Gulfstream: Closer Looks for February 8, 2014

Race 2

Bright Promise

One-run type is a steady check earner and may appreciate the return to six furlongs; she ran a solid race at this distance when outfinished only in the final yards; must deal with the rail slot for the first time and that could prove a barrier.

Lori's Comprise

There is very little to highlight on her current record; she has been quitting cold while going to post at huge odds and there is no end in sight; no logical reason to foresee a sudden turnaround in endurance levels.

Chuckle of the Day

Makes only her second attempt at this low level but there was no visible excuse in the last run when finishing midpack; blinker addition 2 races ago did not seem to help with any upgrade; pass until more firepower is shown.

Rachel's Ticket

After a decent run in that September race at Calder, she came up empty in her comeback effort last month; more than likely she is in need of another tightening race or two before making any serious impact.

Mimi Track

Newcomer hails from Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown who banked 3.61 million (his offspring have won 12 out of 89 debuts); the dam involved was unraced; among the winning siblings is 229K earner Shim's Pride.

Double Interest

Flashed improved early speed with the equipment change before tiring; was caught very wide in that performance and needs to work out more of an inside journey today; still have doubts that a breakthrough race is at hand.

Bellavision

Note the legit excuse in her maiden voyage last year; was bet down to 6 to 1 a month ago but did not really fire; her sire won a G2 and 1.43 million; the dam won 4 of 15 and 130K; among the winning sibs is 61K earner Lovely R R.

Claque

Exits a turf effort against much better stock than this; the grey's sire won 479K including a G2 score; the dam never made it to the starting gate; there are no winning siblings to highlight; can upgrade with this surface switch.

Go to Work

Did not break straight and true in the last assignment when only 5 to 2; previous venture was sharp over a tiring course; if she can improve upon that particular performance, she should be an early presence at the least this afternoon.

Hot Cotton

Firster was sired by G3 victor High Cotton who captured 462K and whose descendants have won 11 out of 85 initial starts; the dam was zero for 3 lifetime; this is her only foal to make it to the races; decent drill from the gate on 1/24.

Dun Won

Although off the board again in the last try, she showed much more gate speed in that event and today's drop to this soft level can help with further improvement; outside slot may prove no real problem because of the lack of early zip in this line-up. - Jim Kachulis

Race 3

Pleasant Cat

It's difficult to place full confidence in her for the top spot when seeing that she lacks early speed and that she's seeking her first career win in her 12th start, but she's run races that are strong enough to suggest that she can get herself into the mix against these.

Princess Mariah

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam won once from seven starts for 33k, and she didn't make a turf start; the long layoff is a concern, but she's by a top turf sire, and Lezcano has won with 4 of 10 mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Egot

She put together in a nice performance at second asking, but she tired badly in her most recent outing after taking a lot of time off, and she was soundly defeated by today's rival Pleasant Cat in that race.

My Cat Lily

Sire wins with approximately 16% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and dam won once from nine starts for 23k racing in Ireland; don't like to see that she's making her career debut at age 5, but she's a full to Next Kitten (5-30, 89k, including 1 of 7 turf starts for 27k) and Runs Like a Kitten (1-3, 57k over turf).

Bitty Kitty

Not wild about what she's shown so far but she is by a top turf sire and perhaps she can show up with an improved performance while making her first start with Lasix; nevertheless, others entice more.

Sita

Perhaps this daughter of Giant's Causeway deserves another chance to see what she can do racing over turf but she's obviously going to have to show up with a much improved performance to threaten the top contenders in here.

Secret Jewel

Half-sister to Shared Account (3-13, $1.5 million over turf) and G3 winner Colonial Flag (4-13, 312k over turf) was an impressive runner-up in her career debut and the winner from that race returned to win next out at Bel on 4/27 going 1m over turf in an 88k stakes with an 83 Beyer.

Shaikha

Late running filly has settled for five runner-up finishes from 10 starts to begin her career and it will take her sharpest performance to date if she's to have a chance at the top spot against these.

Loveofalifetime

She's another in here entering this race after a long layoff but her form did improve with the move to turf and the addition of Lasix; she's a 1/2 to multiple stakes placed Indy Mood (3-12, 134k, including 2 of 6 turf starts for 78k) and G3 winner Rogue Romance (4-10, 417k, including 2 of 4 turf starts for 93k).

