Gulfstream: Closer Looks for February 9, 2014

Race 1

Perfect Praise

Freshened for this but that may be a good thing; note runner won going away in the last return effort; show horse in last has won 2 $30K optionals since; off poorly but still second the last time for this price, miss will need help up front to get the job done; look for her late if at all.

Lucky Liberty

Sire could route, dam was unraced and this is her first to roll; she had to come from left field in both of the sprint wins and the local efforts leave much to be desired; could need softer to shine.

The Business

Miss slipped away from a half dozen for the win to close 2013 but gave way when wide in last; this rider was up for the last score but hard to be overly confident after the last fiasco; looking elsewhere for a key top horse.

Dreamlicious

She was just overmatched in last; would love to see her find that killer instinct, check out the 11 slices; miss does handle the off going and note she was 4 clear and show horse was by herself two back; can't be counted out.

Money for Memories

Versatility could be her best asset; she can be forwardly placed or come from left field and still perform; wide 2 back with beaten chalk, capable barn due to get rolling; look for Lopez to be aggressive from the sound of the bell.

Joanie's Image

Maybe she just needed the last effort; show horse in the July finale cashed next out in a $16K optional, then ran out of the money; half of her wins have been here; note thrilled with fact she stopped badly the other time at this trip; not seeing it.

Rowdy Miss

Out of the money both times for this price; she has more speed than she just flashed and she catches a field pretty much devoid of speed; miss showed more energy in the drill on 1/25, just may get brave if she can shake free.

Helluva Hunch

Proven for the price, but it could have zapped her; she had to take the time off and only ran one solid race since when a well beaten 2nd; 12/20 winner repeated in a $25K optional here with a 79 Beyer; she has the 2 races to draw from now, like the way she was gaining on the winner in last; Saez got a chance to figure her out; don't ignore. - Brian Mulligan

Race 2

Pick of the Litter

Has not raced this short of a distance since his turf career debut; career-best Beyer speed figure was at 1F longer on GP dirt; was nosed 3-back by the winner who Beyered 85 twice in 2 next-out wins taking FG-optional claimers; the 3-back show runner Beyered 87 in his next-out CD allowance win.

Dewey Square

The runner-up, 6th and 8th-place finishers Beyered 97-96-94 in next-out PRM-Grade 3, FE-500K and EVD-100K stakes wins; super-long layoff trainer adds to the appeal; shortest-distance test today since the debut win on the lead; seems the one to catch.

Majestic Cause

Favored in the betting in all 4 races defeated the runner-up finisher from last who Beyered 94 in his next-out CRC alw. victory; was a runner-up finisher in his only other race at 1 Mile 2-back reuniting with the rider from that loss; he has been best at shorter.

Russian Greek

Wish the trainer fared better than 0-for-9 with similar-layoff starters since 2013 and 2-for-30 first-time out with newly-acquired runners; the 2-back winner repeated in a SAR-Grade 1 stakes with a 97 Beyer; have mixed reviews from the GP worktab for his 1st start over the track today.

On the Loose Again

Consistent sort has not run a bad race since May; sharp rally 3-back in his Mile win at PRX; today marks start 1 on GP dirt; his September win looks better since the show finish Beyered 81 in his next-out PRX-OPC victory; hopes Dewey Square sets a hotly contested pace which would help his late punch.

Positively

Pick of the Litter handled him 3-back the last time he raced in a dirt route finishing behind the winner and show finishers 87-85 Beyer next-out winners; is ranked a notch below the top contenders here; the September-CD winner won his next 2 starts with 100-93 Beyers taking CD-OPC and OP-100K stakes wins. - Art Gropper

Race 4

Groupie Doll

The champ will hang up the racing shoes after this event after a glorious career; forced to check inside in the Cigar against the boys, she was bothered at the quarter pole and just was left with too much to do; unbeaten at this distance, this race sets up well for her with at least 3 possibly vying for the lead; she has thrived off the bench before, should be able to settle, save ground, engage at the top of the lane, and power by with clear sailing.

Jamaican Smoke

Miss got good for about 5 weeks back in 2012; pushed into the stakes in the 2012 closer, she has not been able to duplicate her last winning Beyer; Lezcano got a chance to figure her out and would expect rider to be aggressive and send hard at the sound of the bell; there is plenty of speed outside of her, not sure the race sets up all the great for her.

