Gulfstream: Closer Looks for February 6, 2014

Race 1

Jessie Can Mambo

Can improve suddenly via the third start off the bench angle especially if she can recapture some of her old early speed; did not lose by much at all to Western Charm in their last match-up and today's pace figures differently; consider.

Tonight We Dance

She has very little sprint experience compared to her rivals yet the main statistic to focus on is this trainer's record with the turf-to-dirt approach; has drawn difficult post positions in the last 3 and now breaks from a cozy slot; mixed signals.

Senora de Lujan

This filly is scheduled to race without blinkers for the first known time and exits a route affair where she raced evenly as the public choice; switches barns and might appreciate the cutback to this distance; should be more inviting odds this afternoon.

Livin Peace

One of the main speeds to consider in this event; she was used up in a pace battle last month and might get away with a softer tempo here; the main knock: she has never attempted this tricky distance before.

Gene's Blue Moon

Needed that last start where she lost momentum at the start; she draws a particularly favorable post here, right to the outside of the main pacesetter; should give a better account of herself today and the price on the board should be generous.

Hot Coffee

Wore down the pacesetters when defeating modest n2l competition recently; she must now spot weight to more experienced rivals and a repeat score will not be easy to achieve; likely to arrive too late for top prize.

Sherry Angel

Rested since the December claim, she turned in a very sharp workout on the morning of 1/23; sports a fair local record and does have a victory at today's distance to her credit; picks up Rosario who has done well with a limited number of mounts for these connections.

Western Charm

Decent showing last month when pressing the pace of Livin Peace and outfinishing that rival; extra sixteenth of a mile may pose problems today, however, especially if that foe is able to slow down the early fractions; not an easy runner to pinpoint.

Shalala

Gets weight from the entire field here but came home in slow time in her last score over the slop; will have a difficult time here reeling in the front-runners who appear to have the tactical advantage; may need a wet track in order to earn a thin slice.

Dolce Luna

Took many a moon to escape the n2l condition and, like the previous entrant, would only grant her a chance if an off track is the case at post time; will probably be denied the lead today unless there are some key late scratches. - Jim Kachulis

Race 3

Lake Michigan

She's the only one in here signed on Main Track Only, and when looking around at what her rivals in here have shown to be capable of racing over dirt, this will have to be considered a favorable for her to land in if this race has to be taken off the turf; gate-to-finish threat.

This Is Nice (IRE)

Her first two starts in America were decent performances but it looks like she's going to need to produce her best effort to date to threaten the top contenders in here; she has just a single victory after 19 starts and this might prove to be a tough spot for her to go after another win.

Jane's Heir

She looks like another in here who will need to show up with a career best run to get the job done, but she has won three of nine starts over turf, and she shows up after a layoff for a high win percentage barn that sees fit to call upon a go-to rider.

Sweet Tooth Sweety

Not only did her form improve with a move to turf two starts back, but both of her wins have been earned routing, and she figures to appreciate stretching out in distance after trying a turf dash in her latest outing; feel that this Drazin-homebred is still eligible to have her best races in front of her.

The Rahy Angel

Obviously her two most recent races haven't been her best, and she is making her first start since June, but if she can rediscover the form that she showed at this time last year, she can have a say in the outcome.

Canny Nanny

Feel that this nicely bred miss is an interesting option to consider in this spot as both of her starts over turf have been encouraging performances, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see her improve over those performances in her first start as a 4-year-old; a couple of sharp looking recent workouts help add appeal.

Wild Swava

She's won four of nine starts, including three of four over turf, and she hauls the best last race Beyer Speed Figure with her into this race; this looks like a favorable spot for her to get over the GP turf course for the first time and Castellano has won with 10 of 25 (40%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Pyrite Smokin

She's seeking her first win since 2012 and she must improve over what she's done in her most recent starts in order to contend; she has run some nice races over turf in her career, but the Gulfstream Park turf course hasn't been all that kind to her from 10 starts.

Lady Raven

She's the only one in here with five wins next to her name, and four of her wins have been earned over turf; she showed up with an improved performance in her second start back in this barn in her latest outing and 7 1/2 furlongs appears to be right in her wheelhouse.

