Gulfstream: Closer Looks for January 19, 2014

Race 2

Symphony Forty One

Majestic Warrior has been a poor influence as a turf sire and this gelding looks like he's going to need to find a way to take his game to another level in order to get the better of this field.

Bellefire

Multiple stakes placed veteran has been at his best racing over dirt in his career, something to consider if this race has to be moved to the main track, but he's also shown the ability to step up with a performance over turf that is strong enough to make him competitive in a spot like this.

Grip Hands

He looks like he's on top of his game entering this race and like to see that he's run well against some strong competition in his starts over this turf course; he's shown the ability to adapt to any early pace scenario and he sports the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here.

Yari

He's been very consistent in his starts routing over turf and this stakes placed performer has shown that he can handle the Gulfstream Park turf just fine; he looks like he's heading in the right direction as he gets ready to make his third start for this barn and like to see Rosario get the call.

Tiz Bobby

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and multiple G1 winning dam won 5 of 16 starts for $1.2 million, and she didn't make a turf start; runner up from latest won next out at Crc on 1/11 going 1 1/16m vs. alw. rivals with a 98 Beyer.

Going to Market

He's been in good form lately and his most recent start can be viewed as being the sharpest performance of his career, but still viewing this as a tough spot for him to get over the Gulfstream Park turf course for the first time; leaning toward others.

Joes Blazing Aaron

Grade 3 winner has been at his best racing over this turf course in the past, and even though his faster days might be behind him, he still appears to be plenty capable of showing up with a competitive performance against competition of this caliber; Castellano has won with 6 of 17 (35%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Cummings Road

This is the first time he's raced beyond seven furlongs, and this will be his first turf attempt since his third career start; he's out of a stakes placed dam who won 2 of 17 turf starts for 106k, and he's a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes winner Roxy Gap (8-19, 952k, including 2 of 6 turf starts for 286k).

Race 3

Bear's Big Boy

His last turf start is a career-low Beyer speed figure while exiting a new career-best Beyer on a synthetic surface on the lead; he does not project to own the best-gate speed in this event; graduated on grass at 6F however today is the shortest-distance test of his career.

Console

4-0-0-0 since commecning career 3-for-5 including an August-career-best Beyer on the lead; main concern is this field is top heavy with other gate speed; in latest displayed none of the early foot known for earlier in career; down to lowest price ever but needs a wakeup call.

Scatter Joy

On the lead in 5 of 6 races has Band of Joy among others to fend off early; sire is 18-for-117 with 1st-turf starters; 1-for-5 dam (28K) did not race on grass; her 2 foals to race did not compete on turf; is the lone starter in the field without any grass experience; the 2-back show finisher Beyered 79 in his next-out CRC allowance victory.

At Large

Claimed off a high-win percentage trainer which is not a good-win angle; rallied like a good thing in a GP-winning unveiling and gets a good pace flow to close into for this; major-class test facing winners for the 1st time and catching a much-more seasoned group than he did 1st-time out.

Band of Joy

60 days since posting a field-best Beyer speed figure on a less-than-firm CD turf course; high-percentage-fresh trainer adds to the appeal as he's raced on the lead and very well in 2-grass losses both exacta finishes; working well suggesting a big race is on the way; try to catch the pick.

Heart Doctor

Shows up 1st time on GP turf with a declining-Beyer speed figrure pattern off the 3-back career-best Beyer when rallying well; wish we had more confidence he would run back to his best form but the trainer wins just 6% with turf sprinters since 2013; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Dr. Chase

Cuts back to his shortest-distance test ever after posting consecutive last-place finishes; today's 109-pound assignment is the lightest of his career; the 4-back winner repeated in a CRC-Grade 3 stakes with a 101 Beyer; would be a complete surprise off recent-dull form.

Imperial Robyn

Has strong-gate speed in a race filled with other early zip; December, 2011, a 4th-place alw. finish on GP turf at 5F is the last time he raced this short of a distance; July, '11, broke his maiden in the career debut at 5F on dirt; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 88 in his next-out CRC-alw. victory.

Petey Cramer

Has not raced this short of a distance during career; just 1 off-the-board turf finish which was a 6F fade; dull-comeback try on dirt a race he obviously needed following more than a 1-year absence; his best race is racing on the lead but has plenty of others breaking inside of him who project to possess more dominant early foot.

