Gulfstream: Closer Looks for January 3, 2014

Race 1

Starship Pleasant

She's capable of putting together a competitive performance at this level of competition and she looks like she can prove to be a player in this spot whether this race is run over turf or the main track.

Double the Lead

Respect the fact that Rosario sees fit to take the call, but it does look like there's enough dirt form in the main body of this race to make this a difficult assignment for this filly if this race has to be taken off the turf.

Prickly Pear

It's a concern when seeing that this is her first start since July 2012, but her form did improve with a move to turf four starts ago, and she has performed at a level that is strong enough for these.

On Parole

She looks like a good fit at this level of competition and like to see that she recorded a victory at today's distance over the main track here in her latest outing; however, she will need to be careful to avoid an early pace confrontation.

Jade's Rainbow

She's been on top of her game in her two most recent races and as long as she can maintain that level of form she figures to have a say in the outcome; note that one of her better performances was run over this turf course to start 2013.

Money for Memories

She's out of a dam who won 9 of 25 turf starts for 166k, and this miss has run well in her three turf attempts; note what this barn has been doing with starters after a claim and viewing it as a positive indicator that they see fit to call upon Castellano.

Putyourdreamsaway

Stakes winning filly finished behind today's rival Money for Memories in her latest start but this miss has shown enough in her two turf starts to merit some consideration against these; that said, she likes to be involved in the running early on and it looks like there's a chance that the early pace will be fast and contested.

Gene's Blue Moon

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a stakes placed dam who won two of 19 starts for 93k, including 0-for-3 over turf; a couple of her dirt starts look okay, and she's making her first start for Plesa after a claim, but it doesn't look like the shape of this race will favor her.

First Acquital

She earned a stakes placing just three starts ago and she might be ready to give a good account of herself while dropping in class and getting back over turf for her second start back from a layoff; third-place finisher from latest won next out at Crc on 12/28 going 1m vs. 25k OPC's with a 79 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 3

That's a Kitten

Considering he was pinballed against gate, the debut can't be excused; runner could be more on the muscle with the blinks, a very good ploy for this outstanding barn; dam s lone win was a dirt route; lone full bro to race Gentleman's Kitten was Grade 3 placed, took 3 of 7, earned $135K, was turf only; don't ignore.

My Uncle Charlie

Two excuses 2 back; the slop and he hopped in the air; dam out of the money 6 times; several multiple race winners in the family; a couple won on grass including near $100K earner Miss Muffin; legit threat here.

Western Exchange

Must be given long look on the drop alone; dam was unraced; both siblings won multiple times; top earner The Rectifier handled grass, banked $135K; expect much better effort.

Kwacha

The race over the course can only help; 10/27 place horse took a MSW, was out of the money in a Grade 3 since; runner has a shot to have a nice career as kin Extensive was G2 placed, won a stakes, banked nearly $200K on turf; due to hit paydirt.

Ghost to Ghost

He's been better since going long and maybe he didn't adore the rail last time; backers can at least say there is a turf winner in the family; he doesn t have to be a dozen back early today; another that must be considered.

Celiac Cause

Giant's Causeway about 9% first-time turfers in a 542-runner sample; sire won juvenile debut by 7 and took a Group 1 at 2, was a grass monster; dam s lone win was a dirt sprint; the half bro to race took 3 sprints, all on dirt; lean toward watching a local race.

I'mbetterthangood

Must be given valid look on the drop alone; he s in for $60K less than his purchase price; show horse in last graduated next out in a Grade 2 stakes with an 83 Beyer; dam was unraced; all 3 siblings won; top kin Lea's Exchange won twice on turf, earned nearly $75K; must break with the field.

Crossed Boundary

This runner seems to be coming around; dam was unraced; all 4 siblings won; top kin Long Lashes banked nearly $150K, was grass only; he should be fit enough by now.

Skylar Bleu

Colt can be his own worst enemy especially if he breaks poorly again; dam was unraced; lone half sis to race took 4 dirt sprints in the minor leagues; would be careful here.

Wingate Hall

The drop is logical as he s been beaten double digits in 3 of 4; at least the lone sibling did win on grass; look for this guy in the final stages if at all.

