Gulfstream: Closer Looks for February 20, 2014

Race 2

Gibson's Bullet

Beaten favorite has run well each time on the turf and his sire was a graded stakes winner on the main; draws an inside post for a change and may be able to handle this surface and distance transition in a positive way.

Simon Bar Sinister

Newcomer has been breezing in steady fashion and was sired by War Front, winner of 424K (his offspring have won their debut at a rate of 10 percent); the dam was zero for 5; sib to 120K bankroller Tizmas; expert connections at the helm.

Columbia County

Very fine half-mile breeze turned in recently over the deep Payson strip; the gelding's sire won a G2 and 998K; progeny of Congrats have won 25 out of 210 initial starts); the dam lost her only attempt; winning siblings include 81K earner Tinkerbucks.

My Uncle Charlie

Suffered through a difficult trip in his last try over the lawn; the latest half-mile breeze was a distinct upgrade; has matured since the first 2 starts of his career where he did not break alertly; should offer fair market value today.

Yes That's Me

Cooked in a speed duel in his maiden voyage last month, he faded in mid-stretch; the colt's sire won a G3 and 586K; the dam won 2 of 4 and 20K; among the winning siblings is 80K earner Lissekan Castle.

Pomeroy's Package

Respectable showing in his first run last year at Monmouth when facing a repeat winner; his sire won 7 of 18 and 845K; the dam won 1 of 2 and 25K; winning siblings include 229K earner Don's Honor; encouraged by the gate breeze of a week ago.

Derivativecontract

Deceptive first run where he lost significant ground after a slow getaway; his sire won a G2 and 562K; the dam scored in 1 of 8 appearances earning 24K; winning siblings include 62K earner Two and Twenty; worth some follow-up.

Oration

A game, clear-cut second in his first try over this course; his sire won the G1 Donn Handicap and 1.13 million; the dam involved was unraced; among the winning siblings is 154K earner Indian Gracey; deserves respect despite the shorter price and outside slot. - Jim Kachulis

Race 4

Pompous Miss

Moves to the fence while starting in a protected spot in her first off the claim by an outfit that hasn't had any recent luck with this type; filly has speed and it should be on display from here, but there is other speed signed on and that means she's likely under the gun from the bell today; don't think she'll have enough left late to hold off them all off.

The Mint Angel

Six year old makes her first start since the summer when she took both of her starts against cheaper in Ohio in front running fashion; filly certainly came into her own in those scores and now she'll be reunited with the barn that had her earlier in her career; concern is the speed drawn to her immediate inside as that won't make things easy on her, but note that she did break her maiden from off the pace across town just over 20 months back.

Naiguata

Failed to finish her first start since late summer while catching slop here a few weeks back; mate was quite good at longer trip over the track prior to the time off and this barn does boast a recent winner second off the freshening; maybe she just didn't want the longer trip last time, but she does own back numbers to prove a threat in here.

Vianney Lane

Cuts back a quarter mile after blowing a clear midstretch lead at the level in her first local spin off the freshening last week; she's a 5 time trip winner so the return to sprinting should only help and she does have a right to be a little tighter with her last behind her for a barn that does amazing work second back from the break; contender.

Wild Oration

Switches surfaces while stepping out of the allowance ranks off the wide trip on the local lawn; mare brings some speed to the table and she ran big over the local main track 3 starts back at the trip; expecting she'll again be involved from the outset; one to consider.

Magic Melissa

Steps up off a moderate figure score over cheap claimers from tracking range a couple of weeks back; barn does hit at a nice clip second back from the break, but even though the pace scenario in this heat appears beneficial, don't know that she's going to be able to move forward off the career best number while returning so quickly; siding against the repeat.

Dreaming of Bella

Outside drawn mare makes her first start under a new outfit's care while returning from a freshening off the odds on defeat after taking 5 straight last year; mare's game is speed and there's quite a bit of that in here, but she's won from an early pressing spot and maybe that's the trip she's able to sit from this starting slot; will have to earn it but appears quite capable of returning with a big one. - Steve Grabowski

Race 5

Escapist

Sire wins with approximately 19% of his first-time starters and with approximately 10% of his turf starters, and stakes placed dam won 3 of 18 turf starts for 137k; this colt is a 1/2 to Salvar (3-14, 53k, including 2 of 3 turf starts for 22k) and multiple graded stakes winner Clearly Now (4-11, 523k, including 0-for-1 over turf).

It's a Great Life

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam won 2 of 29 starts for 182k, including 2 of 18 turf starts for 130k; he enters this race off of an encouraging career debut and he has a little bit of turf in his pedigree.

Secret Feather

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and dam was winless from five starts, including three turf starts; this gelding is a 1/2 to Carrots (2-11, 32k over turf); he was improved at second asking and perhaps the turn back in distance and the move to turf can help him.