Stig's Deputy

13-time grass winner exits his lowest Beyer since December, 2011, on dirt; the last time in a grass sprint was a HAW defeat for a lower-claiming price tag; stepping up in class off losses is not a good-win angle while breaking widest is sure to lose ground.

Race 5

Casa Creek

There is a mighty big gap between his two solid efforts thus far; the gelding's sire won multiple G2s and 920K; the dam won her only attempt and 14K; among the winning siblings is 93K earner Sasueno.

Game Day

He has shown consistent early speed but endurance issues remain as he has yet to earn an exacta finish; set sharp fractions in the last encounter and might last much longer today if not pressured by Uncle Rich and others.

Uncle Rich

Could not keep pace at Keeneland nearly 3 months ago when visiting the claiming ranks for the first time; faces early battle with the inside speedsters and that should prove the key to this race; may elect to change tactics.

Best Man

Away since some fair efforts at Monmouth when facing some above average groups; he has been training well during the long vacation and could work out an ideal trip just behind dueling leaders; looks like a comfortable fit.

Coin Broker

On vacation for just over a year, he had the misfortune of running into a superior group in his debut including future stakes-winner Verrazano; this colt's sire won a G1 and 557K while the dam won 2 of 11 and 36K; winning siblings include 143K earner Ransom Demanded.

Easement

Woke up in his latest run to grab the place right on the wire; although he lacks the early foot of most of his rivals, he could be set up for another major money award if there is another serious pace meltdown.

Tiz for Tat

Progression to the latest workout points him out as a legit contender despite the layoff involved; reverts to Lezcano who was aboard that fine placing at Saratoga last summer, a race where this gelding was probably best; consider.

Doctor J Dub

Newcomer hails from G2 type Sharp Humor who banked 490K and whose progeny have won 34 out of 227 debuts; the dam went zero for 8; among the winning siblings is 94K earner Pride of Paris.

Qeyaas

Been away a long time but there is an expert trainer at the helm; the colt's sire won multiple G1s and 872K while the dam never competed; there are no winning siblings to report; note that upbeat workout on the morning of 1/5.

Race 6

Speedy Girl

Is the only runner with racing experience giving her a massive edge here; is here with 2 in-the-money finishes and latest was a good-2nd-time out 15-point Beyer speed figure improvement effort also a great sign racing 1st time on GP dirt; trainer is winning 38% since 2013 with MSW starters; only must overcome the rail draw to graduate; the pick.

Creative Spirit

Sire is 31-for-226 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 2-for-6 dam (92K) who produced 2 winners from 2 other foals to race including stakes-winner Spirited Miss (3-for-7, 211K); 4F-bullet gate workout for this suggests she will flash gate speed; contender.

Richiesredhothoney

Sire is 105-for-735 with 1st-time starters; is out of an unraced dam who's only other foal to race is 1-for-10 Pleasant Vow (26K); high-percentage 1ster trainer with a sharp worktab on display for the unveiling.

Sloane Square

Sire is 68-for-650 with 1st-time starters; is out of a Grade 1-stakes-winning dam (2-for-6, 171K) who produced 2 winners from 3 other foals to race including SW-full Bow Bells (3-for-4, 91K); working well for a high-percentage debut trainer; seems the one to beat.

She's Justified

Sire is 67-for-474 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 1-for-11 dam (26K) who produced 3 winners from 3 other foals to race including G1-SW Dance to Bristol (10-for-20, 980K); trainer's 9% win rate among 1sters leads me to back others.

Love This Kitty

Sire is 98-for-708 with 1st-time starters; is the 1st foal out of an 0-for-1 dam; the trainer yields just 9%-debut winners since 2013; has worked just as well in the mornings as many of these.

Farm Fresh

Sire is 51-for-393 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 4-for-14 dam (122K) who's only other foal to race is 14-0-1-1 Wedding Trifecta (10K); has been outworked by many of the other 1sters signed on for this which leads me to back others.

Riding Point

Sire is 59-for-362 with 1st-time starters; is the 1st foal out of an unraced dam; the worktab does not stand out in a group with several strong a.m. workers; trainer has done better the past few years winning with 1sters but is known for runners improving with race experience.

Annie Walker

Sire is 29-for-288 with 1st-time starters; is out of a SW-dam (3-for-9, 133K) who produced 2 winners from 2 other foals to race including 115K-earner Great Press (11-for-30); ranked as an outsider off the mild worktab posted.