Flaming Flag

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal from a multiple stakes winning dam who won 9 of 27 starts for 481k, and she didn't make a turf start; Stronach-owned miss finds a pretty tough spot for her first career start.

Make It Anywhere

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and dam was winless from 11 starts, including two turf starts; this filly is a 1/2 to multiple stakes winner Ms Anna Destiny (8-27, 257k, including 1 of 10 turf starts for 40k). - Brian Pochman

Race 4

Souperfast

Broken Vow about 11% with first-time turfers in a 417-runner sample; sire didn't race at 2, banked over $700K, never turfed; stakes placed dam won on grass twice, banked over $80K; all 3 siblings won; none won on grass but top kin Uncle Mo won BC Juvenile as champ, banked over $1.6 million; he's coming around.

Patrolikeachampion

Freud about 14% with first-time turfers in a 237-runner sample; sire was 2nd a half in debut at 2 at The Curragh at 6 furlongs on a yielding course, graduated there at 3 at about a mile, was Group 2 placed; dam 0 for 1; the 2 siblings to race are a combined 0 for 22; must hustle.

Barley Twist

Bernardini about 4% with first-time turfers in a 133-runner sample; sire didn't run at 2, won his 2nd career start with a 90 Beyer, took 3 G1s and was 2nd in BC Classic on way to $3 million career, never turfed; dam out of the money in only out; all 6 siblings won; several won on grass including Group 3 winner and over $300K earner Soneva; must pick it up.

Picozza

Legit trouble in the debut, he made a super middle move to make the top, could not carry on with the momentum; 3 for 19 dam earned over $100K, won on grass once; lone winner in tree took one dirt route; can't fault those that give him another shot at glory.

Giant's Passion

Giant's Causeway about 11% with firsters in an 699-horse sample, about 9% with first-time turfers in a 549-runner sample; sire won juvenile debut by 7 and took a Group 1 at 2; dam was unraced; 3 of 4 siblings won including G1 winning turf monster and over $2.6 million earner Presious Passion; respect everything from this barn.

Our Wild Won

Runner got away with the soft splits in the debut and still gave way; stakes winning 9 for 26 dam earned $450K, won on grass once; 2 of 3 siblings won, neither on turf, one earned nearly $150K; must display more.

Recall Dynaformer

Due for a trip after poor start, then wide journey; dam won once; several winners in the family including Group 3 turf winner and near $200K earner Rock of Rochelle; probably wound benefit by a hot and heavy pace.

Jeremy's Song

Unbridled's Song about 13% of his first-time turf runners in a 500-horse study; sire graduated in debut at 2, won the 1995 BC Juvenile, the Florida Derby and Wood the next year, was 5 for 12 overall, earned $1.3 million; G1 winning dam was a dirt route monster, earned nearly $800K, never turfed; 2 of 3 sibs won, one cashed on grass once; backers have to hope the blinks shake him up.

Tourist

Tiznow about 8% of his first-time turf runners in a 372-horse study; sire did not race at 2, took 8 of 15, earned over $6.4 million as a double BC Classic hero, never tried grass; dam took 3 sprints, never turfed; lone kin Michael With Us took a stakes, won on turf once, banked $170K; both Motts must be respected.

Conquest Top Gun

Pioneerof the Nile 5 for 12 with first-time turf runners; sire won twice at 2, took multiple Grade 1s; dam won only start sprinting on dirt in juvenile debut; lone kin Ron Burgundy can broadcast about winning thrice but not on grass while earning about $60K; lean toward watching a local race. - Brian Mulligan

Race 5

For Goodness Sake

48 days since the turf-career debut fade; high-percentage trainer turf-to-dirt and with runners coming off a similar freshening; some runners improve 2nd-time out and he has plenty of room to move forward for this; working like a much-better effort is on the way.

Gaining Ground

Name suggests a closer but he raced on the lead in last and figures as the one to catch here; removes blinkers hoping to harness some of his gate speed and last longer up top; is 1 of 5 here taking the biggest-class drop in racing from MSW-to-maiden claimer.

Coldwater Flat

The only debut runner in the field; Kentucky Derby-winning sire is 12-for-89 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 1-for-8 dam (55K) did not race past 7F; she produced 2 winners from 2 other foals to race including top earner 99K-Red Release (2-for-8) who did not race past 6.5F.

