Gulfstream: Closer Looks for February 2, 2014

Race 1

Mr. Besilu

Rested since a fair showing on the turf in his September getaway race at Monmouth; began his career at this straightaway mile setting but failed to get untracked; shows a steady regimen of works over the Payson strip; puzzling item.

Siete C

Despite the lower Beyer, the race 3 back is of interest as he was part of the pace picture where the second quarter-mile of that event was faster than the first; should be within striking range under expert rider but will be a mighty short price once again.

Mio d'Oro

On the shelf since setting the pace over a tiring grass course at Saratoga; sired by a top-notch G1 performer over the main, this colt breezed in vastly improved fashion last week and may prove tough to reel in; betting value should be there.

Coin Broker

Exits a useful effort which followed a vacation of more than a year; he is bred to handle the extension in distance; his sire won the G1 Wood Memorial and 557K; the dam went 2 for 11 earning 36K: winning sibs include 143K earner Ramson Demanded, a 3-time dirt sprint victor.

Suspicious

Began his career at this oval and he went to post at only 5 to 1 that day in a large field; ran into a very strong group in that November affair at Laurel and encountered trouble in his sole try at a mile; unlucky colt could break through at a price.

Lincoln Law

Although he failed to hit the board in his local debut; that race featured some sharp early fractions and could set him up ideally on this stretchout, his first attempt going long; noteworthy breeze on the morning of 1/21 is a big plus.

No Its Not

Steady check earner was a game second in his recent run but that was when dropping into the claiming realm for the first time; has no route experience on the main oval but the blinker introduction seemed to help a lot; difficult call overall. - Jim Kachulis

Race 4

Rose Brier

His most recent race was one of the sharper performances of his career and like to see the way that this gelding has shown the ability to adapt to any early pace scenario; however, he can't afford to even take a small step backward while stepping up in class for this.

Presumptive

Connections alone make this gelding tough to ignore and feel that he's eligible to be primed to give a good account of himself after a useful performance in his first start back from a layoff in his latest outing; his late running style makes him vulnerable to a slow early pace but he's clearly a solid fit at this level of competition.

Symphony Forty One

Majestic Warrior has been a poor influence as a turf sire and it doesn't appear that this gelding is quite capable of producing a performance that is strong enough to get the better of the top contenders in this spot; note the presence of Lopez aboard another in here.

Master Achievement

Early speed type has been a consistent performer racing over turf while winning five of 16 starts, including two of six over this turf course, but he's probably going to need to rediscover the form that he showed back in 2012 to have a chance at getting the job done against these.

Playing a Joke

12-time winner will find himself in a favorable spot if this race has to be taken off the turf and like to see that he's recorded wins in four of eight starts over the main track here; he's eligible to be ready to give a good account of himself while making his second start back from a layoff.

All Knight

Like what he did in three consecutive starts over this turf course prior to shipping to Calder for his latest outing, and he looks like a decent fit at this level of competition; however, he does need to be careful to avoid falling too far out of it through the opening stages.

Workin for Hops

Multiple graded stakes winner put together a fine effort in his most recent outing while making his second start back from a layoff, and that level of performance can play well in this spot; obviously his best days are behind him, but he still commands respect against competition of this caliber.

Red Hills

He's one of two signed on Main Track Only in this event and this veteran has shown the ability to produce a pretty sharp performance on his best day; that said, he must bounce back from a string of sub par performances to come out on top in this one.

Midnite Silver

Tough veteran came up a little bit short in his most recent start when sent to post as a favorite but that was clearly a step in the right direction for his second start back from a layoff; he's capable in a spot like this on his best day and like to see Lopez land here.

Days Ride

Don't like to see that he hasn't recorded a victory racing over turf, but three of his four turf starts have been pretty decent performances; not going to put him at the top of the list, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him sneak his way into a spot underneath in the exotics. - Brian Pochman

Race 5

Bear's Big Boy

Raced on the lead 2-back but broke slowly in last; the gate break is vital because he projects to own the best-early zip in a paceless event; would likley have to outbreak Really Sharp then hold off the closers; the trainer's 1-for-22 turf-to-dirt record since 2013 does not add to the appeal.

