Gulfstream: Closer Looks for February 22, 2014

Race 1

All Tied Up

He's one of two signed on in here for the Pletcher barn and his last three starts have been in the neighborhood of what it might take to get the job done in this spot; Saez has won with 3 of 7 (43%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

French Quarter

Sire wins with approximately 16% of his turf starters and dam was winless from three starts; perhaps the move to turf can help but an improved performance is a must in order for him to threaten these.

Manaus

Respect the fact that this multiple stakes placed colt has shown a good deal of ability in his four starts over turf but feel that it is fair to wonder if he might be better off with a turn back in the distance the next time around.

Drover Road

He showed up with a pretty decent performance over this turf course at today's distance three starts back, but he did benefit from an ideal early pace scenario in that race, and feel that this is a pretty tough bunch for him to be meeting up with.

Scorched Cat

Half-brother to minor stakes placed Performing (5-20, 166k over turf) is two-for-two in the quality start department to begin his career, but a slow early pace certainly helped him at second asking; regardless, he has the potenital for better behind him at this point in time and feel that he deserves to be listed among the contenders.

Chart Topper

When considering his pedigree, it's probably a good idea to respect the improved performance he showed up with in his turf debut in his latest start; third-place finisher from latest returned to win next out here on 1/4 going 6f vs. MSW rivals with an 80 Beyer.

Big Bazinga

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and G3 stakes placed dam won 3 of 10 starts for 90k, and she didn't make a turf start; she ran well in her first two career starts, and the drop in class won't hurt her for her turf debut.

Specialnightaction

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; he's going to need to step up with a much improved performance to threaten the top contenders in here while making his first start over turf.

Rockford

His one start over turf was a winning performance and the runner up from that race won his next start going 1m over turf at GG vs. MSW rivals with a 64 Beyer, and has since become stakes placed; he's a very interesting option to consider while making his first turf start for Mott.

Charlie the Boss

Street Boss has been a strong influence as a turf sire and this colt is a 1/2 to minor stakes winner Star Queen (3-13, 94k over turf); however, this looks like a tough spot for him to meet up with winners for the first time.

Divine Oath

He was a sharp winner in his career debut and he commands respect against these off of that performance; runner up from debut won next out here on 2/8 going 1 1/16m vs. MSW rivals with a 79 Beyer; Castellano has won with 32 of 89 (36%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

School On a Hill

Not wild about the outside post for him at this trip but he's run well enough in his four starts over turf to view him in the light of a contender against these; like to see what he did in his only turf start wearing blinkers two races back.

Joh's Gone Wild

This race figures to come up much softer if it has to be taken off the turf, and even if horses like Rockford and School On a Hill might prove to be tough to deal with, this has to be considered a favorable spot for this gelding to land in. - Brian Pochman

Race 2

Social Inclusion

Note the sizzling workout of a week ago followed by a maintenance breeze; his sire won multiple G1 stakes and 1.63 million (offspring of Pioneerof the Nile have scored in 6 of 38 debuts); the dam won 2 of 8 and 145K; sib to 20K earner Saint Midas.

Alexndeed

Very fine half-mile breezed turned in on 2/15; his sire won 2.76 million including multiple G1 scores (progeny of Afleet Alex have won 21 out of 308 initial starts); the dam went 5 for 15 earning 216K; sib to 424K earner War Dancer.

Tiger Tank

New face hails from G2 winner Tale of the Cat whose descendants have won their first test at a solid rate of 17 percent; the mom was a G3 winner who netted 350K; winning siblings include 752K earner A Little Warm.

Dickens

Two solid tries at Tampa make him an interesting item here; his sire won the Breeders' Cup Classic and 3.44 million overall; the dam went 7 for 16 earning 276K; this is her only foal to compete; beaten favorite adds Lasix and must be respected.

Delta Warrior

Upgraded in his latest half-mile drill; his sire won a G2 and 239K; offspring of Majestic Warrior are 9 for 117 as far as winning their first attempt; the dam won 2 of 16 and 93K; sib to 81K earner Empedrado.

Tightly Bridled

After failing as the favorite in his first run at Saratoga last summer, he showed little firepower thereafter; the workout regimen this month does show steady progression and perhaps the lengthy freshening did him some good; tough to decipher.

Indian Fighter

Beginner was sired by G1 winner Indian Charlie whose progeny have won 103 out of 639 initial starts; the dam won 3 of 11 attempts and 122K; among the winning siblings is 18K earner Excite.

