Gulfstream: Closer Looks for January 10, 2014

Race 3

Halo's Helen's Jet

Has just a trio of thirds to her credit from 21 starts, and her Gulfstream record leaves a lot to be desired; the 10-pound bug knows her better now, but it would be shocking to see this 5yo mare crack the top two.

Distinctly Sweet

Garnered some action in her lone appearance here Nov. 11, when she managed to close belatedly after a tardy start; the runner-up from that $12.5K tilt came back to graduate at the same price with a 62 Beyer; trainer is 0 for 4 with new shooters adding blinkers over the past five years; looks second best to Dreamingofauntrose.

Think Verde

Was only an early factor as part of the heavily-favored entry when she debuted at a mile here in October; Jackson, who has taken his time getting her back to the races, is 2 for 12 (17%) first-time off the claim during the last five years ($1.23 ROI); expensive yearling purchase seems capable of hitting the board.

Dreamingofauntrose

Ran greenly on the lead as the 4-5 favorite when she debuted Nov. 16 at Calder, and paid the price by getting disqualified from the top spot--that maiden special has yet to produce a next-out winner; daughter of Songandaprayer and stakes winner Love You Madly sticks out Beyer-wise, and probably won't be caught if she gets away cleanly.

Sir Jeffrey Image

The second 5yo in the field by Halo's Image has been in poor form since early in her career, and is shareless in three Gulfstream outings; apprentice Solis retains the mount, and obviously has his work cut out for him.

Corinthian's Glory

Was bet down to 3-1 at first asking last May at Monmouth, but couldn't keep up in a $10K dash which has yielded two next-out winners; trainer has done okay with long-term comebackers, but his stats with new acquisitions aren't anything to write home about; dam's other three foals all won, most notably the $75K earner Gallant Pleasure.

Alondra Sky

Daughter of Flower Alley has improved a little since trying blinkers and this apprentice, who's 1 for 10 at the meet for this trainer; this will be her third start in two weeks, and she's shortening up off a distant fourth going a mile last Sunday; maybe for a piece. - Ron Gierkink

Race 4

Scorpion Al

Lightly raced 5-year-old might be able to get himself involved in the running through the opening stages but he's going to have to show up with an improved overall performance in order to get the better of the top contenders in this spot.

Gridiron Great

His recent form hasn't been his best, but he has run races over turf in the past that are strong enough to suggest that he has the ability to produce a competitive performance at this level of competition; at the very least, he's worthy of consideration underneath in the exotics.

Ingenuity

His form has improved since being placed over turf four starts ago and the 68 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for his latest performance represents the best last race figure in this field; he looks like a good fit with these.

Duke of Langfuhr

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and dam won 8 of 30 starts for 325k, including 4 of 19 turf starts for 227k; this gelding is a 1/2 to multiple stakes placed Cryptonite Kid (3-28, 322k over turf).

Jonathan C

He has a strong pedigree for turf, but he's also had his chances to show us what he can do, and he's going to have to produce a career best performance to get the better of this field; he looks like more of an outsider.

Valerie'sgreenjet

He produced an improved performance in his latest outing while making his first start routing and that level of performance can get him into the mix against these; feel that he deserves to be listed among the contenders.

Egolyan

From 17 starts, including 10 turf starts, this runner hasn't posted a 1-2 finish, and he hasn't run a race that is fast enough to suggest that he can threaten the top contenders in here; looking toward others.

Jim Jamm

He's another in here who is going to have to produce a performance that is much stronger than anything he's done to this point in time in order to contend, and a case can be made for him being better off at distances shorter than today's 7 1/2f assignment.

Plausibly

His best effort is strong enough to get him into the mix against these and it doesn't hurt to see him being reunited with Castellano as he's been aboard for a few of his better performances; this is an outfit that does some of their better work with turf starters.

Herecomethehawks

Half-brother to G2 winner Old Time Hockey (3-14, 225k over turf) has run well in recent starts, even if he has come up a little short as a favorite, and his latest performance appears to be right in line with what it might take to get the job done in this spot; must consider. - Brian Pochman

Race 5

El Beitz

Moves to the fence for the stretchout on the class rise in his second back from the break; he's yet to run very fast, but he is on the improve and could well keep moving forward with his first crack with winners behind him; Rosario takes the call for a barn that has saddled a couple of local winners; can get involved for a share at a price.

Sea of Faces

He's caught wet tracks in each of his 2 starts and took well to the class drop to break his maiden for a tag last time; colt was claimed out of the Pletcher barn in that one and it's tough to move them forward, but this outfit has had some recent luck with newly acquired runners; nice to see Castellano stick with him.