Judy G

She figures to appreciate getting back over turf for her second start against winners, and even though this barn has been quiet to this point in the meeting, viewing it as a positive that they see fit to call upon Rosario for this; runner up from latest won next out here on 12/26 going 1 1/16m vs. 25k OPC's with a 78 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 4

Liberty Fuze

Style no secret, she will have to come out of there and try to clear if success is to be had today; there is plenty of speed outside of her and she will have to be the best; miss has never won going this far and note she extended late in only her maiden breaker; could be pitched a tad too high here.

Magic Lily

Protected in last, miss was hung 4 wide two back and she will have to invent a trip to get home on top here; not sure she was beating anybody in the last win; the place horse that day raced in a $25K claimer next out and was dead last; passing.

Two Step Flor

She did something in the debut you don't see everyday and that's come back on after losing the lead; not disgraced for this price last time, miss should be on the muscle from the get go; capable barn due to get rolling; she may have to prove she can deal with the heat of a duel and still live to tell about it.

La Marquesse

She flattered Magic Lily with the win last time; given time to recoup from that effort, the 2nd and 4th finishers in last took MSW races next out; miss was getting late in the win and now has to go a sixteenth farther; drills okay for this, but it's never simple beating winners right back.

Utootweet

Off poorly in the debut, proven locally and connections thought enough of her to try the stakes last time; show horse in last took an $85K stakes next out and the winner repeated in a $300K stakes; first time for sale, you would figure it to be an all out go.

Chase My Tail

Bothered early in the last 3, she got a boost when the winner of last repeated in a $75K optional; love the spacing of the comeback drills, toss anything from this barn at your own risk.

Sensible Shoes

Nice ride in last; Coa let out a notch, opened up, had enough gas in the tank; 8th finisher in last took a MSW at LRL next out and the 9th finisher took a maiden $40K fray at Penn National in next; maybe she just wanted pure dirt all along; last 2 works suggests she is feeling pretty good about herself; the concern is there are several with designs on the top here and if she doesn't get the lead, then what?

Hard Knocking Lady

Only a brief factor in last, maybe she was intimidated by the rail; at least she was inching toward the winner late; nothing wrong with the January works; miss may be best served settling, trying to save ground, then making the one run.

Lil Honey Badger

Connections thought enough of her to try the Grade 1 and Romans doesn't usually just do that to get a race; she bobbled in the CD race and now goes inside to the outside; she has the race over the surface now but probably needs to really improve to cash today. - Brian Mulligan

Race 5

Doc Galore

Gives the lawn a shot after showing some early foot in her first with winners on the main track; barn boasts some recent luck with initial turf starters and this gal's sire gets 17% first time surface winners from his offspring; 9 time sprint winning dam was 0 for 1 on the green prior to dropping this gal; her lick will be under the gun from this draw.

Crazy Laura

MTO enters this on undefeated with all 3 wins having come over the local main track; filly showed last time that she can win from a stalking spot and with other speed signed on that could prove to be a big asset; one to down if the rains come.

Sweet Emma Rose

They though enough of her to take her overseas to Royal Ascot 7 months ago and though the effort sent her to the bench, she ran pretty big against those Group 2 fillies at today's trip; she proved she could fire off the drills in that huge Keeneland debut run and she worked quite well last month for this; they'll have her to beat.

Starship Journey

Last out graduate showing improved lick second time on the lawn and she held on to beat a big field, but she did need the drop to claimers to get the job done; she'll try winners for the first time here and will catch others with early foot so she figures to have her work cut out for her from the bell; siding against the repeat.

White Pants Night

Moves back to the lawn after blowing a midstretch lead across town last month; filly probably needs the lead for her best and there are several others in here with lick so it won't be easy for her to save enough to prove a big threat late in the lane.

Art of the Game

Offered little on the main track in her return from the short break and now she'll move back to the green; both of her turf tries came going long but she didn't show much either time; tough to make a serious case for her as she goes for an outfit that hasn't had any recent luck on the surface switch.

Tizgale

Field's highest last out Beyer earner did so on the front end while trying the green for the initial time; she's been given some time to get over the effort and has been working quite well in the interim for her first with winners; there's other speed in here, but the way she took to the local sod last week gives the indication she may just be a new filly over this footing; consider.