Tuneintobow

Huge effort nearly a month ago when fighting bravely throughout before finishing a clear-cut second; his sire is pure speedball Concorde's Tune who captured 242K: the dam won 1 of 12 and 32K; there are no winning siblings to mention; respect. - Jim Kachulis

Race 3

Kid Lightning

He galloped out in front in that Jan. 11 outing, his first start in 10 months; he got a bit too far behind in the race but had an inside trip despite his wide post; he's had 4 good workout times since that race and is a win candidate.

Thor's Mjolnor

New York-bred has only ever raced at Aqueduct and twice he tried grass with a win last spring; off the long layoff he wore front bandages and was in a 4 horse pace battle before he was shuffled back; he finds himself in the south for a high percentage barn; minor share.

El Jefe Grande

His lone career win came on this grass course almost a year ago; deep closing types often need a race when they return from a layoff and he had a mild rally in his comeback; interesting that jockey Saez is on the other Fawkes runner but this guy looks quite interesting.

Honor the Kitten

If there is a Kitten in the race, look out; this colt won his debut in a one-turn Polytrack race but has plenty of grass breeding and last summer's turf debut was good in a key race; big workout times, Castellano back to ride, barn hitting at a whopping 33%; respect.

Marine

He got his act together quickly last spring when he first discovered grass; like others in this field, he recently ended a long vacation and no doubt that distance was too short for him; trainer is 10% with 2nd time off a layoff runners, 5% when moving them from sprints to routes; minor share.

Indy's Illusion

Bred by the owner, he has not been the same since he went into the Florida Derby last spring; at least he showed a burst of speed in his grass debut, which was a marathon -type race; that event was also a key race as the winner came back to win with an 88 Beyer and the 3rd and 4th place finishers own their next starts with 89 and 88 Beyers respectively; toss in exotic plays.

My Name Is Michael

Michael is by a sire who is a bit below average with turf debut winners from starters; the unraced mare has had one other foal and that one is a grass winner; seems to have more to offer than he has shown in the last year; consider in trifectas/superfectas.

Master Achievement

Third start off the layoff for a 4yo who has won more races than many of these (he competes for the claiming price) and he has 2 scores in this course; his 2 starts this season have been okay since he usually posts Beyer Figures in the mid 70s; Saez seems to have elected him over the other Fawkes runner; will keep him on the short list of contenders.

Rei

This is a very good looking, sizy chestnut who has shown lots of priomise; in that July 7 racem he ran hard on the Polytrack and the winner is up for Horse of the Year in Canada; he has not been seen since a very tough run in a stake at Woodbine as he was wiped out early and the winner went gate to wire; both the 1st and 2nd place finishers won Grade 3 stakes next time out; excited to see him back in action.

Kingston Jamaica (IRE)

Has a big frame of reference as he was 3rd to eventual Irish Derby winner Trading Leather in his last race; that was his only start of 2013; adds Lasix for return and first start on the other side of the ocean; obviously has talent.

Sinatra

Missed almost 2 years before he came back 27 days ago and just failed to hang on for the win; he will get a lot of attention off that race and his high profile rider possibly could have had other options; certainly the biggest question would be, will he regress off that big effort; contender.

Red Vine

He has been favoured in every career race but he is a deep closing type and he usually has to hurry; that was the case in his return outing as he was far behind along with Kid Lightning and both closed fast between rivals; logical player but would want better than even money. - Jennifer Morrison

Race 4

Normandy Invasion

Considering the unusual pace nature of last year's Kentucky Derby, this colt ran an outstanding race in defeat; broke maiden long ago at this straightaway mile in impressive fashion and despite the long layoff here, he is very hard to go past; will be reserved for one big burst turning for home.

Chee

Showed better pace prompting ability last month before fading; has important experience at the one-turn mile and should be an early presence now especially in light of the fine workout at five-eighths on 2/11; son of Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker should offer a square price.

Touchofstarquality

Closed with a rush to graduate at Belmont last summer despite a troubled trip; returning breeze pattern is solid but he lands into an exceptionally talented group for the class involved; repeat score will not be easy to achieve against the likes of these.

Morgan's Guerrilla

Did not race in all of 2013 but was impressive in defeat in the G2 Dwyer in the previous year; steady, well-spaced, a.m. drills on view for this return; may try to steal this despite the lengthy vacation or, preferably, use Risk Factor as a target pacesetter and middle move before Normandy Invasion is unleashed.

Liberal Spin

A decent try in a sprint tune-up last month but it was against a modest n2l group; this is a far different situation and he appears out of his element; doubt that he can handle this caliber even on his best day; minor award possible is all that can be hoped for.

