Gulfstream: Closer Looks for January 20, 2014

Race 2

Union Square

Half-sister to Reveal (4-10, 49k over turf) looks like a solid fit at this 20k maiden claiming level and this miss won't have to worry about early ground loss with a rail post in play; she merits respect as a contender.

Exceed the Limit

She's routinely run races that are strong enough to get her into the mix against these and she appears to be well meant in this spot while getting a rider switch to Lopez; runner up from latest won next out at GP on 12/28 going 7 1/2f vs. 35-30k MCL's with a 75 Beyer.

Devious Maddy

Not wild about what she's shown in her first three starts, but there's a chance that she has more to show us with only three races behind her; she's a half to Four Seventeen (4-20, 136k over turf).

Alondra Sky

She's had her chances to show us what she can do, including four turf starts, and she's yet to run a race that is strong enough to suggest that she can jump up on these; she has the look of an outsider.

Divine Doll

Sire wins with approximately 6% of his turf starters and dam won once from two starts for 20k, and both of her starts were over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to Fela Kuti (2-9, 21k, including 1 of 6 turf starts for 14k).

Foxy Exchange

She took a step in the right direction along the Beyer Speed Figure scale in her turf debut in her latest outing, but she's going to need to show more in order to get the better of this field.

Nice to Regal

The move to turf seemed to agree with this miss in her latest outing and her pedigree is turf leaning; this looks like a reasonable spot for her to make her second turf start, so going to list her among the contenders.

Go Sandy Go

Tough to ignore the 0-for-16 race record, but she has some early speed to employ and her best effort can get her into the mix against these; when considering that there isn't a lot of early pace signed on in here, she might be ready to take this field farther than expected.

Guigue's Miracle

She's shown a little something in three of her five turf attempts, and even though it's tough to envision her coming out on top against these, a spot underneath in the exotics doesn't appear to be totally out of the question.

Boston Garden

From 13 career starts, including six over turf, she hasn't finished better than fourth, and she's never run a race that is fast enough to suggest that she can keep up with the top contenders in here.

Race 3

Lil Honey Badger

Lone race at today's distance was her gate-to-wire debut win defeating the runner-up finisher who posted a 68 Beyer capturing a next-out IND-MSW victory; did not make the front 51 days ago finishing far back for the 2nd straight start; view as a pace presence for part.

Boheme de Lavi

Sandwiched her 2-back career-best Beyer with the 2 lowest speed figures of her career; which filly shows up for this?; reunites with the rider from her show rally and top Beyer 2-back; hopes Lil Honey Badger and Shogun Samurai duel each other into defeat because she figures to save ground then make one run; contender.

True Blue Nation

9%-winning fresh trainer off the 141-day layoff does not add to the appeal; 1st Lasix after beating 3 runners combined in 2 graded stakes; reunites with the debut win rider scoring on the lead; figures to be part of the pace battle with Shogun Samurai and Lil Honey Badger.

Shogun Samurai

$33-debut blowout gate-to-wire win comes back as a field-best Beyer speed figure; the runner-up and show finishers from last finished 2nd and 5th Friday in their next-out 1-Mile GP-MSW starts; can she make the lead again against winners?; 31 days to regroup off thay huge-debut effort with a 4F-bullet workout for this; tons of upside and no 15-1 odds this time; is the one to beat..

Risque Reality

Game winner at shorter 61 days ago in her 1st-ever dirt start; now gets her 1st test vs. winners after posting a 23-point 2nd-time out Beyer improvement with just 24 days between starts; absentee projects to press Shogun Samurai-Lil Honey Badger-True Blue Nation wide then hopes to find added stamina in deep stretch.

Art of the Game

61 days since primed for this on turf; her last dirt start was in a graded event finishing last behind the runner-up and show finishers they Beyered 90-84 in next-out GP-Grade 3 and PEN-75K stakes wins; lone win was on the lead but figures to be chasing Shogun Samurai and others wide.

Who's in Town

Worked a bullet for her 1st start in 65 days; debut win was a stalking trip and one of the few in the field who can rally from just off the pace; Shogun Samurai figures to have many pursuers from the gate which likely sets this up for a closer like her; beat the debut runner-up a 62 Beyer SAR-MSW next-out graduate; the pick.

Race 4

Bowman's Sam

Classic seconditis runner finally returns to the claiming scene and can end the frustration if getting away to be on or near a soft early pace today; was a clear-cut second in the last try while odds-on and is one of the true contenders.

