which he garnered some action at 7-1; trainer scored at a 3% clip with maiden-second-timers over the last five years ($0.33 ROI); trainer/rider duo is 0 for 6 at the meet; doubtful.

Unleash the Talent

Could only manage third at even-money in his lone start here in July, in a short maiden special which has yet to produce a next-out winner; Ward possesses solid numbers pertaining to this situation, and has had ample success when using the bug Davis; arguably the one to fear most.

Devils Peak

Montbrook gelding is halving in price off an improved fourth-place finish in the slop, to where he seemingly belongs; sports several of the highest Beyers in the lineup, and Trujillo knows him better now; contender.

Kid Pichongo

Ended his streak of Beyer donuts when he earned an 8 while finishing up the track in a sloppy sprint at this price Jan. 31; trainer/rider combo is 1 for 32 at the meet; mission impossible. - Ron Gierkink

Race 4

Free as a Bird

This looks like a favorable spot for this mare to make her first start as a 5-year-old, but can't ignore the fact that she's never run in a turf dash like this before; winner from latest won next out at Bel on 10/25 going 7f over turf in a 98k stakes with a 92 Beyer.

The Real McCoy

Like the idea of this late running mare getting a closer-friendly early pace scenario, but it just doesn't look like her best effort is quite strong enough to put pressure on the top contenders in here.

Valverdina

This filly hasn't shown us that she knows how to run a bad race and like to see that she was able to put together a decent performance when she wasn't involved in the early running in her latest outing.

Laser Cat

She was sharp in recording wins in her first two career starts, and not only can she be given the benefit of the doubt for the sloppy surface start two races ago, but she chased an extremely fast early pace before tiring at Tampa in her latest outing.

Taty's Gold

Have to be at least mildly concerned when seeing that her recent form hasn't been anywhere near her best, and you have to go back to September 2012 to find the last time she recorded a victory, but she has run well enough sprinting over turf in the past to suggest that she can't get herself into the mix against these.

What a Party

All three of her starts sprinting over turf since moving into this barn have been sharp performances, and even though there might be something to be said for Lopez piloting the other Plesa-trained runner in here, this mare has to be respected as a contender with Castellano aboard.

Perfect Package

Viewing it as a positive that Lopez lands here and this filly has looked good in both of her turf sprint attempts; she likes to grab the early advantage, but she has shown the ability to tap the brakes from the gate a little bit, and that might prove to be a key for her in a race that looks like it will have a very swift early pace. - Brian Pochman

Race 6

Starship Wildcat

He was a going concern in short turf dashes a year ago but he went off form in the late summer; he could not keep up to Mish Mosh 2 starts ago in the very fast event and last time he was dragged off the pace and did not have clear sailing through the stretch; capable of better but is more for the bottoms of exotics.

Fast Time

Lightly raced 6yo has not been seen in almost 11 months but he was in the thick of the battle many times on this course last winter; note that the winner of his last race was a recent victor in the Gulfstream Turf Sprint; will he be sharp enough off the long layoff? May want to watch once.

Padilla

His grass win came around two turns but he comes off a solid sprint run on the dirt and he may just be better in shorter events; he will wear blinkers for the first time and he continues to work quickly; he meets some multiple winners but can be used in trifecta/superfectas.

Texas Rustler

All 3 of his career wins came in 5 furlong turf dashes and he is a layoff specialist: he has only had 3 races in 1 1/2 years; he was all heart in his win 24 days ago but against tougher one has to think he is going to regress.

Buongiorno Johnny

Canadian gelding is quite a good turf sprinter on the expansive E.P. Taylor grass course at home; he was in a tough spot for his 5yo debut and that group just ran away from him; Contreras knows him but is he quick eough for this field? Might toss him at the bottoms of exotics.

Mish Mosh

His mini winning streak came to an end last time off the short layoff but sheesh, that was a sizzling race from start to finish; 2nd time off the claim and he stays on the grass; jock has ridden a lot of winners for the barn; respect.

Matar

Was a vet scratch on February 2 but shows a fast workout just 3 days later ; that vet scratch came from a $30,000 claiming race; he has only crossed the finish line in front one time and that was in a longer race; watching.

Petey Cramer

Petey missed a lot of time before his Dec. 27 return on dirt; he wasted little time getting a win as he loved returning to the grass and he won the head bob; the 3rd place finisher came back to beat easy rivals as a big favourite in his next race; tougher test.

Harbor Breeze

Just came off a long vacation and he was well beaten and that was one of the worst outings of his career; he would have an advantage over some should the race come off the grass but that return outing was not very exciting. - Jennifer Morrison

Race 7

Dauphine Russe (FR)

She failed to get the job done as a favorite in her latest outing, but she's clearly a good fit at this level of competition, and when seeing what she did racing over turf in France, and it seems likely that we haven't seen the best of her in her two starts since arriving in America.