Risk Factor

Courageous run 2 back at Tampa when losing a blanket finish; he was severely tested thereafter at Belmont when negotiating a mile for the first time; latest workout was certainly upbeat but he will need to be on or near a much softer half-mile fraction here in order to have any realistic chance for a share. - Jim Kachulis

Race 5

I'mbetterthangood

1st Lasix and blinkers are typically-improvement angles but his trainer is 1-for-34 1st Lasix since 2013 and 0-for the last-9 first hood on; rallied in his 2 GP races like 9F is well within his scope and should prosper going this far; head loss 2-back in a key race; the winner repeated in Tampa's Grade 3 Davis stakes with an 82 Beyer speed figure; he beat the show runner that day who graduated next out in a GP-MSW race with a 71 Beyer.

Global Strike

Exits a field-best Beyer speed figure when a menacing presence from bell to finish in last his 1st try at today's distance; superior-fresh barn and jockey-trainer combo on a runner who figures to be a threat from the gate again; his debut turf loss looks better since the runner-up finisher Beyered 80 in his next-out GP-MSW win.

Blarp

Latest clearly did not give the impression that 9F was his best distance losing ground from stretch to finish; 1st-time Johnny V winning at a 40% clip for this trainer at GP since 2013; the good-dirt workouts lead you to believe he will fire much better on dirt than his debut defeat.

Aggrandizement

58 days since fading in a key race defeating the 9th and 12th-place finishers from last; they Beyered 75-55 in next-out CRC-MSW and GP-50K-maiden-claiming wins; the 9%-winning fresh trainer does not help the confidence level although working well for this; another runner challenged by 9F and a possible pace presence.

Fearthefalcon

1st blinkers is an 0-for-7 move from the trainer since 2013; faded in latest hoping the new hood will help keep him going but is in a race filled with other early zip; rallied in the debut loss when off slowly but in his 1st GP start was keen from the gate then showed little stamina; view as a pace presence for part.

Arch Avenger

35%-win move with blinkers off; is another who flashed gate speed at shorter and have serious concerns about his ability to last the 9F trip; steady workout for this while the trainer also has a favorable 34% win mark with 2nd-time maiden starters; clearly is eligible to improve stamina here.

Woodfield Springs

1st Lasix has been a good-win angle for the trainer but off latest we assume he is another speed runner who figures to be challenged by the added furlong for this; major style change from the debut rally; steady worktab for this but has been outworked by a few of these; overall have mixed feelings.

Strong Stipulation

Has not raced past 6.5F yet getting a 9F-stamina test today; was screaming out for more yardage in the debut and gets it here; sire won the Mile and a half BEL Stakes; dam went 0-for-6 in dirt routes but won twice on turf at 1Mile or longer.

Indy's Legacy

Has not raced past 6.5F yet getting a 9F-stamina test today; sire won the Mile and a half BEL Stakes; dam won an alw. at 9F on dirt; 6 weeks idle for an 8%-fresh trainer since 2013; clearly must show more than the 27-1 outrun debut line with a huge 2nd-time out improvement; the workouts for this have not impressed. - Art Gropper

Race 6

Sea of Faces

Considering the slop and the poor start, the debut was solid; runner cost $220K, but was offered for sale in only the second start; that seems like a pretty quick give up; nothing like a quick turn on the investment to pick up the tempo around the shedrow; he gets quality from Grade 2 winning dam that banked nearly $300K; the pace should be hot enough to help his kick but things will have to break just right.

Rhythm Blues

Off poorly to kick if off, keen to run in the first route, and like the way he was coming away late in last; this guy has a right to grow into his skin as top kin Like a Gem won several stakes and earned over $550K; note place horse in last was over 5 clear; don't ignore.

Matterhorn

Never easy to win long at first asking but this guy powered home when it counted; given time to recoup, he's trained forwardly for this and the debut came back okay as the 2nd and 4th finishers took MSW events next out and another runner was 2nd beaten a length in an MSW; the blood is there as dam took multiple G3s and earned over $900K; and kin Title Contender took a couple of G3s; respect both Pletchers.

Solemnly Swear

Colt cashed on the stretch out and could have been overmatched in the CD effort; the last race came back solid as the place horse took a $75K optional next out, 7th finisher took a $35K claimer and the winner is highly-regarded today from the rail in the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream; has some things to iron out.

We're All Set

Off a career Beyer and he seems to be coming around; not sure he was beating anybody in the maiden breaker as the place horse that day acted up and was third in next and has not been seen since; another slice?