Sweepin Romance

Exits a nice try at a big price the level while stepping up in company off the freshening; his winless dam did drop a 4 time route winner so the added ground shouldn't bother him; if he's able to get back to that highest last out Beyer they'll have to hold him off.

El Botas

Didn't have much to offer when trying better first time on the lawn here last month; colt looked pretty good running away from cheap maidens at a big price first time out and the barn does boast some nice numbers with runners second back from the break; sharp New Year's Eve says this guy can't be overlooked today.

Arangol

He hasn't been a threat in any of his cracks with winners since breaking his maiden sprinting here a couple of months back; maybe the drop to this cheaper level helps, but he'll need to step up his game to have any type of say in the outcome and looms a big price.

Predicting

Fresh sophomore drops after coming up empty late going 2 turns in his first with winners at Laurel; his late running Parx maiden score earned a weak number and the turn back to one turn racing could find him either further out of it early than usual in this spot; prefer others on the win end.

Chilean Brothers

Last out graduate stretches out some after a solid pace effort in that crosstown maiden score; gelding earned a nice number in that one and it fits well with these winners; interim breezes are slow, but he's never worked particularly fast and does enter this one on the improve; contender.

Dreaming of Andy A

Took all the money first time out at this trip and showed guts to come back when headed to score; he'll make his first start with winners while returning off the claim out of a very high percentage outfit; we know he can handle the trip, but he faces a better bunch in this spot and don't know that he'll be able to run back to his debut here.

Concorde's March

Came up a bit short late when shades were added for the move to 2 turns in his first with winners across town last month; colt has speed but he did show sharp tactical foot while scoring first time out and could find himself in a good tracking spot here as well. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

Benny's Babygirl

Must be respected on the drop alone; dam took one sprint, never turfed; 2 of 3 siblings won; 2 tried grass to no avail; top kin Gulf Cat banked over $100K; cozy slot after being out in post 14; expect much better result.

Zentillating Miss

At least she got a feel of the course; dam third in best result; 2 of 5 siblings won; stakes winning top kin My Magic Moment took 2 of 19, earned nearly $150K, was turf only; needs a total reversal of fortune.

Sassy Salsa

Miss has more speed than she just flashed; backers can say lone sibling did win on grass once; look for rider to send hard and try to steal it.

Run Hide My Girl

Run Away And Hide 6 for 53 with debuters, 2 for 19 with first-time turfers; sire was unbeaten in his 3 juvenile outs in a short career, never turfed, took a Grade 2, earned nearly $225K; 6 for 34 dam earned nearly $200K, lost 13 times on grass; 3 of 4 siblings won; all tried grass to no avail; wonder how high the expectations can be for this $4K purchase?

Punteada

She has beaten 2 horses so far as trainer shakes things up with the shades; dam's lone win was a dirt sprint; all 3 siblings won; 2 won on grass twice each in the minor leagues; can't endorse.

Hidden Intentions

Hung wide and forced to steady in last; 10/27 show horse graduated next out in a MSW, then was out of the money in a $75K optional; must be left in the exotic picture again.

Dun Won

Dunkirk 1 for 5 with first-time turfers; sire didn't go at 2, was G1 placed, banked nearly $400K, never turfed; 6 for 60 dam banked nearly $135K, won twice on grass; all 3 siblings won; 2 cashed on grass including 3 for 11 grass performer and near $100K earner Kiss of Thunder; 4th new pilot takes the reins.

Mi Emocion

Indygo Shiner 6 for 101 with debuters, 2 for 47 with first-time turfers; sire won at 2, took a Grade 3, won twice on grass, banked nearly $450K; dam 0 for 4; several multiple race winners in the tree; at least one cashed on grass; lean toward watching one.

Big N Toasty

Plenty of lick, very little stick at this point; never like to see them give up clear leads like she has a couple of times; winner of the Laurel finale repeated in a $40K optional with a 62 Beyer; backers have to hope the drop shakes her up.

Heaven Help Me

Pushed every step on the way in the debut and she just had nothing left; the winner of last repeated in an N1X with a 59 Beyer; dam won on grass in Italy in her career finale; both siblings won once, one cashed on grass; Walder has been firing on all cylinders as usual.