Puntrooskie

2-back field-best Beyer was a troubled sprint rallying-show finish; he has not raced past 6F yet; sire was stakes-placed at 8.5F on wet dirt but overall went 0-for-3 in all races at 1 Mile or over; is out of a dam who's only dirt route was a show finish in a 400K stakes; her only other foal to race 4-for-15 Saber (44K) did not compete past 7F.

Cosmic Coincidence

Displayed much-better gate speed in latest racing with 1st blinkers but not a good sign that his Beyer regressed 2nd-time out which is almost always an improvement race; figures to battle Gaining Ground for the lead then hopes to find the stamina which was missing from latest.

Duke of Ritchie

The 1st-blinkered race in last did not produce the improved results desired; is 1 of 5 runners signed on today taking the biggest-class drop in racing angle going from MSW-to-maiden claiming; best Beyer of career was on a sloppy-race track doing a rain dance for this; the 3-back winner repeated in a GP-optional claimer with a 77 speed figure.

World Changer

Blinkers come back on after a fade 1st time with the hood on and 1st time on turf; good sign that his 1st race with blinkers and 1st dirt route represents the only exacta finish of career and a career-best Beyer; did not handle a wet track 3-back when unable to catch Gaining Ground.

High Bidder

Today marks the highest-claiming price of career; stepping up in class off a loss is not a good-win angle especially exiting a more than 12-length defeat; shown an improving worktab off the 34-day absence for a 10%-winning fresh trainer since 2013; have mixed feelings.

Blast Away

Just 2 career starts so still has some upside racing for a trainer not known to win with 1sters and often his runners improve with each attempt; shown signs for better with some strong-dirt workouts as today will be his 1st-ever main track start.

Dark and Dusty

Style change in latest when rallying from 12th; stamina had been an issue in previous attempts; the 5th and 6th-place finishers from last Beyered 69-62 in next-out GP-35K-maiden-claiming wins; 55 days since latest-double digit length defeat; his trainer has high-win percentage marks with turf-to-dirt and fresh runners. - Art Gropper

Race 6

Sea Queen

Half-sister to G1 winner Nereid (3-10, 296k over turf) made her career debut a winning one, and that was a rather impressive performance for a 2-year-old going 1 1/16m in July; third-place finisher from debut won next out at Sar on 8/18 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 74 Beyer, and more recently recorded a couple of stakes wins over this turf course.

Sea Bubble

Two of her three starts since being placed over turf have been decent performances and she's a 1/2 to G1 winner Sand Springs (9-26, $1.2 million over turf); runner up from latest won next out here on 1/26 going 1m over turf in a 100k stakes with an 82 Beyer.

Miss Besilu

Stakes placed miss is another in here with a bit of quality to her pedigree and she's done little wrong in her two turf attempts; of the horses in the main body of this race, she's the only one to hit 80 on the Beyer Speed Figure scale; obvious contender.

Shy's Aly

She deserves credit for getting the job done in two of her three starts over turf but this is a very good looking field of 75k OPC's that she's meeting up with and she is going to need to be ready to take her game to another level to get the better of this group.

Elle Starlight

She's out of a stakes winning dam who won 3 of 22 turf starts for 358k and her form has improved with a move to turf; however, she's another who is going to need to take a noticeable step forward in order to threaten the top contenders in here.

Spring Again

Like to see the consistency that this stakes placed miss has displayed through her first five starts and she's shown the ability to run her race over any surface; prefer to lean toward others for the top spot, but she's clearly capable of landing a spot underneath in the exotics.

Maco Light

Since a promising career debut, her form has only been so-so at best, and this looks like a tough field for her to be meeting up with while making her second start over turf; prefer to look in another direction.

Market Magic

Lightly raced miss has looked pretty good in her first two career starts and she's plenty eligible to have more to show us, but she does appear to be the weaker of the two Mott-trained fillies in here.

Cool Faith

Chiefswood-homebred ran very well in her first two career starts, including coming up just a nose short in a stakes race, and it's probably a good idea to look for her to improve over what she showed in her first start as a 3-year-old in her latest outing; she's out of a G2 winning dam who won 5 of 20 starts for 703k, including 4 of 17 turf starts for 648k.

Chiquiem

She's run pretty well the last three time she's been seen racing over turf, but when considering the caliber of the field that she's meeting up with today, it's difficult to suggest that she has a chance for something more than a minor award.

Morethanawarning

Like what she did in two starts to begin her career, but she just hasn't been able to get much going in her three most recent races, and it's not like she finds herself meeting up with a soft bunch today; going to look toward others.