My Due Process

Proven locally, but it was nearly 2 full years ago; wonder if connections were playing catch up to get to this race; she didn't drill for nearly a month, blew out 6 days ago, and then was set down in the spin on Wednesday; not sold on chances.

Distortion

It took time for her to figure it out, but she ran solidly the first time vs. winners which is not easy to do and she had to alter course in the process; place horse in the May maiden breaker took a MSW next out, then was out of the money in an N1X; she has some room to improve, but this is a huge step.

Five Star Momma

Runner was 4th beaten 2 lengths in her other try on this surface; best when sent along, but she can sit just off the pace and get there; well clear in the Maryland finale, she tried a Grade 3 in her 2nd career start and was second beaten a length with just a 66 Beyer; she will have to prove she can take the heat of a speed duel and still live to tell about it.

Heart Stealer

Tons best of the rest in her stakes debut 2 back and the show horse that day won next out in a $103K stakes, and then took a $50K NC allowance; show horse in last won here on Thursday in a $75K stakes with a 93 Beyer; proven fresh, she has speed but can sit just off the pace and perform; should give the rail a run for her money.

Wildcat Lily

Consistent and dangerous, this miss is proven in this league and key off her tough race in the Test and she's a player; drawn right, love the spacing of the return drills accentuated by the blowout on Wednesday; the winner of her last race cashed next out in a $150K stakes, ran 2nd to Munnings Sister on Thursday; expect better effort here. - Brian Mulligan

Race 5

Tasmona

Improved in the latest breeze from the gate; her sire won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and 1.31 million; offspring of Unbridled's Song have scored in 118 out of 857 debuts; the dam was unraced and this is her only foal to start.

My Miss Sophia

See the previous runner for information about the same sire; this filly's dam won 3 of 6 attempts and 109K; among the winning siblings is 102K earner Flowerbomb; there are above average workouts of late.

Little Alexis

Keeps improving as far as the quality of her a.m. drills; her sire won a trio of G3s and 474K (progeny of Mr. Greeley have won 90 out of 826 initial starts); the dam lost her only attempt; winning siblings include 51K earner Slumber Party.

Farm Fresh

Sired by the undefeated Candy Ride who banked 749K including multiple G1s; his descendants are 52 for 398 as far as winning their first try; there are no winning siblings to highlight.

Jenny's Rocket

See Little Alexis, above, for same sire info; her dam won 4 of 12 and 104K; among the winning siblngs is 512K earner Laurie's Rocket; impressed by the latest half-mile breeze which signals she is at the ready.

Sharon Jones

Used up in a pace battle first time out at Monmouth Park when defeated by a blowout winner; her sire won a G2 and 479K; the dam won 2 of 15 and 77K; this is her only foal to make it to the races; extra-fine gate breeze to consider.

Creative Spirit

Game in defeat in her maiden voyage here last month; her sire won multiple G1s and 7.61 million; the dam won 2 of 6 and 92K; winning siblings include 211K earner Spirited Miss; dangerous if able to clear the field.

Gratitude

Although tiring to finish off the board in her debut at Saratoga, the race itself was mighty fast; her sire won multiple G3s and 413K; the dam won 2 of 4 attempts and 117K; winning sibs include 50K earner Dragon Falls; can rebound at a price. - Jim Kachulis

Race 6

Forever Road

It remains to be seen if she can do it over turf, and she is meeting up with winners for the first time, but she was much improved in a winning performance after a layoff in her latest outing while earning an 85 Beyer Speed Figure.

White Sangria

She's by a top turf sire and her overall turf form has been solid, but not sure that she's truly at her best in a turf dash like this, and it will take her sharpest performance to date to get the better of this field.

Freewest

Connections alone command respect and this mare was last seen putting together a performance that is strong enough to place her squarely in the mix against these; winner from latest won next out here on 1/15 going 5f over turf vs. 20k OPC's with an 86 Beyer.

Allaboutcaroline

Stakes placed filly ran well from off the pace while making her first start for this barn in her latest outing and she finished right behind a few of today's rivals in that race; feel that this Team Valor-owned miss still has upside to consider.