Livingston

An ice cube on the tote board and fans were right on the money; 3 for 10 dam earned over $40K, was dirt sprint only; 3 of 4 siblings won; all cashed on grass including over $80K earner Rollbaby; not sold on chances. - Brian Mulligan

Race 4

Indy Breeze

All 3 win pictures were accomplished at distances longer than 6F; her latest the 1st race ever on a wet-main track was a winner and new career-best Beyer speed figure; she is doing a rain dance for this; has not raced with this heavy of a weight assignment since her 2nd-career start in April; saves ground then makes one run.

Great Chance

Her last win was right on the lead but she had gate issues in 2 of her last 3 losses; was edged 1st off the claim when racing much shorter than 6F but her last start at today's distance was a wet-track winner on GP dirt; know her early then hopes to hang on late for a share.

Daddys Jewel

Was on the wrong end of a 3-horse win photo when facing stakes rivals at much longer than today's 6F distance; none of her 7 wins occurred at a distance shorter than 6.5F; her field-best Beyer was posted at a half furlong longer than this while 0-for-7 since that August victory when making her 1st start for the current conditioner.

Wild Oration

46th start in last represents a career-low Beyer; the race looks a little better since the winner repeated with a 66 speed figure taking a next-out PEN-allowance; the 2-back show runner Beyered 57 winning a TAM-$12,500-claimer next out.

Sabrina's Dance

Exits a career-low Beyer; 5 straight starts racing 1st at the 1st call; try to catch me again; 2-for-4 record on fast tracks however her July-GP-fresh loss was over a wet oval while also competing here in 2012 vs. Grader 3 rivals; posted her career-best Beyer on a wet-turf course which she won't be getting today.

Pompous Miss

Today's 119-pound weight assignment marks the highest of career; she adds more gate speed here going gate-to-wire in 2 of her last 3; Sabrina's Dance and Great Chance both figure to flash some early zip also; defeated the 3-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 58 in her next-out GP-$6,250-claiming win.

Josh's Butta Butta

Even finish in last noting her last win picture occurred at today's-6F distance; should work out an ideal trip stalking 3 speedsters here; being widest drawn is an issue nosed with a career-best Beyer 2-back from impost-widest post 7; she beat the 2-back show runner who took a GP-$6,250 claimer next out with a 62 Beyer. - Art Gropper

Race 5

Indian Starlight

She has run some nice races over turf in her career but it has to be considered at least a mild concern to see that she produced a subpar performance in her first start away from the Quartarolo barn in her latest outing.

Money Money

Her recent form hasn't been her best, but if she can rediscover the form she displayed racing over this turf course in 2013, she can prove to be a threat; runner-up from latest returned to win next out here on 10/6 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. N1X rivals with an 83 Beyer.

Thunder On Tap

Lightly raced 6-year-old recorded an upset in getting the better of eight rivals to break her maiden in her latest outing, but that was against 40-35k MCL's, and now she's meeting up with winners for the first time.

Kitty Wine

The long layoff is an obvious concern, but this mare did some nice things racing over turf as a 3-year-old, and she was last seen facing a winner that has since become a multiple graded stakes winner over turf; that four-furlong move on December 18 looks sharp.

Dauphine Russe (FR)

Her form racing over turf in France looks solid and this looks like a favorable spot for this filly to make her 4-year-old racing debut after an even after against stakes competition in her first start in America; she's tough to ignore while going out for a top turf barn with Castellano aboard.

Urquia

She put together a decent performance when getting the job done off of a layoff two starts ago but it just doesn't look like her best effort is quite up to the level of the top contenders in here.

Be My Love

She's been in good form lately but feel that it's fair to question if this filly can be at her best at today's 7 1/2f distance; going to look for her to be involved in the running early on, but won't be surprised if others have more to offer through the lane.

Lady's Lunar Luck

She sports some of the faster and more consistent overall form in here and the 85 Beyer Speed Figure she earned for her latest performance represents the best last race figure in this field; must consider.

Quay

This filly hasn't run a bad race to date, and that includes a few starts over turf; like the idea of her getting back over turf for this and feel that she has a live look to her in this spot with Rosario at the controls.

Carmelita

She's run well in four of her first five starts and her one poor performance can be attributed to her saddle slipping; relatively lightly raced 4-year-old is eligible to still have her best races in front of her and she makes her first start for a currently live barn that does well with new acquisitions.

Dance With Gio

Stakes placed mare might need to show up with an effort that earns her a career best Beyer Speed Figure to get the job done in this spot but going to look for her to be ready to give a good account of herself while making her second start back from a layoff.