Wicked Temper

She deserves credit for the improved performance she showed up with in her turf debut in her latest outing, but not only does she find herself facing a tough group in her first start against winners, but she's faced with an extreme outside post.

Co Cola

It's fair to question much of the dirt form that is signed on in the main body of this race and this looks like it can prove to be a favorable spot for this filly to stretch out in distance for the first time; she's been pretty impressive in her first three starts and Castellano has won with 26 of 76 (34%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Slip By

At least he got a feel of the surface; stakes winning dam won routing, banked over $300K; several winners in the family including and over $350K earner and 9-race route winner and near $500K earner Palmeiro; got a feeling we have not seen the best of this one.

Bay of Plenty

Runner could have sulked after the slow start but he put his head down and came hard and got boost when show horse returned to graduate here last Saturday with an 81 Beyer; dam was 0 for 5; the Grade 1 sibling that won Fortify took a route earned over $300K; major player.

Special Agent

Freshened by patient barn for this effort; he's trained steadily and a more experienced pilot hired; place horse in the debut won next out and the winner repeated in an N1X here before stopping in the Holy Bull; Grade 1 winning dam was a route monster, banked over a million; 3 of 7 siblings won including G1 winner, route winner and near $400K earner Dunkirk; the blood sure is there.

Lynx

Bothered early in half of his starts; he only showed speed once and has to adapt to the conventional dirt on the fly; lean toward watching one.

Legend

Colt has trained solidly since nice debut; show horse in bow graduated at this level next out and the winner repeated in the Grade 3 Sam Davis with an 82 Beyer; dam's lone win came at 7 furlongs on grass; 2 of 3 siblings won including route winner and over $100K earner Ol Donyo; look for rider to send hard and try to steal it.

Proud Maxx

Was an ice cube on the board and fans were on the money; dam's lone win was a route; this is her first to race; has some things to iron out.

Grand Strand

Educated on grass when in tight early on; dam was unraced; 5 of 6 siblings won; top sib Barcola won stakes, won routing, banked over $500K; expect better effort here.

Mill Creek

Despite having the mud being kicked in his face, this guy almost pulled it off as chalk; like fact he was tons best of the rest; G2 winning dam won 7 routes, banked nearly $700K; lone half sis took on dirt route; don't be shocked if this guy runs huge.

Goodnewsisnonews

Wide twice but he was 4 clear when hooking facile winner in last; dam 0 for 3; 5 of 8 siblings won including multiple route winner and over $1.2 million earner Fly Down; grinder should be coming late.

Ring Weekend

Gelding caught the off going in the only conventional dirt start; he has a shot to have a decent career as kin to over $125K earner Champ Safi; tactical speed a plus, don't sell too short.

Ulanbator

Off poorly in the debut and the winner that day repeated in an N1X at OP with an 82 Beyer; dam 0 for 7; this is her first to race; capable barn due to get rolling.

Moon Gun

Lack of speed so far has to be addressed; dam's lone win was a route; all 3 siblings won; all banked 6 figures; 2 were sprint only, but Meistersinger took 3 routes, earned nearly $140K; the hotter the pace the better for this guy.

Flat in Charge

Limited speed flashed but he has drilled several times since being vanned out; there is a route winner in the tree; runner could be compromised by the post here. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Red Hills

Loves GP dirt with a career-best Beyer speed figure posted here December, 2012, at today's distance when dominating a starter allowance field; has been way off best form in last 3 double-digit length defeats over the track; the 2-back winner took a key race making it 3 in a row scoring next out in a TP-58K event with a 95 Beyer.

Tarpy's Surprise

Great sign that his 1st race in 52 days and 1st race on GP dirt was an exacta finish at today's distance; reunites with the 2-back win rider when beating the runner-up and show finishers; they Beyered 87-78 in next-out FG-MSW and OP-35K-maiden-claiming wins.

Wabbajack

Won fresh off a shorter layoff; his trainer is winless since 2013 with 6-month or longer absentees (0-for-7); passed a few when last seen in a key race; the runner-up and 4th-place finishers from last Beyered 93-91 in next-out MTH-107K stakes and SAR-allowance wins; last race at GP was 3-back when 2nd best behind the winner who repeated in an AQU-optional claimer with an 83 speed figure.