Really Sharp

Benefits from a paceless event as Bear's Big Boy is the only other one with any gate speed signed on; 1 year exactly since his Grade 2 loss over the track; the trainer is 2-for-7 since 2013 with long-absentee runners as this is his easiest spot since September, 2012; the 3-back winner repeated in a BHP-Grade 1 stakes with a 92 Beyer speed figure.

Be Brave

Exits his lowest speed figure since March; super-fresh trainer adds to the appeal although he was far off best form in latest key-race loss; the show, 5th and 7th-place finishers from last Beyered 91-68-68 in next-out CRC-optional-claiming-GP-AQU-$12,500-claiming wins; his PRM-July 6 show finish saw him finish right behind the runner-up who Beyered 80-72 in 2 next-out $12,500-10K-claiming wins; the December, 2012, field-best Beyer was posted over a sloppy-race track at today's distance.

Coolusive

The trainer is 1-for-12 since 2013 with long-absentee starters; the good news is both wins occurred off layoffs including his GP-maiden-claiming victory at today's distance; beat the 2-back show runner who Beyered 79 in his next-out MTH-optional-claiming win.

Squadron A

The 4-0-0-0 GP-dirt record is not easy take coming off the bench to lose a decision vs. Red Hot Randy who follows him here; appeared to be screaming out for more distance in last but cuts back a half furlong for this; in his 7F-CD-graduation he beat the runner-up finisher who Beyered 82 in his next-out CD-MSW win.

Red Hot Randy

Clearly the 1-for-17 record with 7 minor awards suggests he often races well in defeat; saved best Beyer for last when just missing at longer; getting up in time is the lone issue; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 106 in his next-out CRC-65K stakes win; wish we saw a lot more pace signed on here for him to rally into.

Imperial Czar

Clearly has been best at CRC posting a career-best Beyer for latest there; is 1-for-14 on GP dirt making his 1st start here since a stakes loss at longer; GP win was April, 2012, at 8.5F in a starter alw. on dirt; did not fire best fresh at 6F two races back so today will be taking a wait and see approach. - Art Gropper

Race 6

Ambitious

Will be returning to the main track if the rain in the forecast continues (races were off the grass late last week); impeccably bred gal actually had her better placings on turf but the breeding for dirt, even wet dirt, is there; may be slowly getting the hang of things.

Magnolia Lane

Her sire is about 10% with turf debut winners from starters and the classy dam won $746K in her career and $144K of it was on turf from 2 wins; have not seen her since last spring when a neck from 3rd place in a Polytrack event; has had steady breezes at Payson for trainer who is 16% winning with >180 day layoff runners in last 5 years; using in exotics on either surface.

In His Kiss

Exits the same race as a couple of others and she was one-paced while the winner rallied up the rail; blinkers may inject a bit more early interest into her approach and barn has a solid rate of winning with 2nd time starters off the intermediate layoff; has breeding for the main track also; will use in trifectas.

Tenleytown

Her sire is average as an overall debut sire and he is a low percentage grass sire according to DRF stats; the dam was a Grade 2 winner on the grass at Woodbine and this is her first foal; trainer is 12% winning with debut runners in last 5 years.

Painted Paradise

That was a solid return outing off the one year layoff as she galloped along on the lead and hung tough late but the winner surprised her up the rail; came back with an easy breeze for a stable that has been on a roll of late; a logical contender on the grass and she does have some main track breeding, in particular for a wet track.

Everything Matters

She is by a well known grass sire who is 52 for 444 with turf debut winners from starters; her dam raced just once, on turf, and was unplaced and this is her first foal; had a speedy, final prep at Payson but let's watch her off the long layoff.

Atlantic Dream

Has been in a position to win a few tines but her habit of losing ground when it counts has cost her; she was a lukewarm choice in her GP return on yielding grass and she led late; barn's go-to rider is back from injury to give her a try at a slightly shorter distance; overdue for the win but can be used in exotics.