Shudaboughther

Ran down a quick clip when turned back to sprint over the course last time and now she'll return to face winners; filly will get some speed in front of her here and maybe that helps, but she'll need to move forward several lengths on the figure scale in order to prove a threat in this spot.

More Than Special

Beat the boys when dropped in for a tag with shades added in her local debut a few weeks back and now she'll try winners while moving back in with her own sex; while she's another who will need to improve, she boasts a solid pace tracking style and could well find herself in a good spot looking to pounce on the pacesetters; Leparoux sticks on a filly who is kin to 3 other surface winners; worth a look.

Dreaminofauntdiane

Draws outside for her turf debut after tanking at 1-5 on the main track across town; filly did suffer through some trouble in that one and ran significantly better in her prior couple of dirt tries; sire gets only 6% first time surface winners from his offspring and the SP dam never tried the green prior to dropping this gal; don't know that she's gonna love the lawn but she should be prominent from the bell. - Steve Grabowski

Race 7

No Play

Dull effort in his return to GP grass but is likely to improve here 2nd time back off a 58-day absence; the 6%-winning fresh trainer with 41 days idle for this does not help the confidence level that a big race is on the way; would have to avenge latest loss to Runyon Humor as they chased the runner-up finisher who posted an 87 Beyer speed figure in his next-out 35K-claiming win; the 3-back runner up Beyered 99-97 in next-out MNR-alw. and 130K stakes wins.

Screenplay

Exits his lowest Beyer speed figure since August; needs a wakeup call but was claimed/freshened today for a high-win- percentage trainer with both of these angles; field-best Beyer was posted January, 2013, on GP grass at today's distance; drops below the purchase price while his 2-back win was off a similar 1st-off-the-claim/freshening; a lot to like.

Runyon Humor

Exits his lowest Beyer since September, 2012, when racing on dirt for the 1st time in 4 months; obviously not a great sign that he produced such a low speed figure 1st off the claim after being purchased off a 42% win trainer; his 2-back race last time on turf at today's distance was a super effort edged by the runner-up who Beyered 87 in a next-out 35K-claiming win; overall have mixed feelings.

Hopefully Lucky

Has been at his best when making the lead and gets a fairly paceless event which benefits; is winless since August, 2012, when going gate-to-wire but at toay's distance; figures to be a major pace presence and could take these a long way but but off his 2 GP-grass starts but will backing others.

Dr. Chase

Back in just 10 days after a last-place finish while his last win was off a 48-day absence and is 0-for-7 since; did beat some of these on grass in September; the icy-human connections while his career-best Beyer was the last time he raced on dirt when stalking; his 7-2-1-1 fast record suggests he likely wants this moved to a dry-dirt oval.

Foolish Tiger

Produced his 2011-maiden breaker in a 35K-maiden claimer on GP turf at today's distance; all 3 wins during career at 8.5F the latest on wet grass but has handled firm footing just as well; even finish 1st off the claim while the added distance and price drop for this add to the appeal; the 3-back DQd winner scored right back in an AQU-allowance with an 83 Beyer; looms a logical contender for win honors.

The B's and E's

Exits his lowest Beyer since June in a race he likely needed off a 7-week absence; has been in with some quick ones; most-recent race looks better since the show finisher Beyered 78 in his next-out TAM alw. win; beat the 2-back show runner a next-out 67 speed figure TAM-16K-claiming winner; the 3-back runner-up won next-out in a KEE-20K claimer with a 72 .

Tinitus

Front-wraps on for the 1st time in latest which coincides with his lowest Beyer since the June, 2012, career debut; not a great sign 1st off the claim and since he's won both starts on dirt a lot more was expected from last; looked good 2-back on turf beating the show runner who Beyered 81 in a next-out MTH-25K-claiming win.

Kentucky Hero

Not easy to take the 6-0-0-0 GP-turf line while 2-back represents a career-best Beyer at CRC; his return to GP grass was a dull effort when outrun throughout; some runners have a tough time finding another suitable win spot after scoring a non-winners of 3 claiming victory.