Cary Street

Last win was on the lead while catching a paceless event today benefits being one of the few gate-speed runners in the field; 2012-GP graduate sprinting off a longer freshening while his 2-back fresh start was dull; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 92 in a next-out IND-optional-claiming win.

My Name Is Michael

Maiden-breaking victory was following a shorter layoff than this; only fast-main track start of his career represents his 2nd-highest Beyer ever when 3rd in a Grade 3 event; mild worktab on display but when the trainer goes to Johnny V to ride at GP since 2013 it is a 47%-win angle suggesting he is a major player for this.

Fast Falcon

1st race ever today with blinkers on trying to turn the tables on Tarpy's Surprise from last where his rally fell short; lone win was posted 17 races ago May, 2012, in a PIM-MSW event at today's distance on fast dirt rallying from 5th; field-best Beyer was posted in July at a half furlong longer than this when facing graded-stakes rivals at SAR.

Farmers Market

Doing the rain dance as his career-best Beyer and last win was accomplished over a sloppy-main track; best GP dirt speed figure of 43 from 2 starts here will need a dramatic improvement to land a share; last start over the track was March, 2012, a Mile-exacta finish in a $12,500-maiden claimer.

Indygo Prince

Nearly doubles the claiming price off latest win when posting a new Beyer-career best; the last-to-1st rally made him 2-for-2 on fast-race tracks both wins on GP dirt; wish this field had more gate speed signed on to help set up the closers because he figures to linger near the back of the pack then make 1 run.

Isutalkintome

Hard to ignore the trainer's 33% win rate 1st off the claim since 2013; is just 1-for-12 on GP dirt; that win was 11 months ago at a half furlong shorter than today's event; the 2-back winner and runner-up finisher Beyered 97-95 in next-out CRC alw. and GP-OPC wins. - Art Gropper

Race 9

English Class

Grade 3 stakes placed mare has some solid turf form on her card to consider and it looks like she's been training well in preparation for her return to action; if she feels up to one of her better performances, she'll be tough to deal with.

Merilore

She's been on top of her game lately but feel that it is fair to question if her best effort is strong enough to get the job done in this spot; prefer to give the nod to others in this one.

Glamour N Glory

Multiple stakes placed miss has shown the ability to put together a pretty sharp performance on her best day, but not only can her lack of early speed create problems for her, but she was winless from 10 starts in 2013.

Bella Castani

She's run well in three of her first five starts over turf, including recording a stakes victory, and she looks like a good fit at this level of competition; Lael-owned filly goes out for a top turf barn and Lezcano seems to know the right buttons to push aboard this miss.

Kipling's Joy

This barn has been a little bit quiet at this meeting but this stakes placed filly did make her first start for this outfit a winning one in her latest outing, and Castellano has won with 4 of 7 (57%) mounts for Wolfson at the current stand.

Floral Sky

If you only focus in on what she's done in her three starts over turf, she has some solid form to consider, and she equaled a career best Beyer Speed Figure in her latest outing while making her first start over this turf course.

Profetiza

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and stakes winning dam won 5 of 19 starts for 212k, and she didn't make a turf start; it's probably worth noting the presence of Lezcano aboard another in here, but she clearly has a good deal of ability to work with, and this 775k purchase is making her turf debut for a top turf barn.

Quay

She hasn't run a bad race to date, including four starts over turf, and the 84 Beyer Speed Figure she earned for her latest performance represents the best last race figure in this field; this is a solid looking field that she's meeting up with, but she commands plenty of respect as a contender.

Kitten's Point

She's a Grade 3 winner racing over this turf course, and even though she's entering this race after a long layoff, it wouldn't be a surprise if she was ready for better while making her first start since April of her 3-year-old season; Augustin-homebred shows up for a very capable turf barn.

Harbingerofthings

She deserves some credit for the consistent approach that she's developed, and she is the only one in here with five wins next to her name, but she looks like she's going to need to produce a career best effort to see her number posted on top after this one is run.

Interesting (IRE)

She's G3 stakes placed racing in France and like the idea of her getting Lasix for the first time after an ordinary effort in her first start in America; not going to be at all surprised if she shows us more this time around.

Danalake

Not wild about what this minor stakes winner showed us in her one start over turf prior to this, and she was beaten by today's rival Glamour N Glory in that race, but maybe her chances can be upgraded a little bit of this race has to be moved to the main track.