Gold Empire

Had a long layoff before returning on the yielding grass and she made a late-race bid before stalling; should be able to go forward with that race under her belt and note that she also handled a wet main track back in 2012; may appreciate the slightly shorter distance; worth a look.

Town Tour

Stretches out to 2 turns for the first time so look for her to be on the pace in this 3rd race off the layoff; her latest seemed to simply go too quickly for her and she tried to rally; needs to save something for the late stages but can be in the picture on either surface.

Too Good to B True

Just came back from a vacation and she finished mildly in the race where Painted Paradise set the pace and just failed to hold on; like others, she has lacked that needed finishing kick; Saez is on another; on the edges.

Best Try

Homebred had a nice debut outing as she closed a gap in the stretch run and that was a quickly run affair; she's had 5 workouts since then including a speedy move on the dirt on Jan. 15;looks like a promising one who rates as a contender.

Treasured

Came to life on the grass in New York last summer but in 2 races she had the lead late in the race; she has been busy in the mornings with any number of smart workout times and while barn's recent stats with long layoff runners is light, she did run well in July off a break; consider in bets.

Zuma Moon

Her sire is 10% with turf debut winners from starters and the dam was a 2-time winner on the main track; this is a half sister to many dirt sprinters but one, a Holy Bull offspring, was 3 for 3 on the grass; on turf she will start from a wide post; watching. - Jennifer Morrison

Race 7

Clearbrook

She's by a strong turf sire and she's out of a stakes winning dam who won 4 of 12 turf starts for 158k, and based on what she showed us in her first three career starts racing over turf, it's probably a good idea to respect her chances as she gets back over turf for this; a top turf barn and rider help add further appeal.

Exclude (GB)

It looks like she ran a nice race in her career debut at a demanding distance when getting the better of 13 rivals, but that was over a synthetic surface, and she hasn't made much of an impression in her two turf attempts; this miss is a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes winner Exhi (6-16, 807k, including 1 of 4 turf starts for 33k).

Stick to Your Guns

Her form took a noticeable turn for the better when placed over turf last year but she is going to need to step up with the sharpest performance of her career while making her first start since August in order to threaten the top contenders in this one; third place finisher from latest returned to win next out at Sar on 8/28 going 1m over turf vs. 35k OPC's with a 76 Beyer.

Kitty Wine

She ran some very nice races over turf as a 3-year-old, and after sitting out her entire 4-year-old season, she showed up with a fine effort in her 5-year-old racing debut; veiwing it as a positive that she's returning to action on normal rest and going to look for her to give a good account of herself against these.

Satisfaction

Maybe it's a concern to see that she's making only her second career start as a 4-year-old, but she was a sharp winner in her career debut, and she's a 1/2 to G1 winner Dancing Forever (5-22, 901k over turf); she commands her share of respect with Castellano at the controls.

Broomsage

She's minor stakes placed racing over dirt, but not only will she need to step up with a much improved performance to threaten the top contenders in here, but her turf debut in her latest outing wasn't a positive showing.

Naples Gold

She ran a big race to get the job done in her career debut after breaking from an outside post and it's interesting to see that she's making her first start for a top turf barn that does well with new acquisitions; Like Satisfaction, she's a 4-year-old making only her second career start, but she has to be respected as a contender.

Starship Pleasant

She's the only one in here with three wins next to her name, but she's earned her better Beyer Speed Figures racing over dirt, and her two most recent races haven't been a couple of her better performances; feel that a minor award is likely the ceiling.

Carmelita

Her starts over turf in the maiden ranks were pretty decent performances, but not all that wild about what she's shown us in her three attempts against winners, and it would've been nice to have seen her show a little bit more while making her first start back from a layoff in her latest outing.

Minx

Not looking at this as being an easy spot for her to meet up with winners for the first time, but she was much improved while trying turf for only the second time in her latest outing, and perhaps this half-sister to multiple stakes placed Colonel Rutledge (5-12, 160k, including 3 of 5 turf starst for 65k) still has more to show us. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Grand Tito

Newly turned 4yo is a versatile colt who has won on this course; he has been dabbling in some stakes attempts recently but seems to be a cut below top runners and perhaps a bit shy of the talent of some of these; should the race be moved to a wet main track, all the better for him.