Constitution

Runner could have panicked after hesitating in the debut, but he picked it up when rushing up and was inching away late; 5th finisher in the debut graduated next out; like the progression of the drills since he last race with the 2nd best of 55 spin last Sunday the best; should be forwardly placed and a repeat is well within the scope.

Big Guy Ian

Hung wide in the big field to kick it off, he looked good winning controlling pace and outcome; the pace may be a bit quicker here but this guy probably doesn't need the lead to succeed; his tactical zip will give him a chance to get first run on the deep closers.

Tonalist

Like the way he was inching toward the winner in the debut before the coming away graduation party; he's trained sharply for this, the race over the surface can only help and he drew off like a serious horse; contention goes deep.

Wicked Strong

The Remsen is tough to gauge since the splits were so slow but he still got a boost when Cairo took the Holy Bull; in that race this runner tossed his head at the start, was shying away from the whip when obviously green, but finished with interest; the 5th finisher in the Remsen won at this level next out with a 72 Beyer; expect much better effort.

Mexikoma

No luck in the grass debut but he freaked in the Delaware effort; place horse in the maiden breaker took a MSW by nearly 7 lengths and has been 2nd beaten over 2 in an N1X at OP since; the 8th finisher in last took an $80K optional, the 11th and 13th finishers took $75K optionals and the 7th finisher was 2nd beaten a head in a $100K stakes; post is no bargain but slot 10 at this distance this meet is 1 for 4. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Starship Zorro

Stakes placed colt has been in good form lately but this has to be considered an extremely tough group of 62k OPC's for him to be meeting up with; his lack of early speed can create some problems for him, especially in a field this size.

Hey Leroy

He proved that his upset over Major Marvel three races back wasn't a fluke by coming back with a couple of very sharp runner-up performances after that, and he ran into the razor sharp Longhunter in his latest outing; as long as he maintains status quo, he can get himself into the mix against this tough bunch.

Marine Patrol

Stakes placed colt might be ready to give a good account of himself while making his second start back from a layoff, and even though he's going to need to improve along the Beyer Speed Figure scale to get the better of these, that possibility exists in his second start as a 4-year-old; like to see Saez land here.

Favor Factor

He ran well in a few of his starts over turf as a 3-year-old, but he does find himself facing a tough test for his first start as a 4-year-old, and it is worth noting that he was last seen racing for the barn of Chad Brown.

Calm Pacific

Lightly raced 4-year-old already has a stakes placing to his credit and he hails from one of the sharpest turf outfits in the country; add in the presence of Castellano, and there's a lot to be positive about in this direction.

San Antone

His form has been pretty sharp and consistent throughout his career, but all four of his wins have been earned racing over synthetic surfaces, and this is a difficult spot for him to be trying to secure his first turf victory.

Offlee Fast

Willing to upgrade his chances if this race has to be moved to the main track, but based on what he's shown in his eight turf attempts, he's going to have a tough time keeping up with the top contenders in here.

Bi Flash

He's another in here who deserves a lot of credit for his consistent approach to the game, and he's shown himself to be at his best racing over this turf course, but still having a tough time giving him a favorable push for anything more than a minor award.

Inchcape

All four of his starts racing over turf have been solid performances and he was sharp when part of a blanket finish in his most recent start while making his first start back from a layoff; not willing to count this one out of it.

North Slope

It might be worth noting the presence of Saez aboard another in here, but this gelding is clearly capable of better than what he showed up with in his latest outing, and on his best day, he packs a strong stretch punch; top connections help add further appeal.

Kaigun

He's run very well in all three of his starts over turf, especially that third-place finish against graded stakes competition at Churchill Downs three races back, and the third-place finisher from his latest race returned to win next out at GP on 2/9 going 1m vs. 62k OPC's with an 87 Beyer.

Derby Kitten

Grade 3 winner hasn't been on top of his game in his two most recent races, but it certainly wouldn't be a surprise if he turned things around in here while going out for a barn that is having a big meeting; winner from latest won next out at FG on 1/18 going 1 1/16m over turf in a G3 with a 96 Beyer; Leparoux has won with 6 of 19 (32%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Mills

He was stakes placed racing over turf as a 3-year-old and he has to be viewed in the light of a contender based on his strong overall turf form, but he is faced with an extreme outside post in his 4-year-old racing debut while meeting a strong field. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Cuppa Joe

He is by a classy sire who is average at 10% with debut winners from starters; the sire is above average with grass winners from starters at 14%; the mare was a grass winner and she's had 2 foals to race, both winners, one on the grass; this colt's recent workouts match those of his stablemate Ellie's Prince who won his debut on grass recently.