Sassy Kitten

Have to respect the effort she showed up with in her career debut after attracting a lot of wagering support and it's not going to be a surprise to see her bounce back with a much sharper try while making her first start for the Maker barn; Leparoux has won with 6 of 19 (32%) mounts fo this barn at the current meeting.

Implied

She has run well in her three starts over this turf course, but this is likely going to prove to be a tough step up in class for her after being claimed for 16k from her latest start, especially with this being her first start since early November.

Pyrite Smokin

Maybe there was a time when she was capable of showing up with a competitive performance in a spot like this, but her recent form hasn't been very encouraging, and she's yet to finish 1-2 from 11 starts over this turf course.

Auntie Martha

This filly has a strong turf pedigree and she appears to be heading in the right direction as she gets ready to make the third start of her current form cycle, but she will need a career best effort in order to get over on the top contenders in this one.

Zipso Facto

She earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in her latest outing, but that was against 35k N2L claimers, and she will need to improve over that performance to get the better of this field

Why Katherine

Grade 3 stakes placed mare has the look of a top contender in this spot and it's worth noting how well she performed in three of her four starts over this turf course a year ago; when seeing that a couple of her recent workouts look lively, it might be a good idea to look for her to be ready for her return to action.

Adriani

She ran well over turf after moving into this barn last year, but she has every right to need a race for conditioning purposes while making her first start since the end of June; winner from latest won next out at Sar on 7/24 going 1 1/8m in a 100k stakes with an 88 Beyer.

Apologize

This filly has plenty of turf in her pedigree, and this will only be her third turf attempt, and like to see that a couple of her better performances have been produced since being returned from a layoff in the middle of December; that said, she really has to step up per game to get the better of this field.

Oasis At Midnight

There is a chance that this race will fall apart if it has to be moved to the main track, and even though it will be tough to look past Apologize if that happens, this still looks like a favorable spot for this filly to land in. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Florida Sun

That was a smart debut outing as she broke sharply from a wide post and stayed in the hunt all the way; the 2nd place finisher won next time out in a MSW with a 73 Beyer Figure and the 9th place finisher won for $12,500 claiming; slight class drop to Florida-breds is appealing too; contender.

Harbor the Dream

Was last out of the gate first time out when meeting some of these gals; slightly shorter distance may be okay and she is still working in fast times but others are more interesting.

Harmony Place

Was just 4 to 1 first time out but she had the rail post and was not speedy enough to stay in the early mix; gets blinkers and had some gate practice in a recent workout; a 10-pound apprentice gets a turn; on the edges.

Hello Rosie

Was a few steps slow out of the gate compared the others in her debut; she was quickly clear on the lead, however, and led to early stretch; this is not really a class hike since it is a race for state-breds; big shot.

The Spirit Within

She's very quick: any horse that can be in front on a clear lead at 4 1/2 furlongs is fast; she has had light prepping at Nelson Jones Farm; her last appearance was a bit of a key race; using in exotics.

Remarkable Teresa

She had a solid career opener as she chased hard through the stretch while the runner-up, who is in this race, was on the pace most of the way; slightly shorter trip works; factor.

Sushan

Her sire is just above average as a debut sire at 12%; note that Congrats won 1st time out; the mare's first 2 foals are sprint winners, one won 7 times; like the fact she worked a distance longer than this on Jan. 25.

Discreetly Elusive

High profile stable will have the favourite in the race and she was odds-on 2n time out on the drop to Florida-breds; she has to hurry at this slightly shorter distance but certainly is a main player.

Distinct Diva

By a sire who is 11% with debut winners from starters, about average; the mare was a good one in Canada as she won the 9 furlong Oaks and the 7 furlong Fury Stakes; 7th foal of the mare and she has had 2 minor winners from 3 runners; love the workout times.

My Novena

Just came off a lengthy vacation and she had early trouble in traffic but was just a neck from Teresa at the finish; has another rider change ; on the edges.

Lucasta

Her sire is a bit below average as a debut sire with 3 such winners from 46 runners; the mare won 5 of 39 races and her first 2 foals to race are winners; stablemate of the filly who will be odds-on.

Cajun Sunrise

Did not get away from the gate sharply first time out but she made a gain while wide off the turn and picked up a purse share; the 2nd place finisher was a recent winner with a 73 Beyer Figure; switches to dirt and makes a sideways class move to state-breds; in the exotics.