Waki Kowboy

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his first-time starters and with approximately 6% of his turf starters, and dam won 2 of 10 starts for 21k, and she didn't make a turf start; tough to give this colt the nod over the others firsters in here.

Winter's Gift

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal from a stakes placed dam who won 10 of 54 starts for 367k, including 0-for-10 over turf; have to respect his chances while going out for a strong win-early barn.

Pilatus

The lack of early speed that he's shown in his first two starts is a concern but he certainly showed us that he can run a little bit in his career debut; perhaps he'll be worth looking out for with more distance to work with the next time around.

Red Fever

He's had a few chances to show us what he can do, including a start over turf two races ago, and it just doesn't look like his best effort is quite strong enough to come out on top in this one.

Moonwalker

He stepped up with a much improved performance in his turf debut in his latest start and that level of performance can play well in this spot; third place finisher from latest returned to win next out here on 2/1 going 1m over turf vs. 75k MCL's with a 66 Beyer.

Trouble With Girls

His most recent race was his sharpest performance to date and it's interesting to see the early speed that he showed going a mile over turf two races back when considering that this will be his first start in a turf sprint. - Brian Pochman

Race 6

Laws of the City

Colt clearly prefers grass; note he was 3 clear in last as connections try to strike while the iron is hot; he has run much better once given some real estate to negotiate; the sibling that tried grass was 2nd in best turf moment; expect better effort here.

Confederate Money

Just like a lot of droppers, this guy was way over bet in last; when they drop like that and have limited speed, they usually don't just suddenly wake up and get into the bit early; backers can hang their hat on fact top kin won over $185K and won on grass twice; needs a rebound run.

Dillon's Actor

Can't be thrilled with the defeats vs. softer and once they start piling up 10 or 14 defeats, the wind generally goes out of the sails; more experienced pilot here; not sold on chances.

Take My Time

Hot claim box item has to prove he can handle this surface; the November grass race was the worst of his career; there are a couple of grass winners in the tree and one sibling did bank nearly $180K; runner was clear and show horse was all by himself; respect.

Station Commander

This is a nice progression; soph showed some semblance of speed 2 back and then was getting to the winner in last; the runner that was taken down on Jan. 5 graduated next out in a maiden $35K claimer with a 68 Beyer; his 2 siblings didn't try turf; don't ignore.

Ten and Four

Mirror races in the three local starts; the place horse in last returned to beat the rail; backers can point to the fact there is a turf winner in the family; capable barn due to get rolling.

Super Summation

Runner basically just went through the motions in the debut; dam was unraced; all 3 siblings won; the one that tried grass was 2nd in best turf result beaten a half length in a $40K N2L at a mile at Calder; could need even softer to shine.

Spanish Ranch

The only bright spot so far for this guy is the brief speed he flashed 2 back; one for 17 dam took a dirt sprint; 3 of 4 siblings won; two won on grass including triple turf winner and over $100K earner Casa Tua; try to get a good look at him on the track.

Skylar Bleu

Steadied two back but he has been off poorly in the past; the sibling that won took 4 dirt sprints; even after the 3rd two back, fans didn't exactly go to the well at 23-1 and they were right; has some things to iron out.

Keep It Pithy

Colt caught legit splits last time and could not keep up; and considering the winner was clear, the race was not all that bad; 12/18 place horse graduated next out in a maiden $25K claimer, then ran out of the money; wide in last, could be looking at the same fate. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Raising Passion

Raced on the lead in last, adds blinkers back and posted a 4F-bullet workout for this all suggesting she will be part of the hotly-contested pace projected here; sire is 16-for-114 with 1st-turf starters; is the 1st foal from the dam who went 3-0-0-0 on grass (1K); talent shown in the past posting a November-dirt field-best Beyer speed figure.

Hard Knocking Lady

Broke 8th of 9 in latest after winning on the lead then dueling for the front; the added 2F here is a concern; sire is 6-for-50 with 1st-turf starters; is out of a 2-0-0-0 grass dam who produced 1 turf winner from 2 foals to attempt grass (1-for-11 turfer Tantaliza 19K).

Sawyer

Another winner in the field who raced on the lead; the pace here figures hotly contested; beat the runner-up finisher from last who Beyered 63 in her next-out GP-35-maiden-claiming win; sire is 1-for-18 with 1st-turf starters; is out of an unraced dam who produced 1 turf winner from 2 foals to attempt grass (3-for-17 Jazz 104K green).

Brenna's Song

Another winner in the field on the lead; the pace here figures hotly contested today; beat the show runner from last who Beyered 61 in a next-out GP-25K-maiden-claiming win; good sign that she posted back-to-back career-best Beyers after the front wraps were removed.