Mill Creek

By the same sire as Cuppa joe and the sire is average at 10% with grass debut winners from starters; the dam won 8 of 21 races but never ran on the grass and she has not had a grass starter yet; change in riders once again; minor share.

Sportscaster

He closed fast up the rail in the stretch run of his grass debut; that was only his 2nd career race and the winner is a very expensive colt from the Todd Pletcher barn who was always up with the soft pace; he is learning quickly and look at his last 2 workout times, very strong; a factor.

Decisive Edge

Big money purchase is by a low percentage grass debut sire (about 4%); 2nd foal of a mare who never ran on the grass; adds blinkers and that move alone is intriguing since trainer has a huge winning rate with that move.

Sheldon

Has been busy at palm Meadows training centre getting ready for his return and he shows plenty of upside; he added Lasix for his 2yo finale and finished well; would want to give him a race off the vacation.

Saa Mi

His sire is 15% as a sire of grass debut winners from starters, a solid stat; the mare tried turf once and did not hit the top three and her first foal to race on grass did not win; liked his 3yo debut performance on dirt, behind a good winner; toss in exotics.

Dylan Ward

Three runner-up placings in succession is a bit of a concern but he was full of power late in his most recent race when rallying with Sportscaster; trainer has the rail runner also; logical but beware his win shy tendency.

Caspian Sea

Darley-bred will have blinkers for his 2nd try on turf; his opener saw him get squished at the start but he was just behind the eventual winner most of the way but he did not rally; not yet.

Loves Last Chance

He zoomed to the lead in early stretch last time with blinkers on but he was a sitting duck in the last furlong with his new blinkers; he was repelled by the favourite who won and then lost 2nd to a charging Dylan Ward; he is progressing so keep him on the short list of contenders.

Stroll to Victory

He will have Lasix added for his first race since last summer; both starts as a 2yo were solid and the winner of his 2nd outing has gone on to be a graded stakes winner; three big workout times on the dirt recently say he is ready to roll; factor.

Dayne's Pulpit

His sire is above average with debut winners from starters at about 15%; the sire is also a good 13% as a grass sire; 6th foal of an unraced mare and she has had 4 winning foals and 2 of 3 to try grass won on the surface; gives away experience to others in this competition field.

Smooth Daddy

He is also sitting on his maiden win like so many others in this field; he was wide and trying to rally last time but the winner actually came from behind him to grab the victory; like him for exotics.

Smart Spree

Ontario-bred is by a high class sire who is 14% as a turf debut sire; the mare won 2 races and one was on turf; this is a half brother to 2 runners, Occasional View and Jubilate, and both won on the grass; rates a look.

Palace Gate

He debuted on the grass last fall and had a good rally behind 2nd and 3rd place finishers who won their next starts; he was 3rd behind a nice winner last time on dirt; logical contender.

Sole Train

Tracked the modest pace from inside rivals in his return and one of the pace pressers was the winner; has work to do yet.

Nauset Beach

He almost won his return outing just 3 weeks ago and will be tackling a longer distance if he draws in; this is a much tougher group. - Jennifer Morrison

Race 9

Abou

Ran to her tote support in the first out Tampa sprint score and she'll draw the fence for the stretchout here; she's asked to take a huge jump in company in just her second career start but her lone sib is G3 SW router and 267K earner Joe Vann so she does have a right to like today's added trip; concern is that this just looks to be too much, too soon for a filly who offers some promise.

Luna Santa

Returns to the scene of her maiden score after sharpening her early lick sprinting in Ocala last month; filly does own a 2 turn dirt score and that's something only a couple of her foes in here can boast, but she has yet to run nearly as fast as the bigger gals in here; tough to see her winning this one.

Onlyforyou

Undefeated filly took the 7 panel G2 Forward Gal on the engine here last month and now she'll try 2 turns for the initial time; dam's other 2 foals won sprinting and were never sent long on the main track but the dam did take 3 turf routes in her career so maybe the added trip is within her scope; filly figures to take plenty of tote support but she's the quickest of these early and will likely have to be run down.

Aurelia's Belle

Filly tracked the gal drawn to her inside here while sprinting last time but didn't have enough to go with her late; sire's side of her pedigree suggests she may have a better shot at evening the score on the stretchout to this trip and she proved in her debut that she has little problem passing runners; consider.

House Rules

Last out graduate responded to the turn back with an emphatic score from the outside slot last month; she's since returned to work a bullet 3/4s for the stretch back out and this barn knows what to do with an improving runner; wouldn't be surprised to see her take another step forward, but she may be in a little bit too deep in this spot.