Delta Bluesman

He was within range until the stretch in his latest attempt while a big price; the grey is in for a tag for the first time and can upgrade suddenly with that important tightener under his belt; could prove to be the right value play.

K C Wiegmann

Newcomer hails from G1 victor Mizzen Mast who captured 554K and whose offspring have won 31 out of 364 debuts; the dam did not compete; among the winning siblings is 65K bankroller Bulaga; shows only a modest breeze pattern.

Birds Gone Wild

Scheduled to add blinkers after failing to fire in his maiden voyage (although a troubled start did not help); his sire won a trio of G1s and 1.57 million; the dam was unraced; winning siblings include 20K earner Tease Points.

No Its Not

Attempts seven furlongs for the first time and lost serious ground in his last test when trying to advance on a wide path; notice the workout regimen this month that shows vast improvement; reverts to Trujillo who was aboard for this gelding's best effort.

Catholic Cowboy

He has extensive experience at this trip, a definite plus; has improved by lengths and bounds since beginning his career at the course and distance and, despite the layoff, can middle move with effectiveness against this group.

Unbroken Circle

Hampered by the rail slot in his first run, he quit in the early stages; his sire won a G1 and 380K while the dam went 1 for 6 earning 10K; among the winning siblings is 31K earner Cathedro; extra-fine half-mile breeze in the bank is noteworthy.

Race 5

Dillon's Actor

Twelve time loser offered little when cut back to sprint in the local slop; he's had plenty of chances at big prices and it doesn't appear as if things will go any better for this longshot today; have to pass on him.

Take My Time

Enters this off a field best last out number at the trip and level in his return to the main track; colt retains a top pilot and has had time to recover from the big effort but the barn has been kept out of the winner's circle all meeting; still, if he runs back to that last one he's the one to beat.

Better Than You (KOR)

He's had early trouble in each of his starts and now he'll move back to the main track; barn's second runner in here did pass a couple of foes late in his main track sprint debut and he started from the fence in that one; return to dirt and a better beginning could bring out an improved try.

Macarron

Just missed getting the place to one of today's foes when taking a step forward on the figure scale at this trip; his lone interim drills was on the slow side, but there's not a whole lot in here so anything close to that last effort will make him a big threat.

Texas Tex

Didn't have much to offer off an inside run when stretched out for twice this price last time; colt may find this level easier and he did show a decent turn of foot running to the leaders in that last one; barn has had a rough time here, but he's one to consider.

Touchdown Tom

Didn't do much while beating just a few runners home in his 3 starts and now he'll add the hood for the stretchout; he did breeze well from the local gate last week for this, but don't know that this statebred will improve much at this longer trip; just watching.

Cannwyll

Got discouraged from the outset of his local debut while wearing blinkers for the initial time but did pass a couple of foes late; though the barn does well with its stretchouts, his synthetic spins North of the border were pretty poor; dam was a 3 time route winner so maybe the added ground helps.

Sunshine King

He's only run twice but hasn't shown much ability in either start; maybe the drop in half in claiming price helps and he does get a weight break with the switch to a triple bug for this, but his sibs were a combined 0 for 7 going long so don't know that he'll move forward so much second time at the trip.

Ben Jacob

Wasn't a factor late in any of his recent turf spins and now he'll move back to the main track over which he did little sprinting in the fall; he did hit the board here a couple of times during the summer and is kin to juvenile SW and 184K earner Lucas Brady but it's clear he doesn't have that kind of ability and that guy was winless from 5 route tries.

Race 6

Javamine

Career-best Beyer speed figure was without blinkers; they are removed for this; improving worktab off the 43-day absence but must find the missing stamina; 30%-winning turf-to-dirt trainer wins with just 12% among fresh runners; drops to lowest price tag ever hoping to break on or near the lead then keep on going.

U S Rockette

Some runners improve dramatically 2nd-time out; her debut was in a key race; the show and 5th-place finishers from last both graduated next out in GP-20K-$12,500-maiden-claiming wins; offered brief speed in latest and figures to be a forward factor again although will be picking up 4 pounds for this.

Billie Skirts

Pair of 10th-place finishes on turf to commence career; takes the big-price drop while racing on dirt for the 1st time while cutting back 2F; the trainer's had strong success (30% winners) with the turf-to-dirt angle since 2013; regressed the Beyer 2nd-time out which is not a good sign.