Celebrity Star

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won once from 12 starts for 9k, and she didn't make a turf start; third-place finisher from latest won next out here on 1/3 going 7 1/2f over turf vs. 25k OPC's with an 84 Beyer.

Kiss Me Lola

She ran well when splitting a couple of today's rivals in her first start back from a layoff in her latest outing, and when seeing that level of performance isn't anything of the ordinary for her, it's probably a good idea to look for her to come right back with another sharp try.

Grilledham'ncheese

11-time winner has earned all of her wins racing over synthetic surfaces or dirt, and even though she has a bit of turf in her pedigree, this has to be considered a tough spot for her to try to secure her first turf victory.

Call My Lawyer

She surprised a field when coming out on top in her turf debut in her latest outing and she beat a few of today's rivals in that race; she seeking her third consecutive victory and Prado has won with 3 of 7 (43%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Warmhearted Windy

She has some turf in her pedigree and the surface switch seemed to agree with her at second asking when getting the better of 10 rivals at over 80-1; she's obviously facing a tougher test in her first start against winners, but she merits some respect.

Sandcastle

This has to be considered a difficult spot for this mare to make her first start in a turf dash like this and she figures to have a very difficult time trying to deal with the level of early speed that she sees in this event; she has the look of an outsider.

Wild Oration

She's run well in back-to-back starts since moving into this barn and she displayed a high degree of early speed when grabbing the early advantage in her latest outing; Lopez has won with 4 of 11 (36%) mounts for this barn at the current stand.

Flip the Switch

She brings some early speed with her, but all of her wins have been earned racing over dirt, and her best effort doesn't look like it's strong enough to get over on the top contenders in here; she looks like more of an outsider.

Cavetto (GB)

She's lightly raced, so the possibility of an improved performance exists, and she did run well to get the job done in her career debut, but this does appear to be a tough spot for her return to action; wouldn't consider her a total shocker while going out for strong connections, but leaning toward others.

Lake Michigan

This race doesn't look like it will come up all that soft if it has to be moved to the main track and it looks like this mare will need to be ready to run the race of her career in order to get the better of these.

Best Behavior

She'll boast the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here if she gets to go in this spot and can't ignore the fact that she's making her first start after a claim for Calabrese and Ziadie; she has a live look to her, especially with Castellano getting the call. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Night Song

Sire gets about 8% winners from his debut runners and the dam was winless from 4 tries prior to dropping multiple winners from each of her 3 foals to race including 2 who were multiple sprint winners; gray has been breezing well of late for her debut but she draws a tough starting spot and the barn hasn't won many races over the past year or so.

Five Star Dixie

Showed good speed in her first couple of starts before breaking poorly when dropped in for a tag at Churchill in the fall; layoff lines indicate she's had her issues but she is working ok of late and it's nice to see them step her back up to the MSW ranks here; 3 of her 4 sibs to race are multiple winners.

Ambitious

Switches surfaces for the turn back to sprint in her first start of the year; filly goes for an outfit that does well with this type and though she didn't offer much in either of her dirt tries, her dam was a G1 SW on the main track and she dropped a couple of nice route winners including multiple SW and 412K earner Altesse, so maybe she deserves another crack over this surface.

Vita Vittoria

Makes her first start in 9 months for this new outfit after showing very little in her 2 starts last year; 400K auction buy is kin to 8 winners and the new outfit excels with newly acquired runners first time out; with some solid recent breezes on tap and the presence of Castellano she's worth a good look.

Tapitinsilver

Field's most experience runner turns back to sprint on the surface switch after a weak return spin on the local sod; she's offered little on dirt and though she's been working better of late here she still has a lot to prove; just watching her.

Giant Fable

Sire gets 10% winners from his first out runners and the SP dam won 3 times sprinting and banked 144K; she's kin to 3 winners, including 2 SP runners, whose wins all came either routing or on the lawn; barn hasn't had a lot of recent luck right out of the box and there are some gaps in this gal's worktab.