Margarita Island

A bit more keen to run early in last but she just was empty when it counted; 1 for 25 dam took a dirt route; all 3 sibs won; top earner cashed over $230K, and kin Live the Dash won 5 times on grass; could be in a little salty here. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Northeast Bound

Best race was on GP-firm turf and hopes to get that type of dry surface for this; the debut winner from last made it 2-for-2 posting an 87 Beyer speed figure in his next-out TAM-allowance win; the debut winner and runner-up both Beyered 86 taking next-out GP-MSW and optional-claiming wins.

Ay No Digas (GER)

Both Germany in-the-money finishes were at longer distances thsan 9F; was well backed favored in the USA debut but passed a few with only a mild rally; the main concern is that some 1st-time Imports give their best effort 1st time in the states; the runner-up finisher from last posted an 87 Beyer in his next-out AQU-MSW win

Ohthgift

Lacked the stretch kick needed to land a major share in Canada middle moving in latest 90 days ago; the 2-back show runner graduated in a WO-MSW event next out with a 75 Beyer; high-percentage fresh trainer moves him up to face MSW company after only competing vs. maiden claimers; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Boss Man

Projects loose on the lead with Siete C chasing from the gate; 57 days away for a high-percentage fresh trainer; faded in a key race last out; the 5th and 7th-place finishers Beyered 79-66 in next-out AQU-GP-MSW wins; 2-back near-miss co-field-best speed figure finish was on the lead is a key race also; the winner repeated in a GP-OPC with a 76 Beyer while he beat the show runner a 78 speed figure next-out AQU-MSW victor.

Mr. Besilu

Main Track Only entry owns his best Beyer on turf and is 2-0-0-0 on dirt; 103 days since rallying well in defeat on grass racing for a high-percentage fresh trainer who adds to the appeal; dirt is the dilemma but rallied well enough to assume 9F would be right up his alley.

Sampson County

Removes blinkers after 2 exacta finishes and a career-best Beyer when the hood came on in September; 1st time on wet turf and on GP green was a dull effort landing behind similar rivals in a race he likely needed following a 7-week absence; must show more.

Armature

Adds blinkers off a career-low Beyer 1st time on wet and GP turf; the trainer is 0-for the last-10 with blinkers on; late runner should appreciate the added yardage for this but would need a huge-form improvement to knock these off.

Kings Giant

1st-Lasix race was not his best start; his only race at 9F was an SA fade finishing behind the winner who repeated in an OPC with an 82 Beyer; troubled as favorite on TAM turf and this event is a lot tougher but should improve 2nd time back off a long layoff.

Just Foolin Around

Trainer is 0-for the last-13 with blinkers on; mild rally in latest 1st time on GP green and wet turf; hard to take off the 2-back decisive loss at 9F on turf vs. Boss Man who follows him here; sits back early then makes one run trying to land in the exotics.

Siete C

Figures to battle Boss Man for early command; great sign that his turf debut represents a co-field-best Beyer; shown improvement since arriving in Florida but has always been well backed at the betting windows in 4 races never going off at higher than 7-2 odds; the 3-back show runner took a BEL-MSW event next out with a 71 speed figure. - Art Gropper

Race 8

On High Alert

Sure a nice first impression at ELP last summer when a game winner of her debut; unfortunately, things have crept south since; first 2 starts vs. winners weren't bad but then came a dull run at CD Nov. 3 and now a couple months off; at least nice to see no class drop and that Leparoux sees fit to ride, but she's facing some other nice gals, on a track she's never seen, at a distance she's never tried.

Malibu Red

Last couple weren't very pretty, but sluggish starts didn't help either time; in her defense, tol, she was facing some tough customers; moves to dirt here and note she's 2 for 2 on wet going, so if some rains come she deserves an upgraded; that being said, she finished OFF the board in her 2 lone fast-track outings; nice work Jan. 5 to encourage.

Lady Clara

Tough to be too enthused; showed promise in the fall of 2011/winter of 2012 but things haven't gone so well since and there have been a couple long breaks in her schedule in that time as well; at least there's no drop by Tarrant and a bullet work at PmM Jan. 5 encourages, but it's tough to overlook races going back to the summer of 2012 that just aren't that hot; can she turn it around enough after being in such a funk for so long?

Billboard Babe

Came back after a couple months to be dull sprinting here at this level Nov. 23 but then Ritvo, of Mucho Macho Man fame, moved her to a route here Dec. 22 and she responded with a much better effort to be 2nd; could be she's back on track, and it was nit to see no drop by Ritvo that day, or today as well.