Emmabelle

Super 1st-off-the-claimn trainer for her 1st start beyond 6F; races 1st time back on the grass since dull in her career debut on the lawn when defeated by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 79 in her next-out KEE-MSW win; the show runner from last won next out in a GP-20K-claimer with a 70 speed figure.

Cambiata

Good sign that she reunites with the rider from her career-best Beyer on less-than-firm GP grass at today's distance; only race during career with 45-days or longer away was a milld rally and her 2nd-lowest Beyer ever; major issue if she can win right off the bench; her stalking style fits well with a ton of inside speed signed on here; the one to beat.

White Pants Night

Getting today's distance is the major issue tiring to Cambiata the only time racing longer than 6F; faded in latest while her 2-back dirt exacta finish looks better now since the show finisher Beyered 79 in her next-out GP-optional-claiming win.

Poor Etiquette

Won a key race last out defeating the 4th and 9th-place finishers; they Beyered 59-46 in next-out GP-35K-$12,500-maiden-claiming wins; high-percentage fresh trainer off the 33-day absence adds to the appeal; would have to put together back-to-back Beyer-career Tops to repeat but owns the right style being a closer in a race top heavy with suspect-speed runners; the 2-back winner repeated in a GP-16K claimer with a 58 Beyer; the pick.

Tracy's Treasure

Defeated 1 runner combined in 2 turf losses; graduated at today's distance on dirt 2-back when stalking the speed but projects to press them wide breaking way out here; the 3-back show finisher took her next 2 starts with 49-58 Beyers.

Early Glory

Sire is 0-for-22 with 1st-turf starters; is out of a stakes-winning dam (2-for-7 grass 74K) who produced 1 turf winner from 3 foals to attempt grass (1-for-6 Sacred Sky 12K green); has never raced past 7F and like so many of these has stamina issues to overcome.

Lady Doris

Main Track Only entry should appreciate the class relief up for sale in this event after racing vs. stakes rivals; she has a deep closing kick which would play well with so many frontrunners going here; good sign that the stakes jockey stays here despite posting a career-low Beyer 1st time on a synthetic surface for last. - Art Gropper

Race 8

Helooksthepart

Seemed to turn the at HAW in the fall when after a couple months off he came back with 3 nice efforts, the last 2 in particular (both wins); that Nov. 6 nwin looks even better when you note 2 he beat came right back to win; that being said, that was over 3 months ago,he hasn't been seen since, must deal with new surroudings and maybe most importantly considerably tougher foes; at least has been working superbly here of late but note, too, what were by far his 3 best races (all wins) ALL came at HAW.

Dad'z Laugh

Off the board in 2 local starts, though in his defense those came vs. some toughies; it's nice, too, that he comes here off 2 strong efforts at CRC including a big stakes 2nd there Jan. 25 (99 Beyer); a repeat of that will make him tough to handle and while he has speed he's in no way a need-the-lead type.

Honorable Dillon

Not only do you get a G2 SW fo ryour $2 bucks here but his G2 win came on THIS track; that was over a year ago and his form has been spotty since; still, a nice 2nd in a sprint at this level at AQU Dec. 4 bodes well (that was also his first run in 6 months) and that 5th at this level here Jan. 11 can be forgiven as not only was that going faster but he was in very tough (winner is G1 SP Revolutionary, 2nd was G2 SW Falling Sky, and 3rd was now-G1 SP Viramundo); he faces no one like that here, there's a bullet work since and it's surely a better distance.

Happy My Way

Toss that turf route dud here Nov. 9 and you're left with some strong sprintgs including a 2 big recent races here where he won Dec. 14 (101 Beyer) and ran 2nd Jan. 18 (100 Beyer); speed to be in it from the start; he's hit triple digitis twice Beyerwise, and recently - no one else in here has done that even once.

Undrafted

Dazzled on CD turf June 20, romping by 10, which was enough to send him to SoCal to try a turf stakers July 17; didn't run badly when 4th, and he did have some trouble; it's a bit worrisome, though, that he hasn't been seen since; at least Ward is superb off the bench and the works are nice; while he was last seen routing note some smart springs including a good 3rd (just behind Honorable Dillon) in the G2 Hutcheson here over a year ago. - Michael Hammersly

Race 9

Be My Love

She can benefit from a turn back in distance while making her first start for a new barn after a 25k claim and it's interesting to see John V. get the call for this; the rail post at this trip can be tricky, but still feel that she merits contender status.

Chifa

She tired badly in her one start over turf prior to this and she's never run a race that is fast enough to suggest that she can jump up on the top contenders in this one; runner up from latest won next out at Pen on 12/20 going 6f vs. 12.5-10.5k N2L claimers with a 59 Beyer.

Negrita Tata

Not sure about the turn back in distance for her as she seems to be at her best when she can get involved in the running early on going longer; her recent form hasn't been her best and feel that she's going to have a tough time trying to keep up with these through the opening stages.