Wholelottashakin

Multiple stakes placed New York-bred enters this race after a solid 4-year-old season and her best effort can get her into the mix against these; third place finisher from latest returned to win next out at Aqu on 12/1 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. N1X rivals with an 88 Beyer.

Oasis At Midnight

She looks like she'll have to dial up a career best performance to prove to be the one in this spot if this race has to be taken off the turf; runner-up from latest returned to win next out at Prx on 11/12 going 6 1/2f vs. 25-20k N2L claimers with a 74 Beyer.

Lil Red Cozette

Like to see the improved performance she showed up with in her first start with Lasix in her latest outing, but it is worth noting that she ran that race as a member of the McLaughlin barn; regardless, she'll have to look of a contender if she gets to go in this spot.

Lake Michigan

She has some early speed to employ, and like to see that she ran well when previously a member of this barn, but she's probably going to need a career best effort to get the better of the top contenders in here; feel that a minor award is likely the ceiling. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Renzo Bertoni

Both wins at 7F but finished full of run at today's distance off the 65-day absence in his return to GP turf with a career-best Beyer speed figure attached; similar 1-post ground-saving trip is likely for this; he lost vs. maidens on GP grass in 2012 seeking his 1st turf in-the-money finish over the local green.

Wild Billum

89 days since posting a career-low Beyer for a high-percentage fresh trainer; his last win was fresh also with 66 days between starts; while becoming a new-and-improved runner since switched to turf he has something to prove not only off latest-dull effort but also losing 3-back to Happy Fella who follows him here; is ranked a notch below the top contenders.

Happy Fella

0-for-4 record since the fresh-career-best Beyer win at SAR traveling at today's distance and off a 46-day absence; good sign tha he has 43 days idle for this; reunites with the GP-5F-turf win rider while his latest-dirt exacta finish was his best effort since the SAR-green win; lack of defined pace today could hurt his late punch.

Brickyard Kitten

Graduated at today's distance on the GP green; long layoff off the even-finishing key-race loss; the 5th and 8th-place finishers from last Beyered 88-75 in next-out PRX-starter allowance and BEL-20K-claiming wins; new trainer is 0-for the last-13 with runners coming off a 6-month absence or more; beat the 2-back runner-up finisher an 80 Beyer-GP-MSW winner; the 3-back winner repeated in an AQU-OPC with a 75 speed figure; scary if ready.

Alke John

Back in 3 weeks after drilling a new Beyer speed figure Top at today's distance on GP green off an 8-week break; chance of a bounce here but clearly is at his best when fairly close early in a stalking position; won his 2nd and 3rd starts off the bench during the summer so fires well right off the bench; seems capable of repeating for a high-percentage-local conditioner.

Lumberyard Jack

Likely benefits from an event without any defined gate speed; could be playing catch me if you can here with Van Citra; his field-best Beyer was posted in an 11F-turf event; has not raced this short of a distance since an 8th-place finish in April at 1 Mile; new trainer has a good record 1st off the claim but began this GP-winter meet an icy 1-for-35.

Van Citra

Hopes to take advantage of a race lacking pace with Lumerberyard Jack the only other runner who might want the lead; 96 days since the nose loss on dirt noting both career wins were posted on fast-main tracks; tough to take being winless on the turf during career with just 1 exacta finish; showed nothing the last time on GP green in February.

Greengrassofyoming

Exits his lowest 2013 Beyer; the lone win was a stalking trip at today's distance on GP green but is 0-for-7 since; was no match on dirt for Happy Fella in last while 3-back was edged by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 79 in his next-out AP-alw. vicory; others appea more.

One Golden Road

Today's 119-pound weight assignment is the lightest of his career; had to love latest because previously he did not fire on wet-turf surfaces but drilled a near-career best Beyer in his 1st-ever GP-grass start; the 2-back loss can be excused on dirt racing wide vs. the winner who repeated in an AQU-OPC with a 93 Beyer; if able to repeat last would be hard to hold off in deep stretch. - Art Gropper

Race 8

Hard to Name

Switches surfaces after coming up empty late on the drop over the local lawn; 4 year old hasn't been a threat on dirt for a while now but does own surface numbers that would make him a threat if repeated in this spot; barn does a solid job with runners going second back from the freshening; consider.