Sky Skier

There's enough dirt form in the main body of this race to make someone in here have to run a good one to get the job done, but this filly will clearly merit contender status after a sharp winning performance in her first start for this barn in her latest outing, and that was also her first attempt routing. - Brian Pochman

Race 10

Riposte (GB)

Import tries the shortest trip of her career in her stateside debut for a barn that excels with newly acquired runners first time under their care; she kept top company overseas last summer and has been working regularly for this engagement against a moderate bunch of graded stakes foes; expecting she'll prove to be a big threat in the lane.

Parranda

Looked pretty good beating fellow Florida breds at this trip last month, making her a career .500 hitter over the local course; consistent mare has been on her best game at the local stand, taking 3 straight here, but she will be taking on some proven open company stakes runners in this one; still, she may hold a tactical edge in a field with little early lick and could get first run on her main foes; in her current form she's certainly one to consider.

Malibu Yankee

Returns from the break while making her first local start since a solid placing over the course last season; mare was ok in New York back in the fall and she rarely shows up without her stretch kick, but don't know that she's fast enough to go with these late, especially first time back; prefer others on the win end.

Ainsley

Steps up to the graded stakes ranks in search of her third straight score after the facile score in the off the turfer at Calder a few weeks back; mate was ok on the green at times last season and it's tough to deny she's in shape, but she's winless over the local sod and looks to be a handful of lengths slower than most of these gals; have to side with others for the money slots.

Abaco

Beaten last out chalk gets an extra half panel in which to make her run after the wire approached too quickly in her return from the freshening; her late running style may not got the setup she'd prefer, but she always comes with her run and is a G3 SW at this trip; heat's runner up last season looks to be the main threat today.

Nicki Starshine

Enters this on the improve from a figure standpoint and wasn't far off one of these in the statebred stake at the trip last month; her better efforts have come from the back of the pack, however, and she's likely not good enough to overcome such a trip in here; passing on her.

Caroline Thomas

Makes her first start since getting within a length of the winner in a sophomore G1 at Keeneland in the fall; filly really came into her own last summer in New York but she's run big over the local course and did break her maiden fresh so with a steady set of drills in tow it wouldn't be a surprise to see her return running; contender.

Abbey Street

Outside drawn filly returns to the stakes ranks for her second start off the break after coming up short late over the local course; she does her running from well out of it and that doesn't look to fit the heat's pace scenario so well; can't back her regardless of price today. - Steve Grabowski

Race 11

Laugh Track

10 weeks since his troubled-Grade 1 Cigar Mile loss; posted a mild worktab for his 1st-ever GP dirt test; winless on dirt and this is clearly a tough spot to obtain the 1st main-track victory; last win was in June at today's distance on a synthetic surface defeating the runner-up and show finishers; they posted 95-84 Beyer speed figure in next-out WO-G3 and optional-claiming wins.

Jackson Bend

Winless in 11 races since his Grade 1 score at AQU at today's distance April, 2012; the 1-for-10 GP dirt record is not easy to take but raced very well in defeat in many of those losses including in recent stakes; lone GP win was a G3 with Johnny V riding who is 1-for-2 piloting this guy and reunites for this; is doing a rain dance; field-best Beyer was posted October, 2011, at 1 Mile on a muddy oval; his last wet-dirt attempt was a G1-placing.

Narvaez

Not easy to back off latest off-the-board finish facing much lesser; lone-GP win was at longer than this but graduated at 42-1 at today's 7F stamina test; finished 4th in last year's Florida Derby over the track to Orb who went on to win the Kentucky Derby.

Reveron

Brief speed at longer; hopes to track Falling Sky and Singanothersong from the gate then get 1st run on the closers; 1st race without blinkers represents his career-best Beyer when 2nd best in the G1-2012 Florida Derby here but overall is 4-0-1-0 since the hood was removed.

Falling Sky

Projects to race on or near the lead with Singanothersong; horse for the couse has fired 2 of his career-best efforts on GP dirt; posted a major-wakeup race in last when producing a co-Beyer Top going all the way on the lead coming off a 9-week absence; one issue is he is back in just 4 weeks for this.

Brujo de Olleros (BRZ)

Away since rallying strongly at longer in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile; has been best when racing midpack; his lone USA win was off a 58-day absence traveling around 2 turns but has been away 99 days for his 1st-GP attempt and 1st sprint since June; figures to rally well in deep stretch.