Le Deluge

Been over 2 Miles racing 4 times during career while exiting a marathon vs. much quicker 1st time on GP grass; his career-best Beyer was in a 12F-CNL turf event; consistent speed figures since the August claim but still hasn't won one yet for the newest connections; the winner, show and 4th-place finishers from last Beyered 89-88-88 in next-out GP-optional-claiming wins.

Volcano Run

The 11 minor awards during career suggests when he does fire his best it often produces a minor award; super trainer winning 2nd time off the bench seeks to make amends continuing at a distance he perfers with nearly 6 weeks to regroup off latest; nipped by the 3-back winner who repeated in a BEL-15K claimer with an 83 Beyer.

Cytherean

Exits his lowest Beyer since July, 2012, the 2nd straight start where he did not fire off claim; main issue in recent starts are slow-gate breaks; was claimed off a career-best speed figure at today's distance; 1 race from post 12 during career was Oct., 2011, an 8th-place finish in a KEE-MSW synthetic-surface event. - Art Gropper

Race 8

Penella

Fair workout pattern for this firster, including a drill at today's distance; her sire won a G1 and 1.76 million (offspring of Bluegrass Cat have won 34 out of 271 debuts); the dam went 8 for 26 earning 156K; among the winning sibs is 72K earner Oatka Idas Rose.

Exclusive Ute

New face hails from 92K earner Exclusive Quality whose progeny have won 17 percent of their initial races; the dam won 4 of 15 and 101K; winning siblings include 49K earner Perfect Cherokee.

Lady Liana

Interesting item on the cutback in distance; she was part of a rapid early pace in the last test and held well until mid-stretch; might get away with kinder and gentler fractions here and show much more endurance as a result.

Arissa

Sheds the blinkers after rallying smartly for fourth in her last attempt and might have been much closer if not for breaking slowly; seems capable of handling this numerical escalation if receiving the right type of pace set-up.

Undertheinfluence

Beginner was sired by 392K earner Indy Wind who notched 392K and whose descendants are 3 for 18 as far as winning their first try; the dam never raced; sib to 574K earner Pomeroys Pistols.

Philomene

Encountered trouble first time out after staying within range in the early stages; her sire won multiple G2 stakes and 654K while the dam was unraced; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Bartiromo

Decent breeze from the gate turned in recently; her sire, a pure sprinter, won 831K including G1 success (progeny of Street Boss have won 20 out of 108 debuts); the dam scored in 10 of 38 appearances earning 334K; there are no winning sibs to report.

Hello Rosie

Beginner was sired by G1 victor Yes It's True who captured 1.08 million and whose offspring are 91 for 637 as far as winning their first test; the dam never made it to the races; this is her only foal to start.

Nora in the Sky

Tough beat as the 6 to 5 favorite in last month's comeback race; she does not warrant such a short price here since he must face better company and the prospect of a much more rapid pace; betting value is elsewhere.

Fantastic Voyage

Respectable showing 2 starts and in his last try, he lost all chance because of a stumbling start; outermost slot today does not help matters but he makes only his third start at the claiming level and should be flying late in the stretch; mixed signals. - Jim Kachulis

Race 9

My Due Process

Proven locally, but it was ages ago; pushed into the stakes after that win and she has not been close but once since; she has the speed to flee the fence but there are several with designs on the top here; not sure the race sets up all that great for her.

Five Star Momma

Love fact she has cashed at a number of different venues; 2 clear local drills suggests she is feeling pretty good about herself; nearly 6 clear last time and this distance has to be better for here; far too sharp not to take seriously.

Munnings Sister

Homebred has a penchant for finding the wire and she's been expertly managed; repeatedly proven off the bench, best of 15 bullet in the holster and note she was 8 clear in the 2013 finale; winner of the Saratoga finale took the Grade 1 Ballerina next out with a 94 Beyer; mare has a right to thrive as time goes on as she is kin to multiple G2 winner and near $750K earner Munnings; primed.

Angel's Glory

Solid season last year; she has legit speed but can sit right off the pace and still perform; note gap in published moves till 1/21; she had dead aim in the last stakes try, could not get the ink on the contract; looking elsewhere for a key top horse.