Indygo Prince

He's another who didn't do much on the lawn last time and now he'll get back to the main track over which he looked quite impressive 2 back; don't know that he's going to get a similar clip in front of him here and he could find himself with a lot to do in the lane.

Prado Dash

Returns to dirt at the trip of the solid third place finish 2 back at Churchill after giving the green a shot in his local debut; 6 year old hasn't won in a very long time, but he does figure to appreciate the surface switch for an outfit that boasts a nice recent winning clip with the move.

Gloton

Stretches out off a weak sprint try while returning to the conditioned claiming ranks in his local return; colt doesn't win much and this trip does appear to be pushing it for him; have to side with others on the win end.

Chepstow

Couldn't step with limited winners on thel awn in his local debut and now he'll tackle a better bunch in his first dirt start in nearly 11 months; he did earn a competitive figure in that aforementioned heat and maybe a return to this type of footing helps wake him up, but off what he's been running North of the border he'll need to improve.

Alisa's Engineer

Goes for a low percentage outfit that hasn't had any recent luck on the stretchout; gelding has lost 69 times and hasn't seen the winner's circle in ages; in his current form he doesn't appear to be a serious threat and looms a long price in this spot.

D'nied Permission

Hasn't been a serious threat since winning here 11 months back; gelding's return wasn't much though the barn does boast some recent luck with runners second back from the break; minor award looks to be his ceiling here.

Holdin Bullets

Outside drawn gelding brings plenty of lick to the table while taking a big drop to the conditioned claiming ranks after backing out of a pace duel at the trip a few weeks back; he may be set to take a step forward in his third start back from the long break and the numbers he earned here last year tower over what his rivals have recently run; price will be very short but they'll have him to catch and beat. - Steve Grabowski

Race 9

Cousin Stephen

Educated in the debut when bothered at the break but runner rebounded in fine fashion last time and the race came back just fine; 4th finisher in last took a $104K stakes at Sunland next out and the show horse took a MSW at the Big A; love the steady drills since he got down to Florida; trainer can keep them going good once they get good to the tune of 27%; respect.

We're All Set

He beat 6 on the stretch out for the sheepskin, could have just been overmatched in the stakes, and now comes off a career Beyer; runner needs help up front and he may get the honest pace with a couple of sprinters going long; the hotter the pace the better for this runner.

Solemnly Swear

Colt showed ability from Day One and he has much more speed than he just showed; don't be too harsh about last as it s never easy to beat winners right back especially in a Graded stakes; 6th finisher in last took a $200K Delta Downs stakes next out, 10th finisher took an N1X in Philly next time; he has a right to have a nice career as kin to triple stakes winner and near $250K earner Truth and Justice; the drill on the 15th screams off the page; expect rebound effort.

Hy Kodiak Warrior

Youngster needed a couple of races to figure it out but he's been solid since winning; runner was nearly 4 clear in last, he has more speed than he just showed and Saez got a chance to figure him out; should be right there when the smoke clears.

Top Billing

Considering that this barn is very patient, the win in the debut speaks volumes; and he did it like a pro overcoming trouble and drawing away; the slop being kicked in his face didn't seem to bother him either; show horse in last was over 3 clear; the blood is there as he is kin to Group 3 winner and near $250K earner Untouched Talent; respect.

Commissioner

Colt was left with too much to do in the opener, but he was more into the bit last time and it worked to perfection; he proved in last he can show up in a fight and stay focused until the round is over; would expect this runner to have the stalking duties of the Pletcher runners; note place horse in last was over 22 clear; connections would love to see him mature like top kin, Grade 3 winner and over $550K earner Laugh Track; contention goes deep.

Ichiban Warrior

Toss the turf race and the form brightens; he proved he could win on dirt in last; 5th finisher in last took a $15K N2L seller next out and the place horse took a $50K optional here; he has the winning edge on the field and that may come into play at crunch time.

Ease On Bai

Needed maiden claimers and a long nose to graduate; soph did hold his own vs. winners in last; show horse in the maiden breaker took a maiden $25K claimer, then beat $32K claimers with a 61 Beyer; he did close into the very moderate pace for the win and the splits should be quicker here. - Brian Mulligan

Race 10

Marie's Music

Mare vs the boys; she is winless on turf she would not mind this moved to a fast-main track; was badly overmatched in last and is back to reality for this; raced on the lead 3-back which seems like her best game but at today's distance on GP turf in last showed zero-gate speed; her lone win was posted October, 2012, in a CRC-MSW gate-to-wire dirt victory.