A P Elvis

Older gelding has never been past 7 furlongs (he tackled that distance early in his career) but as a deep closer in short races, deserves a shot at the trip; this will be his 2nd race off the layoff and he is offered for the high claiming price; leaning to others.

Exothermic

Lightly raced 5yo has only been on the grass and he is returns to a non-stakes event after a troubled outing at Calder; loves this distance and has some upside but a wet grass course and/or main track would be a question; include him in exotics.

Hard Enough

Loved the Monmouth turf last summer as he won a pair of 3yo stakes races and he comes off a well earned vacation one of his favourite riders is back on board after plenty of GP prepping; since he is meeting a tough group of older runners, let's give him a race off the layoff.

Excaper

Talented 5yo has not been the luckiest of runners in his career but he has acquitted himself well in some tough situations; after tackling the mighty Wise Dan in the Woodbine Mile, he had a very troubled run in the Nearctic as crowding led to a horse running into his hind end; note that the Nearctic produced 4 next out winners including graded SW Bear No Joke (7th) and SW's Phil's Dream (contender for Horse of the Year in Canada) and Mr. Online; respect.

Humble and Hungry

He has not seen a lot of action in the last 2 seasons but took a conditioned allowance win on a less-than-firm course in the summer; he comes off a short vacation for his first GP run and he has had any number of big workout times; graded SW still has some appeal.

Hakama

Seemed to get caught up in a hot pace last time in an off-the-turf event and it had been a while since he had used that kind of style; he has won on turf but but can handle any kind of surface it appears and it is best to just ignore that last run; sharp workout time on Jan., 23 is intriguing.

Nine O Wonderful

He's a confirmed turf miler who has done his best running in New York but his return to GP was quite okay; he had to check off heels into the first turn of that outing and lost some ground but he rallied well behind the soft early pace; steady string of Beyer Figures in the 90s make him easy to like.

Sky Blazer

Has never had blinkers on in 22 races so this will be something new; he almost never leaves the stakes ranks and he sure had enough of the tough Imagining in New York last fall; his last win was in May of 2012 and he does seem to be better with a bit more ground; on the edges.

Tiz Sardonic Joe

Graded stakes placed horse comes off a lengthy vacation for his 4th different trainer and the Ward barn has been rolling at the meeting; he is an ace miler and has won on this course plus the competition is reachable; sharp workout times plus Desormeaux make for an appealing picture.

Seal Cove

Classy gelding loves to win races and while he does not race much each season, he almost always runs well off layoffs; he handles less-than-firm turf courses should the rains make the course soggy; not an easy field as there figures to be traffic but he should be rolling late for a high placing.

Strike One

Might be in this race in the hopes of the event being moved to the main track since he has only had one grass outing and not much happened; he ran hard in his return from a layoff in November and then may have regressed a bit in the tough Hal's Hope; looking at him as a player if the race is moved to the main track.

Unbridled Ocean

Two years ago he was a winner on this course over Nine O Wonderful and after a trip to Dubai, he missed 10 months; his return outing was washed off the grass and he wallowed in the back of the pack; hard to get a gauge on him just yet so just observe.

Princedargent (FR)

French-bred has won at three different distances on the turf and many times, he has been a front runner in his events; he was off form in the fall and will be adding Lasix for his North American debut; gets a top jock for a formidable stable but his post position is no prize; superfecta inclusion? - Jennifer Morrison

Race 9

Quinnkat

Multiple stakes placed filly will merit contender status if this race has to be moved to the main track, but she's likely going to need to show up with an effort that is stronger than her latest outing to get the job done; runner up from latest won next out here on 1/17 going 1m vs. MSW rivals with a 76 Beyer.