Flower Spell

Like the fact she has speed but doesn't need the lead to succeed; toss the Grade 3 two back; she wasn't herself after she broke through the gate; steady drills for this and they have been fast; show horse in last took a $100K Canterbury stakes next out and the 4th finisher took an N1X in Chicago; miss was out of the money in the last 2 return tries; probabably needs to improve to repeat.

Risky Rachel

Nice bit of training to have this gal set off the extended layoff; place horse in the 2012 closer won 4 times since, the last in a $100K stakes; runner was 4th beaten over 10 in the only local effort back in 2010 in a $100K stakes; may need softer to shine.

My Pal Chrisy

Repeatedly proven here, but not sure sprinting is her forte; she was getting to the winner in last and note show horse was well clear; 12/29 place horse cashed next out in the $294K Sunshine Millions Distaff with a 90 Beyer; can't fault those that are a bit gun shy with the double chalk flop visible.

R Free Roll

The shorter trip should be to her advantage; show horse in the last win cashed next out in a $103K stakes here, then won an NC allowance with a 95 Beyer 8 days ago; don't be too harsh about last as she was unprepared for the break and lost best chance right there; can never dismiss :21 and small change speed.

Wildcat Lily

This gal's style will give her a chance to win most races if she is good enough; she had several tough races in a row and maybe was just zapped for her last effort; key off the Test effort and she is a valid player; the winner that day has been 2nd in two Grade 1s since and also chased Groupie Doll home BC Day; interesting.

Who Is Camille

In good hands, this is a nice mare, but she may be biting off more than she can chew; this race comes up tough and she has failed in her last 3 stakes tries; like the draw and the recent works but she will need her very best. - Brian Mulligan

Race 10

Street Chief

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam won once from 26 starts for 32k, including 0-for-3 over turf; this colt is a 1/2 to Blairs General (3-17, 136k over turf) and multiple graded stakes winner Allicansayis Wow (3-14, 210k, including 1 of 3 North American turf starts for 102k).

Valid Concept

His lack of early speed is always a concern and he finished behind a couple of today's rivals in his most recent start; he's the most experienced runner in this race and it's difficult to recommend him for something more than a minor award.

Prince Zurs

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; 1 1/16m is a tough distance for a firster and it might be a negative to see this 85k purchase making his belated career debut with a 35k tag attached.

Pared

The move to turf has proven to be a positive for this colt and like to see the effort he showed up with in his latest outing while making his first start for this barn and his first start with Lasix; feel that he might be ready to deliver his sharpest performance to date.

Mesa Way

Both of his starts in the maiden claiming ranks have been respectable performances and like to see the fine positonal speed he has to employ; note that this barn has been live with limited starters at this meeting.

Skylar Bleu

He's finished behind today's rival Mesa Way in two of his three turf starts and he's going to need to step up his game if he's planning on threatening the top contenders in here; respect the presence of Rosario, but leaning toward others.

School Yard

His most recent race was his sharpest performance to date and it looks like the addition of blinkers had something to do with it; however, he did finish behind today's rival Aunt Ruby's Kitten in that event before being placed second via disqualification.

Oliver Rush

Sire wins with approximately 8% of his turf starters and dam won once from two starts for 16k, and she didn't make a turf start; this gelding is a 1/2 to multiple stakes placed Car Thief (11-53, 237k, including 3 of 14 turf starts for 144k); winner from latest won next out here on 1/10 going 1m vs. 25k OPC's with a 69 Beyer.

Ready Mecke

The drop in class for his latest start helped him a little bit but he's another in here who is going to need to be ready to take his game to another level in order to contend; he benefits from the services of a strong turf rider, but others entice more.

Kwacha

He didn't show up with one of his better efforts in his latest start, but his form prior to that had been consistently strong enough to give him a competitive look against these; note that he's dropping to his lowest level of competition to date.

Aunt Ruby's Kitten

He wasn't able to stay straight through the stretch in his latest start and it cost him a victory, but that performance was strong enough to suggest that he can be tough to deal with in this spot; Castellano has won with 26 of 76 (34%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting. - Brian Pochman