Race 7

Big Sky Posse

There was a time when he was capable of being a tough customer at this level of competition, but his recent form hasn't been as strong, and you have to go back 20 starts to October 2011 to find the last time he posted a win.

Tiz Liberty

This looks like it can prove to be a favorable spot for this gelding to land in if this race has to be moved to the main track, but he figures to face some legitimate competition in Calvello, Cinnamon Beach and Pecky's Boy.

Ballerino

Lido Palace has been a poor influence as a turf sire and it looks like this gelding will need to be ready for his best performance to date to get the better of this field; he is out of a stakes winning dam who won 4 of 18 turf starts for 175k, and it's interesting to see Catellano aboard, but others entice more.

Soul of the North

Simply feel that his best effort isn't strong enough to put any pressure on the top contenders in here and this gelding hasn't been anywhere near his best in his two turf attempts; he has the look of an outsider.

Almoradi (IRE)

He bounced back from a sub par performance after being given some time off prior to his latest start, and when seeing that he's been at his best racing over turf in the past, the dirt-to-turf move can be viewed as a positive.

Hudson Miracle

Sunriver has been a below average influence as a turf sire but it's tough to ignore this gelding in here when seeing that he boasts the best last race Beyer Speed Figure, and that he earned that figure over this turf course; runner up from latest won next out here on 1/15 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 30-35k claimers with a 77 Beyer.

Sir McIntyre

Not sure that his best effort is strong enough to get the job done in this spot, and he's seeking his first turf victory in his 12th turf attempt; perhaps this late running type can sneak his way into a spot underneath in the exotics, but prefer to look in another direction for the top spot.

Calvello

He's another in here seeking his first turf victory after many turf attempts and perhaps this veteran is hoping to see this race get moved to the main track; it's tough to give him a favorable push against these over turf, but feel that his chances have to be upgraded if there's a surface switch.

Cinnamon Beach

He's yet another who hasn't recorded a turf victory in his career and he hasn't been on top of his game in recent starts; winner from latest won next out at Aqu on 1/13 going 1m 70y vs. 35k claimers with an 85 Beyer and third-place finisher from latest won next out at Aqu on 1/9 going 1m 70y vs. 20k claimers with a 68 Beyer.

Pecky's Boy

He's hoping to regain some of his better form after a few starts that have been below par for him, but feel that he commands his share of respect when seeing that he's won nine of 21 lifetime and that he's proven to be capable racing over turf or dirt; viewing him as a gate-to-finish threat.

Gossip Column

He did some decent work racing over turf early on in his career, and he recorded a big upset four starts ago at Belmont Park, but he's going to need to show more than the has in his recent starts to get the better of this group.

Race 8

Malala's Diary

She took a step in the right direction at second asking when placed over turf with the addition of Lasix and this will be the first time that she's meeting up with maiden claiming competition; this filly is a 1/2 to Sky Lover (3-10, 51k, including 2 of 7 turf starts for 45k).

I Am Now

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and dam won once from 10 starts for 37k, including 0-for-2 over turf; it's Pletcher, and even though something might be said for Rosario piloting another in here, Castellano has won with 19 of 57 (33%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Medaglia d'Argento

This barn has done nice work with young/lightly raced turf horses over the years, and this filly is out of a G3 winning dam who won 7 of 29 starts for 523k, including 6 of 25 turf starts for 430k; interesting to see the addition of Lasix for this.

Secret Fascination

She was upset minded in her turf debut in her most recent start, and it's worth noting the trouble in her short comment; however, this is a tougher spot for her to land in and she loses the services of Lopez to Mountain Sprite.

Flashy Brass

Sire wins with approximately 8% of his first-time starters and with approximately 4% of his turf starters, and dam won once from seven starts for 15k, including 0-for-1 over turf; she does have a little bit of turf on the bottom of her pedigree, but it's tough to give her the nod over the other firsters in here.

Analog Girl

Daughter of fine turf influence Artie Schiller was much improved at second asking and that level of performance looks like it can play well in this spot; her lack of early speed is a concern, but she clearly commands respect as a contender.

Quarla

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his first-time starters and with approximately 13% of his turf starters, and dam won once from eight starts for 8k, and she didn't make a turf start; a two-turn mile can be tough on a firster but a few of her workouts hint at ability.