Violet Road

It's fair to question the strength of the field that she faced at Tampa Bay Downs in her turf debut in her latest outing, but she was absolutely wiped out at the start of that race and really had no business finishing as close to the winner as she did; this miss is a 1/2 to minor stakes placed Daylight Ride (4-11, 125k over turf).

Forensic

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal from a multiple graded stakes winning dam who won 9 of 22 starts for 554k, including 8 of 16 turf starts for 495k; Rosario has won with 3 of 6 mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Rapid Repair

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and dam was winless from three starts, and she didn't make a turf start; this filly is a 1/2 to G3 winner Kitten's Point (2-6, 211k, including 1 of 4 turf starts for 129k).

State Visit

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and this is the first foal form an unraced dam; Juddmonte-homebred has already shown us that she can run a little bit and a top turf barn sees fit to send her out with Lasix for her first turf test.

White Legend

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and dam won 5 of 9 starts for 71k, and she didn't make a start over turf; this miss is a 1/2 to Storm Brave (5-31, 141k, including 2 of 10 turf starts for 54k).

Smart Ashley

Like to see the route experience she has to draw from and she hasn't run a bad race since being placed over turf three races ago; she appears to be well meant for her first start as a 3-year-old while getting Lasix for the first time and adding blinkers

Chiffonade

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and G3 winning dam won 3 of 9 turf starts for 233k; this filly is a 1/2 to Keri Keri (2-6, 46k over turf); this is an outfit that can have one ready to go long over turf at first asking.

Indy's Million

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and dam was winless form two starts racing in Japan; this filly is a full to Million Seller (4-21, 164k, including 1 of 9 turf starts for 30k); 725k purchase did show a little some going seven furlongs in her career debut.

Valseuse

Sire wins with approximately 16% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; this miss is a 1/2 to stakes placed Alcomatch (7-43, 264k, including 1 of 21 turf starts for 56k); this barn is eligble to have one ready to fire going long over turf right out of the box. - Brian Pochman

Race 10

Casiguapo

Off the big maiden with at Calder this guy went into the teeth of the big 2yo races in New York and he handled himself quite okay; his Delta Jackpot outing was solid too and the 4th place finisher came back to win the BIg Drama S. with a 95 Beyer and then he was 4th in the Lecomte at FG; blinkers go on for the first time and he's likely been wearing them in those fast preps; contender.

Mystical Myles

Fleet colt put it all together to win his maiden last time on the slight cutback in distance; he came off the win with a sizzling blowout prep and will no doubt go as fast as he can for as far as he can; have to respect.

River Pride

Snuck off to Calder and caught a 5 horse field that was weak, thus he was odds-on and he ran like it; he shortens up off a fast interim workout and will find this group powerful; outsider.

Myositis Dan

He has only sprinted once on a track that was not sloppy and that was on Polytrack and he won in fast time; like the fact that he had a rapid workout on the local dirt track on Jan. 26 and he did fare okay on dirt in a 2 turn CD race; should get a nice trip just off the hot pace; major player.

Manhattan Johnnie

Ontario bred was "geared down" in the debut outing as he romped in the slop beating a useful one in Wicked Strong; he burned himself out in the Nashua and just look at who won that event - Cairo Prince is certainly a major Kentucky Derby contender; also, 3rd horse Noble Moon and 7th place finisher Jose Sea View both came back to win stakes races; he has regrouped, is working fast and should love sprinting again; big shot.

Bear's Reality

Pretty grey was pounded down at the windows first time out and he ran a professional race to sweep past a modest group and win nicely; the sky is the limit and Wilson is fresh off her own vacation to ride him in start no. 2; using in trifecta bets.

Gryvon

He looks like he prefers to sprint and he was north in Ocala for a non-betting show and he used himself up in the pace battle (the winner rallied 3 wide from off the pace); back in 12 days against a quick bunch; on the edges.

Can't Stop the Kid

Like Gryvon, he headed north for a little stakes event in Ocala and he had a nice trip off the pace, made a bid and then stalled a bit; he is improving and his maiden win with 2nd time Lasix and first time blinkers on this track was super; top three factor.