Penwith

Had things her own way in Aqueduct's Demoiselle in the fall but couldn't go on though she did fight back to miss all the money by just a neck in that heat from which the winner also shows up here; don't like how she was life and death to beat a softer group here on the second day of the year, but she has since returned to work well and her speed should have her in a tracking spot on the stretch back out; can't be overlooked.

Holiday Magic

Florida bred is an open company SW router and she'll move back to her preferred surface in her second start of the year today; filly worked well here last week and maybe she's set to take a good step forward with an improved clip in front of her, but these graded stakes gals have already run several lengths faster.

Stopchargingmaria

Barn's second runner in here makes her first start of the year while reuniting with the pilot who was aboard for her runaway debut score at Saratoga; G1 SP filly beat a couple of next out winners in that gritty Demoiselle score in New York, but each of those gals will show up here as well with the edge of a recent local score on their resume; outside draw should put her in a tracking spot and the slightly shorter trip should help; don't know that she's going to be all out to score first time back, but she's been working regular for an outfit that gets them ready to go; they'll have her to beat. - Steve Grabowski

Race 10

Mr. Online

It's tough to argue with anything that he's done going back to July of last year and he's been extremely sharp in his two most recent races over this turf course at today's distance; he's capable of running his race on the lead or just off of the early pace and he's ideally drawn in post position one; must respect.

Unbridled Ocean

Nicely-bred 6-year-old has a good deal of turf in his pedigree but he's yet to run a race over turf that is strong enough to suggest that he can get the better of a field of this caliber; respect connections, but prefer to lean toward others.

Rydilluc

He's a G3 winner racing over this turf course, but since showing a lot of turf ability early on in his 3-year-old season, including a very nice win against a strong field in the Penn Mile, his two most recent races haven't been anywhere near as strong; maybe the time off did him some good, but looking at this as a tough spot for his first start since August.

Fredericksburg

He surprised a field when showing up with a much improved performance over this turf course two starts back and have to respect the fact that he validated that effort with a near-miss performance in a G3 at Sam Houston in his latest start; his sharp recent form is tough to ignore.

Reload

A slow early pace helped him in his turf debut in his latest start, but he hasn't proven to be a need-the-lead type in his career, and that was a sharp winning performance regardless; he is stepping up in class for this, but he retains the services of Castellano, and over the past three years this barn has won with 29 of 96 turf starters in graded stakes races with a $2.69 return on investment.

Salto (IRE)

He's G1 stakes placed racing overseas, and a number of his starts in America have been strong performances, but he gave up a clear late lead in his latest start after getting a fine ride, and when seeing that Castellano has been aboard for a few of his sharper starts, it might be worth noting his presence aboard another in here.

North Star Boy (IRE)

He's run some nice race is over turf since arriving in America, and it's interesting to see the addition of blinkers for this, but this has to be considered a difficult spot for him to step up and take on graded stakes competition; winner from latest won next out here on 2/14 going 1m over turf vs. 25k OPC's with a 100 Beyer.

Joha

He's a G1 winner racing over the synthetic surface at Keeneland and he was on top of his game to close out his 3-year-old season, but he's probably going to need to see a slow early pace develop to have a chance at getting the better of the top contenders in this one.

Bad Debt

Multiple stakes winner has 14 wins next to his name and it's almost like he's forgetten how to run a bad race; however, he has recorded just one victory in his last 14 starts, and that one win was earned as an odds-on favorite in a race where he didn't have to face a late challenge of any kind.

Hampstead Heath

He recorded back-to-back graded stakes placings when returned from a layoff last July, and he commands some respect in this spot based on how well he performed in those races, but still feel that he's faced with a tough test in his first start at age five.

Guys Reward

Multiple graded stakes winner bounced back with a sharp winning performance when getting the better of today's rival Salto in his latest start, and this veteran has shown the ability to produce a strong stretch bid many times in his career; don't like to see that he hasn't met success from 10 starts over this turf course, but it isn't like he's run badly here.

Abtaal

Half-brother ot G1 winner Vacare (8-14, $1.2 million over turf) deserves a lot of credit for the performance he showed up with over this turf course in his latest outing when considering it was after a layoff of well over a year; and even though his sharp connections are showing a lot of confidence in him signing him up for this, this has to be considered a tough next step for him. - Brian Pochman

Race 11

Commissioner

The race over the track can only help; the blood is there as half brother Laugh Track was Grade 1 place, successful in a Grade 3 and an earner of over $550,000; his trainer offers his thoughts, Pletcher: "I think he's progressed a lot from the summer. He s an A.P. Indy and you don't necessarily anticipate those horses being July 2-year-olds. He's a horse that we've always felt would improve at longer distances"; he got his last furlong last time in :11.92 but rail at this distance this meet is only 2 for 34; still, the one to beat.