Solicitation

Was scratched WED from a 16K claimer at 8.5F on GP turf; faded badly when last seen posting his lowest Beyer speed figure since September; best-turf speed figure was posted in February at a half furlong longer than this on GP green; his lone win was at today's Mile distance on dirt October, 2011, in gate-to-wire fashion in a CRC-40K-maiden claimer.

Gallant Patriot

The turf debut represents his lowest Beyer since May; lone win was posted with 46 days between races and at 1.5F shorter than this over a synthetic surface; is back in just 4 weeks off latest where it did not appear like he wanted any parts of 8.5F or grass; the 2-back runner-up Beyered 70 in a next-out CD-$7,500-claiming win; the 3-back runner-up scored a MNR-alw. win next out (65).

Il Volo

Today's 123-pound assignment is the highest ever carried; 22nd race was the charm graduating at today's distance on GP green; the 1st start vs. winners is often any runner's toughest-class assignment; was scratched WED from a 16K claimer at 8.5F on GP turf.

Birimbao

Brief speed in latest when racing 1st time on turf; lone win was a dirt-sprint score in the August unveiling when defeating the runner-up finisher who Beyered 47 in his next-out TDN-$7,500-maiden claimer; either way this 6-year-old with 3-career starts is the one to catch.

Bernie's Best

62 days since the graduation party; facing winners for the 1st time is always a tough assignment; close in defeat 3-back vs. the winner and show finishers they Beyered 70-64 in next-out TAM-LRL-25K-20K-claiming wins; December, 2012, runner-up MSW defeat on GP turf at today's distance represents the field's best Beyer.

Catduel

Middle moved before fading in last; 7-0-0-0 record posted since the wet-turf maiden breaker at longer than today's Mile distance; is best on grass noting the 3-back-dull dirt race vs. the runner-up finisher who Beyered 53 in his next-out CRC-16K-claiming win.

Happy Runner

His return to the grass course while stretching out 3F in distance was a poor effort his 1st double-digit length defeat since June; figures to offer better-gate speed here racing right on the lead in the 3-back sprint when defeated by the winner who repeated with a 65 Beyer taking a next-out GP-16K-claimer.

Starship Avenger

Lacked the finishing punch in last when sent today's distance but willing to dimiss that effort mainly because it was his 1st race on less-than-firm turf; graduated on dry ground 3-back with a career-best Beyer attached; positive 7-pound weight swing off his 3-back win over Il Volo which adds to the appeal.

Jasper's Posse

Purchased off a strong rally at longer; a good sign that his lone victory was at shorter than this so he can get up in time; being winless on grass is the main concern about backing noting the 2-back show finisher Beyered 67 in his next-out WO-$9.500-claiming win.

Get Back

47 days since the favored win to graduate; has not raced this short of a distance since the debut loss on dirt; has been outfinished at longer but today's Mile seems like a good fit; was edged by the 3-back runner-up finisher who won his next 2 starts in CRC-MSW and 16K-claiming races (68-64 Beyers).

Kenny's Z

14-0-2-2 record with blinkers on during career as the hood comes back on for this; pressed the pace in most recent loss while cutting back to his shortest-distance test since March; lone win was on the lead and hopes the hood provides better stamina; view as a pace presence for part.

Navajo Ca Lo

Have mixed reviews off the claim as his 1st race off the purchase represents a career-best Beyer; Main Track Only entry with a massive-class drop from stakes into a claimer; exits his lowest Beyer since November, 2012, which prompts the class reduction.

Colossians

53 days away for a high-percentage-fresh trainer; MTO's only dirt start was his blowout-maiden breaker at 1F shorter; caught wet-turf courses in last 2-dull efforts including nowhere 2-back vs. the show finisher who Beyered 76 in a next-out GP-optional-claiming win.

Grownmencry

Lone win at 1F longer than this on a wet-main track; doing the rain dance for this; he was defeated by more than 41 lengrhs combined in 2 other Mile races on dirt; huge-post position change after 4 straight starts with either post 1 or 2; breaks all the way outside here so sure to lose ground; will wind up from far back and make one run. - Art Gropper