Bear's Cowboy

Stablemate of Bear's Reality held on to win his maiden the last time he sprinted; the runner-up from his Nov. 16 race has won twice at the GP meeting against easier; like his post as he can track the other quick ones but he will need to be strong in the lane; smaller share. - Jennifer Morrison

Race 11

Little Zoe

New York bred draws he fence for her debut for a barn that hasn't hit the board with its runners at the stand; sire is 4 for 52 with his overall debut runners and has seen 3 of his 24 turfers win first time over the stuff; limited route winning dam was 0 for 4 on the lawn and dropped 2 winners who were a combined 0 for 10 on the green.

When We Act

Didn't have much to offer when dropped to claimers for her initial turf try and now they'll stretch her out; barn does boast some recent luck on the stretchout but there's not a lot to suggest she's going to take the needed step forward to have a say in the outcome here; just watching.

Patsy's Holiday

Makes her first start for Pletcher while giving the lawn a shot on the initial drop to claimers; barn's top pilot gets aboard a filly who has shown ability going long on the main track and this gal's sire does get 12% winners from its first time surface runners; dam was a surface winner but her other foal to race was winless from 8 tries including one on the lawn; consider.

Buy Or Steal

Firster goes for a barn that does pretty nice work right out of the box; sire is 4 for 29 with his newcomers and none of his 5 runners to try the green has won over the footing; SP dam was a 5 time winner but off the board in both turf spins prior to dropping 2 turf winners including G3 SW turfer and 269K earner Host.

Starship Sassy

Didn't factor when dropped to this level last time; filly doesn't have any early lick and in a big field could find herself with some traffic issues in the lane; have to side with others for the money spots in this heat.

Stormin' Jorja

Drew the fence for her second surface spin and did well to get up for second money; filly showed early foot through slow splits 2 starts back so she should be able to secure a good spot early and she clearly likes the lawn; she's a contender.

Curlin's Gold

Thrice beaten chalk on the Calder dirt tries 2 turns and the lawn for the initial time in this spot; she'll also drop in to face claimers for the first time and her recent breeze suggests she retains her solid form; sire is 10 for 52 with his first turfers and the sprint winning dam was 0 for 5 going long while never trying the green; her lone winning sib did so sprinting on the main track; don't know that she's going to love the new footing, but she's shown she has some ability and that makes her a big threat in here.

Aunty Pearl

Barn's second newcomer in here also boasts easy breezes for her unveiling; she's the first foal to race out of a restricted SP dam whose 2 wins came sprinting and she didn't win any of her 6 turf starts; sire is 6 for 63 with his initial turf starters.

Pieces of Speight

She's got sprint speed and it figures to be on display as she stretches out on the initial drop in for a tag; dam's lone win came on the green and she did drop a route winner so maybe the added trip helps settle this gal down early.

Any Day Now

She's another being offered for a tag for the initial time while making her second start back from the break; neither of her surface starts was much but she has returned to work well on dirt and a top pilot will take the call; dam's sibs are a combined 0 for 12 on the lawn.

Jannes Paul

Came up empty after sitting a decent spot early on the Tampa lawn last out and now she's in for a tag; filly wasn't beaten all that much first out on the Keeneland green and her lone sib to race was a surface winner so maybe she deserves another crack over the footing at this reduced level.

V P My First Love

She's yet another who will go for sale for the first time in this heat and she did hold second money from a wide spot behind a runaway winner in her Calder finale; she has some positional foot and that should help her get involved from the bell but she'll need to keep improving in order to have a serious say in the outcome.

Giant Shadow

Filly took to the back to the pack in each of her 2 starts and failed to have much impact in the lane; filly goes for a solid second off the break barn and she is kin to G1 dirt winner and 804K earner Officer; starts from a tough post and may be better when they give her a shot on the main track.

Teeth of the Tiger

Poor break put her in a tough spot against cheap maidens first out at Calder but she came running hard late to get within a length of the winner in that one; she'll try better in this spot and will start from a tough draw, but if she moves forward with the initial experience behind her she can get in the mix here.- Steve Grabowski