Chuckle of the Day

1st Lasix and blinkers for last did not produce the desired results; the 2-back turf Mile represents a co-field-best Beyer; did not fire in her debut the only time racing this short of a distance during career; another who has been forwardly placed at longer and drops in price to lowest ever for this.

Formal Quality

115 pounds is the lightest-weight assignment of her career; the 2-back winner repeated in a GP-16K claimer with a 58 Beyer; new rider is number 6 in as many career starts which is not a good-win angle; has to avenge the decisive loss 15 days ago to Benne First Baby.

Benne First Baby

Up-and-down form during career beginning with an exacta finish in her career debut; posted her best Beyer since October in latest when adding blinkers which she repsonded to well for the 1st time; the 2-back show finisher Beyered 39 in her next-out GP-$12,500-maiden-claiming win; is the one they all have to hold off in deep stretch and the one to beat.

Mimipaoponchis

Sire is 67-for-614 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 1-for-9 dam (53K) who's only other foal to race is stakes-placed Flame Broiled (3-for-27, 102K); posted a mild worktab for 1st asking but is in a field lacking superstars.

Harbor Mistress

42%-winning turf-to-dirt trainer adds to the appeal; she was primed for this on the lawn; 3 races back represents a co-field-best Beyer at longer than this; she faded in September in her only race at today's distance defeated by the winner who repeated in a PRX-starter allowance with a 68 speed figure; contender.

Bright Promise

Knocking on the door for a win handling a wet track well at today's distance in last; on a fast track 2-back she defeated the show and 5th-place finishers they both graduated next out in GP-20K-$12,500-maiden claimers; sits right off the speed then should be tough to hold off late; the pick.

Dunkirk's Best

Sire is 3-for-42 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 1-for-4 dam (12K) who produced 1 winner from 2 other foals to race (2-for-12 Peekytoes 38K); steady worktab posted for an 0-for-8 debut trainer since 2013; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Grimoire

94-day absence off another dull effort; she has not fired back to her career-best Beyer at today's distance in the June unveiling on CRC dirt; cutting back in distance adds to the appeal but is drawn widest so sure to lose ground; 122 pounds is the heaviest-weight assignment of her career.

Race 7

Viva Allegiance

She looks like one of the more interesting options to consider in here and she's likely going to appreciate getting back over turf after trying dirt for the first time in her latest outing; she owns fine positional speed and projects to sit a comfortable trip after breaking from a favorable rail post.

Joanie's Image

All four of her wins have been earned racing over dirt and her one start over turf prior to this wasn't an encouraging performance; third-place finisher from latest won next out at Crc on 11/9 going 5f vs. 16k OPC's with an 81 Beyer.

Perfect Praise

Her lack of early speed is a major concern, but this filly has shown the ability to step up with a performance that is strong enough to make her a player in this spot; third-place finisher from latest won next out at FG on 12/8 going 1m 70y vs. 30k OPC's with an 84 Beyer.

Trippin' Along

She has some solid turf form on her card to consider, and have to respect her early speed, but feel that it is fair to question her ability to carry her speed today's one mile distance; not willing to count her out of it, but she might be worth looking out for the next time around with a turn back in distance.

Who's Mary's Daddy

This miss has a fine turf pedigree and like what she's done in her most recent turf starts; like the idea of her dropping in class for her first start as a 4-year-old and not going to be surprised if she's forwardly placed early on and involved in the hunt through the lane.

Money for Memories

She hasn't performed badly in her four turf starts and she's out of a dam who won 9 of 25 turf starts for 166k; however, it is worth noting that her latest start was her poorest performance to date and that it was her first start away form the Ziadie barn.

Fog Happens

She's been a pretty consistent performer in her 12 turf starts while recording a couple of victories and she's another in here who will appreciate getting back over turf after trying dirt in her latest outing.

Oroluce

If you only focus on what she's done in her three turf starts, she has the look of a contender, and she earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in a winning performance over this turf course in her latest outing; she is meeting tougher today, but feel that this is a realistic next step for her.

The Business

Like the idea of giving this filly another chance to see what she can do over turf as she ran pretty well in her first two career starts over turf and she didn't show any early speed at all in those races; however, it is worth noting that she was claimed away from the Ward barn out of her latest start.

Another Please

She's clearly much more capable racing over turf than she is over dirt, so willing to ignore her two most recent races, and she has been at her best racing over the GP turf in the past; runner up from latest won next out at Aqu on 12/18 going 6f vs. 16k claimers with a 58 Beyer.