Lady Rouge

Maiden win at WO Oct. 20 was a beaut; that being said, she why hasn't she been seen since?; also, that came on synthetic - we're playing on ol' fashioned dirt today; so, she must deal with a layoff, new footing and winners for the first time; at laest you can see she has talent, she's bred for dirt (daddy and his daddy won the G1 BC Classic, damsire won the G1 BC Juvenile) and note she darn near beat boys at WO back in June, too.

Kimberly Jean

Got back to dirt at CD in November after a couple not-so-hot synthetic tries at KEE and got back on track with a pair of 2nds; finished well clear of the field in each, though it's worth noting she wasn't really a threat to the winner in those 2 occasions either (beaten 3 1/2 and 4 lengths, respectively); freshened and has won here.

Parc Monceau

Freshened since dueling and fading to 4th in a tough restricted stakes at SAR last July 24; not only was that a good bunch, but it's been flattered (2nd and 3rd finishers both came right back to win, 5th finisher Profiteza was a highly regarded Mott filly); lone win came on BHP synthetic, yes, but note a find try on dirt at BEL last May; working in solid fashion and that, plus the freshening and drop may combine for a big run. - Michael Hammersly

Race 9

Mutasadder

Nicely bred 5-year-old is out of a G1 winning dam who won 3 of 6 turf starts for 259k, and he was a sharp winner in his first start for this barn in his latest outing, but he is going to need to step up his game if he's planning on threatening the top contenders in this one.

Get in Line

Like to see the improvement he showed when he was first placed over turf last year and this is the first realistic assignment he's been handed since being claimed by these connections; perhaps the assignment of Castellano is an indication that his connections feel he's ready to run a good one; Castellano has won with 5 of 14 (36%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Dysprosium

Since a couple of sharp winning performances to begin his career, this speedy gelding has struggled to maintain a forward gear through the stretch in his races; however, the drop in class might prove to be a key and have to respect the presence of Rosario for a top turf barn.

Best Actor

Stakes placed veteran sports the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in this field and all three of his starts since being claimed by these connections have been strong enough to suggest that he can be tough to deal with in here.

Play It Straight

He's done some nice work racing over turf in his career, but he's going to need to be ready to produce a top performance to have a chance at getting the better of this field, and that might be a lot to expect as he gets ready to make his first start since July 2012.

Master Dunker

He has some solid turf form on his card to consider and have to respect the fact that he's moving back into a high win percentage barn that he's run well for in the past; not going to be surprised if this late running type is making some noise through the lane.

Whisper Onthe Wind

He has a little bit of a shaky look to him entering this race after a couple of performances that were well below par for him, but he is only three races removed from a performance that is strong enough to give him a chance at a solid share of the prize against these.

Saturday Special

His career best Beyer Speed Figure was earned racing over dirt, something to consider if this race has to be moved to the main track, and viewing this as a tough spot for him to be seeking his first turf victory.

Bashful Bandit

In a race where it looks like the winner will earn a Beyer Speed Figure in the 80's, or even possibily the 90's, this colt shows a top turf figure of 73; he might find himself involved in the running early on, but going to look for others to have more to offer through the stretch.

Tarpy's Goal

He earned a G2 stakes placing at Saratoga as a 2-year-old, and if this race has to be taken off the turf, his career best Beyer Speed Figure was earned over the main track here; however, his one start over turf wasn't an encouraging performance.

Cactus Kid

He's shown a little something in his four starts over turf prior to this, and can't ignore the fact that he's 2-for-2 since moving into this barn and that this will be his first turf start for this outfit; runner-up from latest returned to win next out here on 8/10 going 1m vs. 25k OPC's with a 91 Beyer.

Workin for Hops

Multiple graded stakes winning veteran is obviously capable of showing up with a competitive performance against competition of this caliber, but it is of some concern to see that he ran so poorly in his first start back from a layoff in his latest outing.

Playing a Joke

There's some credible dirt form lined up in this race but still viewing this as a favorable spot for this gelding to get to make his first start since July if this race has to be taken off the turf; runner-up from latest returned to win next out at Prx on 8/4 going 1 1/16m vs. 40k OPC's with a 94 Beyer.

D'marin

His overall dirt form has been solid and like to see he regained some of his better form in his latest outing while making his first start back from a layoff; he'll merit his share of respect if he gets to go in this spot.

Shotinthefog

He needs to see a scratch from the main body of this race in order to draw in and it looks like his best effort is a cut or two below what it will take to get the better of the top contenders in this spot.