Successful Luck

Sire hits with 15% of his newcomers and the limited route winning dam's lone foal to race was multiple G1 SW router and 3.2 million earner Blind Luck who also won twice from 3 sprint tries, including her first out spin; barn was once quite prolific right out of the box and they do boast a winner with a recent debut runner.

Previous

Took plenty of tote support when sent long in her 8 panel debut run in New York last spring but didn't have enough to go on late; filly will get Lasix for her first start since then and her barn excels with its absentees; with a steady line of recent drills on her tab and a top pilot sticking with her, she looks to be the one to deny.

Secret

Adds the hood for her first dirt start since her poor debut effort in New York last fall; filly makes her first start for a new barn following some weak local turf sprints; she comes from quite a talented female family as all 5 of her sibs to race are multiple sprint winners, 3 of whom were SWs including multiple SW and 439K earner Inspired, but it's tough to just look past what little she's shown thus far. - Steve Grabowski

Race 8

Five Gears

Looking at this as being a tough spot for him to make his second start over turf, but he did show some late life in his career debut racing over this turf course very early on in his 3-year-old season.

Hobson's Choice

He ran on well late in his career debut to grab the show prize but it would've been nice to have seen him show more when returned from a layoff in his latest outing in a race if that featured a number of today's rivals.

March Reward

If he performs the way that he did when finishing second behind a very good looking runner in Avanzare two races back, he can be tough to deal with, but he did finish behind a few of today's rivals in his latest outing; he's a contender for sure, but he must bring his 'A' game with him to get the job done.

Mr. Besilu

$4.2 million purchase has yet to run to his price tag, but this is only his second turf attempt, and he didn't run poorly in his first turf try; nevetheless, he will have to step up with a much improved performance to get the better of these.

Kings Giant

He earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure while making just his second start for this barn in his latest outing, but it is going to take a much sharper performance than that one to get over on the top contenders in here; leaning toward others.

Skip's World

He's run well in a few of his starts for this barn but he is going to need to show more if he's planning on turning the tables on a couple of rivals that got the better of him in his latest outing; feel that a minor award might be a ceiling.

Papy

Son of Dynaformer put together a very nice performance in his career debut, in a race that was kind to early speed, and there isn't any reason why he can't be ready for better with that start behind him; he hails from a top turf barn and has a strong turf rider aboard, so have to respect him as a top contender.

Leader Avenue

Nicely bred runner has improved with each passing start to begin his career and he beat a number of today's rivals in his latest start; he's out of a G3 winning dam who won 8 of 17 turf starts for 355k and Saez has won with 5 of 17 (29%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Charlie's Picnic

He ran a nice race in his turf debut after a layoff two starts back, and even though it would have been nice to have seen him show more in his second turf attempt in his latest outing, that race didn't exactly set up in his favor; not counting him out of it with John V. aboard.

Sombrero de Copa

Although against maiden claimers, his turf debut in his latest start can be viewed in a positive light, and today will mark the first time that he's been sent out with Lasix; his dam won 2 of 11 turf starts for 86k.

Market Outlook

He was backed to favoritism against 11 rivals for his career debut and he's eligible to be ready for a much better performance while making his second career start for Brown and Castellano; this colt is a 1/2 to G1 winner overseas, Pathfork (3-6, 237k).

The Candidate

It looks like Brown and Castellano will be live in here whether this race is run over turf or dirt, and this race looks like it will come up much softer if it has to be moved to the main track; runner up from latest won next out at Kee on 4/13 going 1 1/16m vs. MSW rivals with a 75 Beyer; he's an obvious threat if he gets to go. - Brian Pochman

Race 9

Russian Night

Outkicked in deep stretch at a shortest distance in last; adding a half furlong does not help the cause; the December winner and runner-up finisher posted 77-76 Beyer speed figures in next-out TAM-66K stakes and GP-MSW wins; was edged by the October 23 runner-up who Beyered 58 in a next-out TAM-MSW score.

Aldara

Stamina is a huge issue adding distance off 5 straight fades; 1st-Lasix race produced a new Beyer speed figure Top; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 70 in a next-out BEL-MSW graduation; know her early but unsure about late.

Salonsun (GER)

Her only race comes back as a key event; the winner and 4th-place finishers from last Beyered 70-52 in next-out TP-optional-claiming and GP-MSW wins; 7 weeks since the debut loss with a less-than-inspiring worktab for this; others appeal more.