Scenario Analysis

Didn't care for the way that she performed at Tampa Bay Downs in her latest start, but she's clearly a top contender in this spot while going out for a sharp turf barn with a strong turf rider aboard; Lezcano has won with 3 of 7 (43%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Win for Kitten

She's been a consistent performer racing over turf and she hasn't run a bad race from three starts over this turf course, including a fine late running performance in her latest outing; she has the look of a contender with Rosario hopping aboard again.

Wholelotaroyalty

There are a couple of horses in the main body of this race that have performed well racing over dirt, but this will be a favorable spot for this filly to land in if this race has to be taken off the turf; note that Zayas has won with 51% of his mounts for this barn since the beginning of 2013.

Race 8

Dylan Ward

Runner up in his last 2 turf spins just missed while running into a slow clip in his local debut at this trip; he showed in Canada that he has enough lick to get position from this inside slot and he'll get a switch to Rosario for this one; looms a dangerous foe.

Loves Last Chance

Wasn't beaten much by the rail runner here last time while making his local debut; colt is out of a G1 turf SWS dam who banked 524K and whose 3 other foals to race are all surface winners so he certainly has a right to keep getting better and maybe the new shades help him today; consider.

Sportscaster

Didn't have much to offer first out on the main track and now he'll move to the green; sire gets 12% first time surface winners and he's the first foal to race out of an unraced dam; barn does ok moving them to the infield, but he'll catch some rivals who have already shown they really like this surface; just watching him today.

Boss Man Mike

Draws an improved post after being stuck outside in each of his 3 turf spins following the debut run; colt has speed and maybe that helps him secure a decent spot early on the stretchout here; return to dry footing would make him worth an exotics look at a likely big price.

Aheadofthecurve

Got going too late at a shorter trip in his debut but was really picking up ground over that heavy local course; colt blew out well here the other day so maybe he'll get a little more involved early, but the barn hasn't had any recent luck second time out; he is kin to a minor SW turfer so maybe he takes the needed step forward second time over the stuff.

Collinito

Sire gets 15% first out winners from his offspring but just 8% of them win first time on the green and the dam's 2 foals to race were a combined 0 for 7 on the grass; works aren't much and the barn hasn't had a lot of recent success right out of the box.

Sole Train

New York bred passed some runners late in his restricted debut run up North on the Aqueduct lawn and has had a couple of months off since the effort; he's been breezing locally for a while now but he'll tackle open company in his return; dam did take a couple of G3 turf stakes and banked 442K so he does have a right to move forward over the footing.

Playball Tony

Barn isn't known for doing its best work right out of the box but they do name a top pilot for this gray's unveiling; sire gets about 15% first out winners and 11% first time surface winners from his offspring; dam won twice going long but never tried the green prior to dropping 2 main track route winners from 3 foals to race.

Good Response

Ran pretty well first time on the lawn in the New York last fall and broke from a tough post in his first start since then here last month; maybe the move towards the inside helps and he certainly figures to be tighter for a barn that hits at a nice clip with runners second time back.

Gala Award

Pricey yearling buy took no support for a Pletcher newcomer but went on to run big behind a tepid clip in his debut; dam was winless from 10 starts, 6 of which came on the green, but she dropped a couple of pretty good ones in G1 SW main track router and 700K earner Stormello and G2 SW turfer and 362K earner My Best Brother, so this guy has a right to get better; they'll have him to beat.

This Guy Is Blue

Goes back to the green in his return from the brief break after failing to offer much on the dirt in New York; he ran ok a couple of times on the turf up there last year, but nothing to suggest he's ready for a breakthrough type of effort in his return to the stuff; barn does boast a nice ROI on the surface switch.

Dig Alittle Deeper

Fresh gelding draws the outside slot for his return to the races after failing as the chalk on the Belmont lawn; his initial surface try in the Canadian G2 ranks earned him a number that fits here and the debuting gal who beat him in that one went on to take a G1 at Keeneland before finishing fourth at the Breeders Cup; he's kin to G1 SP, G3 SW turfer and 293K earner Jack Milton; with a top turf pilot getting aboard he can't be overlooked.

Recall Dynaformer

AE couldn't recover from a poor start in his debut run earlier in the month and he'll begin from a tough draw if he gets to go here; colt is kin to a handful of winners so maybe he improves quickly with the experience behind him, but he won't have it easy from out here.