Natural Bling

Late running filly earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in her turf debut in her latest outing, but she finished behind today's rival Secret Fascination in that race, and she's going to need to step it up over that performance to get the better of this field.

V V Goodnight

Half-sister to G3 winner Gleam of Hope (8-34, 468k, including 3 of 15 turf starts for 178k) showed a little something in her one start over turf prior to this, and she goes out for a strong trainer/jockey tandem; going to respect her chances in her first attempt against maiden claiming competition.

Yemanja

This will be her first start beyond seven furlongs and this is a filly who has struggled to maintain a foward gear through the stretch in her races; respect her early speed, but others might prove to be stronger through the final furlong.

Cocoa

She didn't run poorly in her career debut over turf, but she is going to need to step it up over that performance if she's planning on getting into the mix against these; maybe the barn change can help, but going to look toward others.

Mountain Sprite

She's shown enough in her first three starts racing over turf to merit some consideration in this spot, and maybe the addition of blinkers can help sharpen her up a bit; however, she will need her best performance to date to beat this bunch, and the outside post doesn't help her cause.

Justanewkidintown

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and dam was winless from eight starts, including three turf starts; not wild about the outside post for this firster if she draws in, but it does look like she's done some decent work in the a.m.

Stormin' Jorja

She'll be faced with an extreme outside post if she draws in but her two turf starts have been strong enough to help give her a competitive look against these; this filly is a 1/2 to Bellaridge (8-37, 233k, including 4 of 18 turf starts for 120k).

Race 9

Wild Conceits

Draws the fence off the tracking maiden score and he does have the speed to be involved from the outset here; he will tackle winners for the initial time, but he's been given enough time to get over the big effort and it wouldn't be a surprise if he were to get back to it in here; contender.

Tell Me a Joke

Fresh gelding wasn't much of a threat in either of his tries with winners down here after breaking his maiden first out in Jersey last summer; barn boasts terrific recent numbers on the cut back to sprint and a top pilot takes interest; worth a look at a price.

Chilean Brothers

Tired late when stretched out in his first with winners and now he'll cut back to the trip of his crosstown maiden score; gelding figures to have some bottom from that last one and should have a little more to offer in the lane; can get in the exotics mix.

Diabolical I P A

Tries a main track sprint for the first time since breaking his maiden at this 6 furlong distance locally in the fall; gray didn't do much in either of his cracks with winners but he has been working ok in the interim and should appreciate the shorter trip of today's heat; presence of the top pilot also warrants him consideration.

Right On Course

Speedy gelding couldn't go on in his first local start after making the lead first off this barn's claim; he may prove to be the quickest of this bunch early and the slight cut back should only help him; looks like they'll have to come and get him to win.

Heavenly Champion

Tries better after showing some late punch but failing to hit the board on the cut back to this trip last month; his recent numbers don't play out so well in this spot and there's not to suggest he'll go much better today; look of a longshot.

Joh's Gone Wild

Took a big step forward second back from the break when dropped in to face claimers from the fence; he'll tackle winners for the first time today, but maybe that helps his tracking style and he doesn't catch the toughest bunch ever assembled today; can't count him out.

Rodriguez

Goes first time for a new outfit in his local debut and he's been breezing well here of late; numbers he earned in solid Minnesota efforts are light of what some of these can run, but they came as a baby and he has a right to show up faster than that in his return; barn has had a rough stand, though.

Arangol

Hasn't been close in his tries with winners and now he'll cut back to sprint; maybe he has some bottom from the recent longer spins, but he's certainly had his share of chances thus far and hasn't had much luck; tough to make a serious case for him.

Race 10

Cabo Cat

Agile enough to overcome the trouble to kick off the career, he was hung wide in his stakes debut; the race over the course can only help and check out the best of 68 bullet last Sunday; he will need help but there really is not a ton of speed in here; rival on the direct outside will be forwardly spotted and that's about it; timing will be everything for this guy.

Storming Inti

Mugged in his debut, but perfect since; love the way he has been able to take the heat of being pressured and still inch away late in the lane; he's already repaid his $100K purchase price and should be able to get a pretty easy trip either on the front end or right off a moderate pace; can't fault those that stay on or jump on this bandwagon.

Pachanga Party

The route debut leaves much to be desired; sire won over $350K routing; his dam was sprint only and the lone sibling to win cashed at a mile on grass at Calder; could be long gone if the race comes off the grass.