Signora Gina

She was quick out of the gate first time out but was overpowered on the turn and she held 2nd; she has a cumbersome post position in a competitive event so her task will be much tougher; bottoms of superfectas. - Jennifer Morrison

Race 9

Cozzetti

5yo is winless since his victory in the G3 American Derby in 2012; ran some solid races during that time, but has spent an eternity at this N2X condition; Lanerie retains the mount and is 8 for 43 at the meet for Romans; logical for the bottom of vertical wagers.

Apriority

Couldn't keep up against the mighty Ribo Bobo and co. in the Sunshine Millions Sprint, from which the fourth horse exited to notch an optional starter at Calder with an 88 Beyer; classy 7yo has seen better days--he won the G3 Mr. Prospector in 2011, a stakes in which he ran sixth here in his penultimate start; could get back on track in his first outing ever with a tag.

Plenty Elusive

One-time front-runner rallied for a high placing in each of his two most recent excursions, both at the first allowance class; the capable but unknown Jaen replaces Rosario, which should ensure a square price; the lack of speed in the field could see him closer to the pace than he's been of late.

On the Loose Again

Was in good Calder form before he came up empty in a one-mile optional event here just eight days ago; trainer has a 24% strike-rate first-time off the claim during the past five years ($1.26 ROI); gelding is eligible to improve with a race over the track, and the slight turnback to seven-eighths might be to his benefit.

Duty Blues

Checked in second in a much easier optional claimer Jan. 23, when he was scooped up for $35K by a new Calabrese trainer; win-shy 6yo is stretching out to a distance which he can handle, but figures to be no more than a minor player.

Integrity

4yo has been sidelined since he got drilled in the G1 King's Bishop at Saratoga, and is looking to regroup in an appropriate spot; can fire while fresh, and Brown is one of the best layoff trainers in the business; leading rider Castellano was aboard for his maiden voyage here last winter, and should have him on or near what may be a slow pace; preferred. - Ron Gierkink

Race 10

Underestimate Me

Turns back to sprint after failing to factor in his first start back from 13 months on the shelf; 5 year old did run well over the local sod last season and he's kin to several surface winners; while he could move forward some with his last behind him that possibility might be tempered a bit by the quick return.

Lofty Heart

Moves back to the green over which he didn't run so well 2 starts back; it's apparent he's no longer the promising runner he looked to be in his sharp debut effort 2 seasons back and though he is kin to a couple of turf winners including SW and 121K earner Mimi's Bling, he's got a lot to prove.

Esplendido

Drops in for a tag after a weak effort in the Tampa off the turfer; his prior surface try there wasn't very good but it did come routing and he was decent sprinting over this footing in the past; price will be right for those willing to overlook his current form.

Gerry With a G

New York bred returns from Tampa to turn back to a sprint trip after tiring from his pace efforts going long; gelding was a solid surface sprinter in Illinois last year and maybe the return to this trip helps get him going; he's had his chances but is one to consider.

Iskha

Adds the hood for his first start off this barn's claim and now he'll turn back to sprint; gelding hit the board in each of his 3 one turn surface starts last year and he should have some bottom for the turn back to this trip; worth a good look in a moderate field.

Upswell

Tried MSWs first time out at Saratoga a couple of summers back and had very little to offer in that dirt heat; gelding shows up for the first time since that day for a cheap tag while trying the lawn off a series of moderate surface breezes; sire does get about 13% winners from his first time turfers but the SP dam was winless from 5 turf starts prior to dropping one foal who tried the green and was off the board in both starts over the footing.

So Royal

She's back in for a tag after getting caught in a wide spot from the outside draw in her first start in 4 months; filly will tackle the boys here, but she draws a little better and though she'll face a quick pace foe should get to show some of her lick in this spot; she's had her stamina issues but may be able to last for a share.

Tangible Assets

Tries the green for the initial time after showing little late in his first start since last summer on Friday; don't know that they'll turn him around this quickly and his sire gets less than 5% winners from his initial surface starters; dam was winless from 5 turf starts and his lone sib to race was 0 for 2 on the green.

I Want the Roses

Moves to an outside draw after showing solid early lick through quick splits in her 2 local starts this season; she's another trying males here but she ran quite well against them when second at the level 2 starts back and she'll get a big weight break with the triple bug named; fellow female in the heat also has a nice early turn of foot but it looks like they'll have her to run down.

Classy

Sire is 5 for 28 with his overall debut runners and 1 for 16 with his initial turf starters; dam was 2 for 3 sprinting in her career but never tried the lawn prior to dropping winners from each of her 2 foals to race including SP, 145K earner Cherry On the Top who won 4 times on the green as well as 3 main track sprints; barn hasn't had a lot of luck with recent newcomers, but they are capable of having one ready to fire right out of the box. - Steve Grabowski