Dance Craze

Improved nicely 2nd-time out but was no match for Seeking Her Glory with mixed feelings about the increase in distance; the debut show runner Beyered 73 in her next-out GP-MSW victory; latest-4F dirt workout comes back as her best ever morning drill.

Fancy Ribbons

Lacked stamina in her grass debut off the 51-day absence the added yardage here does not help the cause; the debut show finisher graduated next out in a WO-MSW event with a 67 Beyer; chance to improve 2nd time off the bench but must show greater stamina.

Seeking Her Glory

Consistent grass Beyers on display although the added distance today is a concern losing ground in latest at shorter; the debut runner-up finisher captured a KEE-G3 stakes next out with a 78 speed figure; could be set for best 2nd time off the 46-day layoff.

Sward

Sire is 35-for-330 with 1st-turf starters; 103-636 with debut runners; is out of a stakes-placed dam who won 2-of-9 on turf (104K) producing 1 winner from 2 other foals to rae; top-earner Lea won 3-of-7 on grass (284K); Hall of Fame trainer is not known to win with 1sters.

Temper Too

The winner and 4th-place finishers from last Beyered 75-67 in next-out GP-OPC and 35K-maiden-claiming wins; blinkers on is a 10%-win angle for the trainer since 2013;; hopes the new hood will help her gate speed some as she often breaks behind the field; the 3-back winner repeated in a LRL-OPC with a 62 Beyer.

Gina's Kitten

7 weeks since latest disappointment chasing the winner and 4th-place finishers next-out 70-52 Beyer winners taking TP-OPC and GP-MSW wins; 3-back her KEE-9F turf rally represents the field's best Beyer speed figure so should appreciate stretching back out for this.

Closer to You

Sire is 71-for-616 with 1st-turf starters; 115-796 with debut runners; is out of a Grade 1-stakes winning dam (9-for-23, 2.1M) who did not race on grass producing 3 winners from 4 other foals to race (top earner 417K-You and I Forever 4-for-21); 1 foal raced on North American turf (0-for-2).

Ca Va

Her trainer was off to a 1-for-21 start at the current GP meet and is not known to win with 1sters so likely to see a much better performance today; wish the workout for this sparkled more but the 22%-winning sprint-to-route trainer adds to the appeal.

Storm Now

Was screaming out for more distance in last and gets it here; new trainer after the 1st-blinkered race represents a career-best speed figure; the debut show runner Beyered 61 in a next-out WO-MSW graduation; figures to rally boldly in deep stretch for this.

Overtone

Sire is 71-for-616 with 1st-turf starters; SW-dam won 6-of-12 on the lawn (296K); her only other foal to rae Lord of the Realm is 5-0-0-0 on grass; the trainer yields just 8% winners since 2013 with synthetic-to-turf starters; the debut runner-up Beyered 81 taking a WO-125K stakes next out. - Art Gropper

Race 11

Lochte

Respect the way that his form has improved since moving into this barn and his fine positional speed can help him sit a comfortable trip; however, he's taking a drastic step up in class for this and he's yet to prove that he can handle competition of this caliber.

Tetradrachm

Have to respect the way that he's performed since moving into this barn and he deserves a lot of credit for the way that he battled through the lane in his latest outing when finishing right behind one of today's key rivals in Summer Front, even if he was the beneficiary of an ideal early pace scenario.

Nikki's Sandcastle

Tough veteran has shown the ability to run his race over any surface, but he was beaten by a couple of today's rivals in his latest outing, and he is going to need to be ready to dial up the sharpest performance of his career if he's to earn his first G1 score against these.

Charming Kitten

This colt ran some nice races over turf as a 3-year-old and he very nearly earned a G2 victory back in July, but he's meeting some talented older turf horses in this event, and feel that this is eligible to prove to be a tough spot for him to take on G1 competition again; respect connections, but looking toward others.

Summer Front

Multiple graded stakes winner has displayed a strong turn of foot in a number of his turf starts, and he deserves extra credit for his latest victory when forced to run down today's rival Tetradrachm after that one gained a huge tactical advantage early on; he's won 8 of 13 over turf and going to look for him to make a serious run at his first G1 score in this event.