We Miss Artie

Colt overcame the trouble taking the Grade 1 last October but he could not do it again when he bobbled last time; note no Lasix in last as it was no allowed during the Cup for babies; the 11th and 13th finishers in last took $75K optionals next out; the drill on the 7th is a positive sign and this guy figures to be in the first flight; respect.

Enthrone

He's run decently on grass without cashing; he has been handled by a number of today's foes but drilled solidly since the last effort; may need slightly softer to shine.

Drover Road

Maybe he just wanted grass all along; and he did something in last that doesn't happen all the time and that's to beat winners right back after graduating; even though this guy is rolling right now, would be careful here; he has gotten away with tracking pedestrian splits; out to prove 53-1 shocker was no fluke.

Scoria

This guy was coming hard in last and that is just his style; in the win when he was dropped, he got the last 2 furlongs in :23.21; barn tinkers with blinkers and wonder if they were on in the best of 28 bullet last Sunday?; Bravo got a chance to figure him out; must be left in the mix.

Rope a Dope

It worked in Zaire and it worked last time for this talented colt; toss the Keeneland effort; wrong surface; fit enough to drill a couple of times since the local debut and the move 8 days ago was solid; Catalano can keep them going good once they get good; don't sell too short.

Daddy's Kid

Added wraps, took the biggest drop in the game and presto; note place horse was nearly 4 clear; this guy has a shot to have a nice career as kin to near $250K earner Poetic Kid; would think long and hard before taking too short a number here.

Go Go Romeo

Hung wide from post 9 and could be looking at the same fate; note the show horse was all by himself; he did have the mishap of bouncing off the rail the last time in town; his bullet on Tuesday was 2 ticks the best over move posted by Sean Who, who is fresh from a $16K optional score.

Race 11

Zulbaby

Like the idea of her turning back to a sprint distance while making her second start after a layoff, but it just doesn't look like her best effort is strong enough to get the job done in this spot; feel that a minor award is within reach, but it's tough to look past Subtle for the top spot.

Happy Voyage

Don't like to see that she has just a single victory next to her name after 18 starts and she's going to have to really step it up over what she's been doing lately in order to have a say in the outcome.

Subtle

She took her game to another level at Saratoga last summer and she was last seen recording a sharp runner-up finish in a tough stakes sprinting over turf at Parx; it's her race to lose and she shows up for a high win percentage barn that does well with fresh horses, and the hot-riding Castellano is aboard.

Duchess of Wicklow

Her career best Beyer Speed Figure was earned against 25k maiden claimers racing over dirt and not wild about what she's done over turf or in her two starts against winners; runner-up from latest returned to win next out here on 1/15 going 6f vs. 20k claimers with an 87 Beyer.

Bear's Dixie

She ran well in her first attempt over turf at second asking, but that level of performance isn't strong enough to threaten the top contenders in here, and she's tired badly in three consecutive starts prior to this.

Lake Michigan

This race becomes a more competitive event if it has to be moved to the main track as Subtle is unproven over dirt and likely to scratch, and this can prove to be a favorable spot for this mare to land in if that happens.

Sweet Tooth Sweety

She enters this race off of back-to-back victories and like to see the way that she stepped it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale in her turf debut in her latest outing; she enters this race off of a long layoff but it does look like she's been training well in preparation for her return to action.

Forget That Gal

She didn't perform well in a couple of starts at Keeneland in October, but for the most part, she's been a very consistent performer going back 10 starts; third-place finisher from latest won next out at Beu on 1/14 going 5 1/2f vs. 16k OPC's with a 62 Beyer.

Sizzlin Bee

She's run well in a few of her starts over turf and it was nice to see her regain some of her better form when placed back over turf in her latest outing; she's another in here who is capable of filling out a spot underneath in the exotics.

Runway Ready

Perhaps the biggest threat to Subtle, she was a sharp winner when last seen and she enters this race off of a string of good looking workouts; that said, it is worth noting the presence of Castellano aboard Subtle.

Very Playful

She's another in here with just a single victory next to her name after many starts, and even though the assignment of Rosario might be a reason to think that her connections are looking for her to run well, this looks like a tough spot for her; third finisher from latest won next out at Prx on 10/21 going 1m 70y vs. N1X alw. rivals with a 66 Beyer.