We Miss Artie

Soph will have to prove he can win on the conventional dirt; comeback race last month on grass was solid and he may have just needed the race; his trainer has confidence in this guy, Pletcher: "the horse was been training too well on dirt since the Kitten's Joy not to give him another opportunity. He impressed us again Sunday morning and now is the time to see where we are with him. If he runs well, we'll have plenty of dirt options"; Pletcher is 2 for 16 the last 5 years with turf to dirt runners in a Graded stakes.

Medal Count

He proved agile winning bow despite being caught in a box, was far from disgraced in his next; this $360,000 purchase was only a brief threat in the BC Juvenile but closed into a slow pace last time in the heater; this race starts the second phrase of the point process to get to the Derby and the winner will earn 50 points; Romans is 3 for 19 the last 5 years with turf to dirt runners in a Graded stakes with a median payoff of over $31.

Wildcat Red

Youngster brings :45 and change speed to the party and will try to steal this race; beaten in a close one two back by arch rival next door; sire D'Wildcat won at a mile on grass, his dam did take on route and half brother Bootem won at a mile and 70 yards against non-winners of 2 claimers when extending the winning margin to nearly 6 lengths; trainer Garoffalo, who has been training this runner for distance with long gallops, has sent one horse out in the last 5 years going sprint to route in a Graded stakes; that runner, Yara, won by a neck at this track paying $131.

General a Rod

This good soldier commands respect; he came back on after losing the lead last time and was hung wide in his only defeat; he must prove he can win beyond a mile but his sire took a Grade 1 at 9 furlongs; dam only took 1 sprint and although his lone sibling was only one for 21, that runner cashed at a mile on the grass when picking up 5 lengths in the stretch; not an impossible task.

Casiguapo

He beat only 5 horses in his lone sprint win; beaten in the Hopeful by Strong Mandate, who came back to run third to New Year's Day in the BC Juvenile and then was 2nd beaten just over 4 lengths last Monday at Oaklawn in the Southwest; sire did win a Grade 2 at 9 furlongs, his dam was unraced and the lone sibling to race took one sprint; he's repaid his $4,700 purchase price over and over again but ran his last furlong last time in :13.11; he'll need his best race by far to beat this crew.

C. Zee

Runner attempts to go farther than 7 furlongs for the first time in his career; sire was 2 for 2, both on the grass and he won a Grade 3 at this very distance; dam won at a mile and she was extending late in that race winning by 4 and a half-lengths but her other foal to race just took 2 sprints in the minor leagues; horse that beat him a nose in his debut beat entry level allowance foes next out, and then was 2nd beaten a length and a quarter in the $125,000 Juvenile Sprint here in December; this is the speed component of the 2 horses here trained by Gold; on a positive note he did prove a big field couldn't intimidate him as he beat 13 in his lone victory.

Almost Famous

Soph has natural speed, was on the pace last time and in his prior start he hopped in the air but righted himself quickly to earn his second victory; this guy s millionaire dam was sprint only but she invented ways to win; would expect this runner to settle this time for Calvin Borel and possibly getting a nice track and pounce trip; his tactical speed will at least give him a shot at getting the first run on the deep closers.

Best Plan Yet

The first thing he has to prove is that he can win outside of Calder; two local races have been very dull but he didn't get the best of trips last time; runner draws some class from the bottom side as the dam won routing twice and banked over $300K and she dropped several routers that earned over $500K; one could envision him pushing the pace and he will need a major rebound to be around when they take the snapshots; expect him in the picture late if at all.

Our Caravan

Nearly blew out the tote board in his winning debut but was mid pack early last time in the Holy Bull and only beat 3 to the wire; sire was a Grade 1 winner routing, his dam was unraced, and his lone half bro won twice, both sprinting; trainer Michael Dilger spotted his horses great last year but this soph needs a major turn around to make an impact today.

Hesinfront

In front and the end of a race once in his career at 9 furlongs on grass so stamina should not be an issue; note he lost 2 lengths in the stretch last time when getting beat by today s rival on the direct outside; he did get a feel of this surface but on the other side of the ledger the rival on the direct outside just beat him by 7 lengths; homebred has some things to prove.