Ringold

AE didn't do much in either of his surface tries and he'll start from the outside slot if scratches allow him to try the stuff again in here; he is kin to 3 surface winners, but hasn't shown enough to warrant serious consideration if he draws in.

Race 9

Mia's Rocket

At least he got a feel over the surface and he may not have adored the off going in last; note the win on the conventional dirt came at Fort Erie against $5K foes; he should be able to get a decent spot from the rail and he has more speed than he just showed; don't ignore.

C D Gold

Proven locally, like the fact he was inching toward the winner in last and that was after stumbling at the break; he could get away on the tote as he was handled by a couple of these same foes in the 2013 curtain call; needs to pick it up to get unsaddled.

Raised for Speed

Nothing wrong with hitting the exacta in 30 of 56; this senior citizen still wants to compete; he got his confidence back when dropped in the shore finale and seems to be on his way for this potent outfit; all systems go.

Newspaper Boy

Don't be oversome by the margin two back as it was slop aided; that was his first win in about a year and a half; he set the fast splits in last and just had nothing left; needs very best to greet the cameraman here.

Bling Bang

Guess the drill on the 9th satisfied the stewards after he was eased; trainer spotted them just fine last year and this rider was up for the last 2 wins; there is plenty of speed in here to help promote the kick; the trip will be everything.

Katz My Song

Respect this hot claim box item; he comes here relatively fresh and the last race came back okay as the place horse took a $12.5K seller next out and the winner repeated against $6250 foes; note he has regressed in his last 2 second off the layoff runs.

County Gun

Wonder if that sloppy July closer just knocked the starch out of him?; he had to hit the bench and has been stopping ever since; only one win in the last 2 years and he's not one to get out and socialize in the morning with the other workers; not seeing it.

Vero's Hero

Nice try in last; he closed steadily at the demanding trip and was still coming; he was one tough customer last year versatility could be his best asset as he can lead and succeed or come from left field and still get it done; respect.

Quiz Whiz

He's beaten some good fields in his career; this guy doesn't have to be 4th early on either; note he can fall back on his sub :22 speed and hustle early on; repeat well within the realm.

Mr d'Oro

Bet like a good thing in the short field and he didn't disappoint; the bug got a chance to figure out what's under the hood too; drawn where rider does not have to gun early at all costs; should be a player with slight improvement.

Race 10

Suzzona

A little concerned when seeing that her three most recent races haven't been up to par, especially when considering her age and that she was absent from April 2012 to May 2013; winner from latest won next out at Tam on 12/29 going 5f in a 100k OPC with an 81 Beyer.

Wild Oration

She equaled a career best Beyer Speed Figure in a near-miss performance while making her first start for this barn in her latest outing, and she's run well enough over turf in the past to suggest that the surface switch won't slow her down.

Shenton Park

She's run well in her three most recent races, and respect the early speed that she brings with her, but this might prove to be a tough spot for her to meet up with winners for the first time; leaning toward others.

Call My Lawyer

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won once from 10 starts for 37k, including 0-for-1 over turf; third-place finisher from latest won next out here on 12/26 going 6f vs. 6.25k claimers with a 62 Beyer.

Allaboutcaroline

She earned a stakes placing when sent to post as a heavy odds-on favorite at second asking and have to acknowledge the early speed that she's shown; her turf debut over this course two starts ago wasn't a bad run but she is going to need her best effort to date to beat this field.

Cameo Lady

When seeing what she's done racing over dirt, she might be hoping to see this race get taken off the turf, but it's not like she's run poorly in her five turf starts, and this is her first turf attempt since moving into this barn; third-place finisher from latest won next out at Crc on 11/29 going 5f vs. 16k OPC's with a 69 Beyer.

Kiss Me Lola

Lightly raced 5-year-old enters this race off of a layoff, and she wasn't at her best when last seen, but if she's going to perform the way she did in her two starts at Saratoga last summer, she might leave these behind to battle it out over the place prize.

Unseen Visitor

Like to see what this filly did the first time that she sprinted over turf and she's making her first start after a claim for a barn that has won with 9 of 26 (35%) in that category the past five years; she has a very live look to her with Rosario getting the call.

Jolena Jo

Although she hasn't made many starts sprinting over turf, her turf sprint form has been solid, and she earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in her latest outing while wearing blinkers for the first time; it's tough to count out anything that this barn is putting on the track right now.