Silver Menace

Today's 1st attempt of 2014 seems like a very ambitious placement considering his 4-0-0-1 GP dirt record and 2 wins in 2013 were vs. much-lesser rivals at shorter than 7F; latest start over the track nearly 11 weeks ago was not his best race which suggests we back others.

Fort Loudon

Last win was 1 year ago in this same event; defending champion does not come into this year's edition in top form exiting his lowest Beyer since September, 2012, when he did not fire on a wet-main track; latest-dull effort was on fast footing; was edged by the 3-back show finisher who Beyered 92 in a next-out GP-optional-claiming win.

Catron

Just 2 starts so gives away experience to each rival; stalking style suggests the added furlong will not be an issue; perfect runner with 48 days since latest-key race victory when racing for the 1st time ever on GP dirt defeating the runner-up and show finishers; they Beyered 86-67 in next-out GP-OPC and 35K-claiming wins.

Singanothersong

Projects to race on or near the lead with Falling Sky; last race at 7F was a Grade 3 placing over today's oval; has never been better exiting a Grade 3 victory on a wet-main track showing versatility after winning on a fast oval 2 back; working well for his 1st start in 6 weeks; seems the one to catch and beat.

Purple Egg

Clearly has a lot to prove on GP dirt with 2 off-the-board finishes locally catching a field with graded-stakes winners over the track; co-highweight gives 2 pounds to most of the field; his last start racing this short of a distance was a 5th-place finish vs. lesser rivals; rematch from latest loss vs. Jackson Bend and again is drawn widest sure to lose ground; others appeal more. - Art Gropper

Race 12

Kingston Bay

A little concerned when seen that he's experiencing breaking from the rail post in a sprint event for the first time, but this gelding does have some gate speed, and his form has clearly been strong enough to give him a competitive look in this spot; winner from latest returned to win next out here on 1/15 going 5f over turf vs. 20k OPC's with an 86 Beyer.

Awakino Cat

Multiple stakes winner has done some nice work sprinting over turf in his career but it is a concern to see the sub par performance he showed up with while making his first start for this barn after a layoff in his latest outing.

My Name Is Jake

He's really struggled in his five starts against winners since breaking his maiden, and even though his better races have been run over turf, he's never run a race that is up to the level of the top contenders in here.

Full Moon's Back

Two of his three most recent races have been a couple of his better performances, including his turf debut in his latest outing, but he's another in here who is going to have to really step up his game in order to contend.

Heart Doctor

He's had some success from 13 starts over turf, but he finds himself facing some solid looking sprinters today, and it doesn't look like his best effort is strong enough to get the job done against these.

Band of Joy

Have to respect what he's done in his three starts sprinting over turf and this Pompa-owned 5-year-old probably didn't care for how far out of it he found himself early on in his latest outing while making his first start back from a layoff; Castellano has won with 26 of 76 (34%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Best Man

It's interesting to see how well this colt performed in his career debut sprinting over turf, his only turf start to date, but this does have to be considered a tough spot for him to be giving turf another try; note that he loses the services of Castellano to Band of Joy.

Drunken Love

20-time winner has a stakes win to his credit and he's gotten the job done in 8 of 15 turf starts; it's difficult to ignore a tough competitor like this, but he is meeting up with a very good looking field of sprinters.

Black Karma

Sire wins with approximately 5% of his turf starters and dam won 3 of 36 starts for 30k, and she didn't make a turf start; not sure what to make of his previous connections losing him for 25k last time, but he was claimed by Ramsey and Maker, and he's obviously a naturally talented runner.

Strong Humor

He owns a high degree of early speed, something that can be a key sprinting over turf, and even though he didn't run all that well in his one turf attempt prior to this, this will be his first turf attempt since moving into this barn; note the success that Zayas has had riding for this outfit.

Law Dog

A number of his starts sprinting over turf have been his better performances, but he's going to need a career best effort to get the better of this field, and he hasn't been on top of his game lately.

At Large

He debuted for the Ziadie barn with a winning performance but he took a big step backward at second asking after being claimed; tough to give him a favorable push in this spot based on what he's shown so far.

Bold Perspective

Both of his starts sprinting over turf have been fine performances, and when seeing that there's a chance that there will be a very fast and contested early pace, perhaps he can sit out the running early on and put in a bold stretch bid.

Dreaming of Danny

This has to be considered a tough spot for him to make his first start in a turf dash like this since his career debut, and his lack of early speed makes him a candidate to be outrun every step of the way. - Brian Pochman