Top Billing

Shug's student Orb won this race last year with an 83 Beyer and parlayed to glory in the Derby; note this guy won last time with Rosario on the same day as the Holy Bull when he closed into slower splits after looping the field; Holy Bull winner Cairo Prince earned a 95 Beyer to this runner's 90 last time and he is a serious horse losing just once by a nose in the Grade 2 Remsen; his trainer's thoughts about the post and his preparation including Monday's :50.40 drill, McGaughey: "it's not like he's going to be on the lead. Joel's just going to have to get him over a bit going to the first turn. We overcame post 1 to win this race last year"; post 12 at this distance this meet is 0 for 3 and there have only been 2 winners all meet from post 8 and out.

East Hall

Youngster boasts a record that reads 2 for 10 but he has only finished in front once; he was in a solid position 2 races back against General A Rod but was getting tired in the mile event; wraps were added last time when he was beaten a neck but he's been handled by a number of today's foes; Kaplan is 1 for 2 the last 5 years with synthetic to dirt runners in a Graded stakes; that runner paid $42.40 and the other ran second at 9-2; he would probably have to improve by at least 20 points to have an outside chance in this event. - Brian Mulligan

Race 12

Pio's Passion

This is a solid looking group of 75k to maiden claimers and this gelding is going to need to produce a performance that is much stronger than anything he's shown to this point in time in order to contend.

Ringold

Like to see the improved performance that he showed up with in his latest outing when getting the better of a couple of today's rivals, and this colt is out of a multiple stakes winning dam who won 5 of 22 turf starts for 327k, and he's a 1/2 to Bobina (3-3, 128k, including 2-for-2 over turf for 93k).

Street Chief

He's stepping up in class for this but he did produce an improved performance in his turf debut while wearing blinkers for the first time in his latest outing and he's a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes placed Allicansayis Wow (3-14, 210k, including 1 of 3 North American turf starts for 102k).

Acaramelao

Calder shipper is making his first start in the maiden claiming ranks, but he was beaten by one of today's rivals in his latest outing, and that rival isn't his biggest concern in this event; he looks like more of an outsider.

Perky Kitten

He's a nose shy of being a stakes winner, and even though it would have been nice to have seen him show more when placed back over turf in his latest outing, it's probably a good idea to list him among the contenders while dropping in class and going out for Ramsey, Maker and Rosario.

Great Minds

Have to respect the ability that he showed in his first three career starts, but it is of some concern to see that he hasn't been quite as sharp in his two most recent races with the addition of Lasix; it might be worth noting the presence of Rosario aboard another in here.

Duke of Ritchie

He's yet to prove that he can handle competition of this caliber, and after being beaten by a couple of today's rivals in his latest outing, he finds himself facing tougher competition in this spot.

Dolan's Joy

He has plenty of turf in his pedigree and his career debut can be viewed in a positive light; runner-up from debut returned to win next out here on 2/8 going 1 1/16m vs. MSW rivals with a 79 Beyer.

Ghost to Ghost

One of two signed on in here for the Maker barn, and even though Rosario is aboard the other one, Castellano has won with 19 of 41 (46%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting; he has the look of a contender.

Leap in the Stars

He was beaten by a couple of today's rivals in his career debut, but that wasn't a bad performance for a first-time starter, and he shows up for a barn that has been known to jump up with one over turf.

Puntrooskie

Sire is 0-for-12 with his turf starters and multiple stakes placed dam won once from four starts for 91k, and she didn't make a turf start; not sure about the move to turf for him, but he has run well in a few of his dirt starts.

Collinito

He was outrun at every point of calling his career debut after going to post at nearly 90-1 and he's obviously going to need to step up his game in a noticeable way in order to threaten the top contenders in here.

Strategic Keeper

He's going to need to step it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale in order to prove to be a player in this spot, but he has shown late life in his two most recent races over turf, and it is worth noting that he was claimed by the Plesa barn from his most recent race; his dam was stakes placed while winning 3 of 13 turf starts for 116k.

Aheadofthecurve

High Cotton has been a poor influence as a turf sire, but this colt is a 1/2 to stakes winner Salsa Bullet (2-3, 80k, including 1 of 2 turf starts for 65k), and he ran on well through the lane in his career debut over turf.

Oliver Rush

There are a couple of horses in the main body of this race that have run well over dirt, so even though this won't be a bad spot for this gelding to land in if this race has to be taken off the turf, he's going to have to step up with an improved performance to have a chance at the top spot.

Pared

He needs to see a scratch from the main body of this race in order to draw in and he's yet to run a race that is fast enough to suggest that he can put any pressure on the top contenders in here. - Brian Pochman