One Fast Frog

She has to prove that she can produce a top try racing over turf but she has some turf on the bottom of her pedigree and this is only her second turf attempt; winner from latest returned to win next out here on 1/29 going 1m vs. alw. rivals with a 95 Beyer; Castellano has won with 19 of 40 (48%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Trippin' Along

Stakes placed mare has some solid form sprinting on her card to consider, and even though her recent form hasn't been her best, perhaps the drop in class for this can prove to be a key; third place finisher from latest returned to win next out here on 2/14 vs. 30-25k claimers going one mile over turf with an 82 Beyer.

Tillie the Tigress

Like to see that she has some early speed to employ, but she has been beaten by a couple of today's rivals in her two most recent races, and she's likely going to need to produce a career best effort to get the better of this bunch.

Countess Emma

It's been awhile since she's shown up with a truly competitive performance and this looks like a tough spot for her first start back from a long layoff, but if there is a positive to consider, it's that she ran well in her first start back from a similar layoff last year.

High Tee

All seven of her wins have been earned racing over synthetic surfaces and it would've been nice to have seen her show more when making her second start over this turf course in her latest outing; third place finisher from latest returned to win next out here on 2/12 going 1m over turf vs. 16k claimers with a 78 Beyer.

Must Be Love

Like to see that she took a step in the right direction while making her second start back from a layoff in her latest outing and it looks like she recorded a strong four-furlong workout on February 12 in preparation for this.

Magic Mesa

This mare has shown the ability to run well over both turf and dirt and this looks like a good spot for her to try to make it back-to-back wins; like to see Lopez aboard again as he's won with 4 of 12 (33%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Lady Raven

This barn has performed well at this meeting from 19 starters and this mare can prove to be a player in this spot if she feels up to one of her better performances; she's only two races removed from a performance that is in the neighborhood of what it might take to win this.

Sabrina's Dance

Stakes winning mare might appreciate getting back over turf after a number of dirt starts and her form sprinting over turf has been plenty strong enough to suggest that she's capable of getting the job done against these. - Brian Pochman

Race 10

Gibson County Line

Steps up for his first off the sharp outfit's claim while being returned to the lawn; 6 year old hasn't run so well over the local sod and it has been a while since he's earned a number close to par for this level, but he draws inside and did work well for this 9 days ago; barn boasts a recent winner with a stretched out runner; price warrants this guy a look in a field without a lot of early foot.

Target Sighted

Drops in for a tag after a couple of off the board efforts against better; he ran on well late to beat conditioned claimer 3 back over the course and maybe the new equipment helps him show more early foot and doesn't compromise his kick; lack of lick in front of him is a concern, but on his best he's certainly one to consider.

Le Mans

Adds shades for the move to claimers in his return to the green; his most recent turf try with better was pretty poor and his prior sod try was helped along by solid fractions and overmatched competition; have to side with others.

Volcano Run

Returns at the level of the barn's claim a couple of weeks back while getting the services of another sharp pilot; it's been a while since he's seen the winner's circle and maybe he's started to go the wrong way, but he owns back numbers that fit so he can't be completely overlooked.

Midnight Notes

Found himself well out of it early when in against a notch better last time and rallied quite well to get the place at that shorter trip; colt figures tighter with the return from behind him for a barn that excels second back from the break; if he's hustled a bit to secure a closer spot early he's a big threat to take this one; contender.

Start Up

Limited winner steps in to face much better after the wide trip and rough run did him in over the course last time; winless over the local course, he does often show early foot which doesn't figure to hurt him in here, but a minor award figures to be his ceiling.

Dynamic Boy

Returns at the level of the barn's claim after a weak try from the inside draw on the drop in for a tag; maybe getting off the fence helps and he did run well on the green across town last year; barn has had some recent luck with this type right back and a solid journeyman pilot will get aboard.

O Wanderlust

Five year old lost his best shot at the break when in against better in his local debut last month but he really didn't do much running at all in that one; maybe the drop helps some but he didn't go fast enough in Canada prior to shipping here to prove a serious threat against this bunch, either; just watching.

Almoradi (IRE)

Returns to the lawn over which he didn't offer much against conditioned rivals 2 starts back; 8 year old hasn't been good enough for quite some time to go at this level and it doesn't look as if things will change much for him in here; have to pass on this longshot.

Vanquisher

Didn't do much in the off the turfer but he was beaten just 3 lengths at the trip and level 2 starts back; late runner will need some pace help, but this 10 year old is a hard hitter with 13 career turf scores and he should appreciate the return to this type of footing; with Castellano taking the call he's one to keep an eye on late.

Trust the Deputy

Outside drawn gelding hasn't won in quite a long time and never in 10 career spins over the local sod; barn was winless all of last year and hasn't gotten off to a great start here, either; tough to get excited about this guy's chances of factoring in the outcome. - Steve Grabowski