Eternal Ruler (IRE)

Although he might be a little bit light on winning form after 17 starts, he's consistently performed at a level that is strong enough to give him a competitive look in this spot, and perhaps the drop to the 30-25k claiming level is just what he's looking for; he's worth keeping an eye out for in the event that he draws in. - Brian Pochman

Race 10

Forever Loyal

Sire gets 14% first out winners and 9% first time surface winners from his offspring and the G3 SP dam was 0 for 1 on the green prior to dropping a handful of winners including G2 SW sprinter and 400K earner Sara Louise; her sibs to try the lawn were a combined 0 for 6 over the stuff; they paid a lot for her at auction and this outfit does excellent work right out of the box.

Tribal Party

Offered little first out on the Laurel main track and now she'll give the lawn a shot; sire gets 12% winners from his first turfers and the dam dropped a couple of good ones including G3 SW turfer and 382K earner Fugitive Angel so maybe this is the footing over which we'll see this gal's best; barn has been on a poor run with its first time surface runners, however.

Fancy Ribbons

Canadian shipper has had some time to acclimate down here for her first local start; filly didn't do much in either of her synthetic spins and her sire gets just 7% first time turf winners from his offspring, but the dam won 3 times on the green prior to dropping 5 turf winners including multiple G3 SP turfer and 287K earner El Commodore; can go better over this stuff.

Aldara

Gets Lasix for her return from the freshening following another fade on the lawn; filly has shown some speed and maybe that helps her sit close to the top in here; barn boasts some solid recent numbers with its runners getting the medication for the initial time.

Alaskan Bird

Didn't do much of anything in her 2 main track sprints and now she'll move to the lawn for a barn that doesn't do so well on the green; sire gets only 4% first time surface winners from his offspring, but the dam did drop a turf winner; can only watch her in here.

Senior Prom

Ran ok behind an open lengths winners first time out in the Churchill slop; fresh filly is by a sire who gets 9% initial surface winners from his offspring and the dam was a SW turfer and 187K who earned 5 wins on the green prior to dropping foals who were a combined 0 for 22 over the footing.

Joy's Kitten

Didn't factor from a wide spot on the main track first time out and now she'll try the lawn; sire gets nearly 16% winners with his first time turfers and she's the first foal to race out of a dam who did win on the green so the new configuration could move her up; barn has had some recent luck with second out runners.

Sumba Sunset

Got going too late behind a dawdling clip on the local lawn in her debut run; pricey yearling buy does figure to move forward second out and each of her 3 sibs to race has won over the local lawn; expecting a better try with the initial experience behind her.

Mobilize

McGaughey filly moves back to the green in her local debut while getting Lasix for the first time; nice to see Castellano get back aboard and this gal did run big in each of her 2 surface tries in New York; expecting she'll prove to be the one they'll have to beat.

Latique

She's hit the board in each of her 2 turf starts including her most recent spin over the local sod; her tactical foot plays out well in this heat so she should be involved from the bell but she's yet to show that she possesses that knockout punch and that's what she'll need to get over the top; minor award.

Storm Now

Gets back to the green in her local debut after running ok over synthetic footing in her Woodbine finale; maybe the hood helps her get more involved early and this 450K yearling buy does lure a sharp pilot; she's kin to both a turf winner and G3 SW main track router and 417K earner American Lion.

Dispuesta

Newcomer draws the outside slot for her debut for an outfit that has done better of late with this type; filly is by a sire who gets 14% winners from his debut runners and 9% winners from his initial turf starters; SP dam won 5 times on the lawn and banked 101K prior to dropping 2 winners including 166K earner Red Birkin, a G3 SP turfer.

Full of Sugar

MTO stretches out with speed in her local debut and she did run pretty well behind a subsequent repeater first out in New York; sharp Palm Meadows drills suggests she retains her early foot and should be big threat if this one gets rained off.

House Rules

MTO ran big going long last out over the track and now she'll start from an outside slot if she goes; don't like the way she backed out of it over a wet track second time out here and that will likely be the condition if she gets to go in this spot, but she's bred to go much better over the stuff and deserves another crack on it today; one to deny if the rains come.

Whispering

AE showed early foot before tiring on the lawn in her local debut; filly did catch a subsequent repeater in that one and maybe being closer to the top is what she wants, but she'll go from the fence to the outside slot if she gets to go in here and that won't make it easy on her.

Saratoga Karaoke

AE ran ok first time on the lawn in New York. but her subsequent surface spins up there weren't much; maybe the time off served her well, but the barn hasn't had much recent luck with its fresh runners; prefer others if she meets the starter. - Steve Grabowski