Amira's Prince (IRE)

Maybe there's some concern with a long layoff in play, but this barn is more than capable of having one ready to show up with a top try after a layoff like this, and this is a very talented runner who has recorded four straight wins since arriving in America, including a couple of graded stakes scores; must respect.

Imagining

Feel that he's probably going to need to see Summer Front and Amira's Prince show up with sub par performances to have a chance at the top spot, but this G3 winning 6-year-old has displayed a good deal of ability racing over turf, and it is worth noting how well he's performed when fresh in the past.

Boisterous

He's the only Grade 1 winner in this field and he's making his first start for the Pletcher barn after an ownership change; it's probably a good idea to respect his chances for the type of effort he's capable of on his best day and Castellano has won with 26 of 76 (34%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting. - Brian Pochman

Race 12

Uncaptured

Has a lot to prove following the 4-length loss vs. Lea and also edged by Neck N Neck for the show money in his 1st race ever over the GP dirt; his career-best Beyer speed figure was at longer than this so the added furlong here helps the cause trying to turn the tables.

Will Take Charge

Was super following a lackluster Triple Crown campaign ending his 3-year-old season by beating older rivals; tough-beat in the Breeders' Cup Classic posting a field-best speed figure as the winner Beyered 103 in his next-out GP-400K stakes win; 10 weeks away for a trainer 1-for-38 since 2013 with similar layoff runners.

Revolutionary

Grade 2-stakes winner at today's distance in March beating the show runner who Beyered 95 in his next-out HAW-G3 score; his prep race for this was sharp but was expected to dominate at odds on but won by just a half length; the 2-back winner repeated with a 107 Beyer taking a next-out SAR-Grade 2.

Neck 'n Neck

0-for-5 on GP dirt is not easy to take meeting a stellar group today; lost 2 preps for this vs. similar rivals while he's been very best on the CD-main track during career; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 102 in his next-out PEN-105K stakes win; is ranked a notch below the top contenders.

River Seven

In this paceless event seems the one to catch; 7 weeks since changing styles rallying from midpack to win his 1st-ever GP dirt start; wish the trainer yielded better than 9%-fresh winners since 2013; his August-turf runner-up finish saw the winner repeat in a BEL-G1 with a 93 Beyer.

Romansh

That 110 pre-rest Beyer speed figure leaps off the form at you scoring at today's distance; rematches with Will Take Charge who easily handled him in 2013; did not fare as well in his lone GP dirt start fading in the career debut; his May win looks better since the show runner Beyered 76 in his next-out BEL-MSW graduation.

Viramundo

Positive 5-pound weight swing off latest length and a half loss vs. Revolutionary where he was screaming out for more distance and gets it here; has won going this far but will be racing at his longest-stamina test in the USA; the 2-back winner and runner-up Beyered 97-95 in next-out GP-optional claiming and CRC-allowance wins; the 3-back runner-up Beyered 90 in a next-out TAM-OPC win.

Lea

Great sign that his 1st start for Hall of Fame trainer Mott and 1st race on GP dirt is a career-best Beyer; August-show finish was vs. Horse of the Year Wise Dan who Beyered 109 in his next-out WO-G1 score; high-percentage repeat trainer saw him win at 9F on turf but faded 2-back when sent this far.

Bourbon Courage

The blinkers added for last did not produce his best effort posting his lowest Beyer since October, 2012; beat the 2-back show finisher who Beyered 89 in his next-out TAM-OPC win; last win was 2nd time off the bench so assume we will see his best with a race under his belt.

Macho Bull

Beyers are very light when matching up this strong group making him an outsider vs.this kind racing in his 1st stakes of the year; placed 1st via DQ on turf 2 back while today makes his 1st GP dirt start; January, 2013, an 8.5F dirt LAD 99K stakes loss is his career-best Beyer; a tough call.

Joshua's Comprise

10 minor awards and 2 wins suggests he often races well in defeat; drawn wisest so is sure to lose ground off back-to-back double-digit length defeats landing behind similar rivals 2 races ago; August win was at shorter; is hard to recommend. - Art Gropper