Gulfstream: Closer Looks for March 16, 2014

Race 2

Serious Indeed

He was in tough lined up against Longhunter in his first start back from a layoff in his latest outing, but this doesn't look like it's going to prove to be an easy assignment for him either; prefer to keep looking around in here.

Twin

He carries multiple stakes placed credentials with him and the 84 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for his latest performance represents the best last race figure in this field; he looks like he can prove to be a player in this spot whether this race is run over turf or the main track.

Sleepless Knight

He's multiple graded stakes placed racing over turf and he has been at his best racing over this turf course in the past; obviously his recent form hasn't been his best, but still feel that he's capable of producing a competitive effort at this level of competition.

Lighthouse Sound

Have to be at least mildly concerned when seeing the time off he's needed between recent starts, but this multiple stakes placed veteran is a 10-time winner over turf and like the idea of him stretching back out in distance for this.

Malibu Way

He earned a stakes win over turf as a 3-year-old and he's been very consistent in his 11 starts; he produced one of his sharper performances when last seen while making just his second start for these connections and like to see Rosario aboard again.

Presumptive

He appears to be taking a well meant drop in class for this, and if he brings his 'A' game to the table, there isn't any reason why he can't have a say in the outcome; winner from latest won next out here on 3/9 going 1m over turf vs. 25k OPC's with a 97 Beyer; a top turf barn helps add appeal.

Poco Man

His better Beyer Speed Figures have been earned racing over dirt and he's yet to run a race that is strong enough to suggest that he can threaten the top contenders in here; he has the look of an outsider.

Midnight Notes

He's been on top of his game lately but his lack of early speed is a concern and this might prove to be a tough step up in class for him after being claimed for 16k from his latest race; respect the presence of John V. but leaning toward others. - Brian Pochman

Race 3

Rompin Reid

Adds the hood for the move to the fence after running ok first time on the green; his dam was a multiple G1 SP, G2 SW main track router so he's certainly got a right to improve with 2 turn experience, but there's not much surface pedigree in him so don't know that he's going to take a big step forward over this footing; there's not a lot of form in here, though, so he can't be dismissed.

Bird Tap

Barn doesn't have its newcomers fully cranked and they debuted this guy sprinting last summer which doesn't look to fit his pedigree so well; barn does do nice work work fresh and second back from the break but the first time turf numbers are weak; sire gets 8% winners from his initial turf starters and though the sprint winning dam was winless from 8 turf starts, she hit the board in 5 of them prior to dropping 6 winners, one of whom won twice on the green.

Chunnel

Makes her first start back from 9 months on the shelf while going for a new outfit today; he was beaten chalk in that Churchill sprint unveiling so someone thought he could run a little; dam won twice sprinting on the main track and her other foal to race was a restricted SW who never tried this type of footing but did take 3 of 6 sprints starts; new outfit does well with this type and this guy's sire could run all day on the lawn.

Charitable

Newcomer boasts mostly slow breezes for his unveiling for an outfit that hasn't had a lot of recent luck with its debut runners, but he lures the stand's top pilot today; sire gets 14% winners from his first out runners and 9% first time surface winners; SW sprint dam was 0 for 1 on the green prior to dropping 122K earner Integrity, a SP sprinter who never tried the lawn.

Part

Showed solid early foot going long over the course first time out and held ok until turning for home in that slightly longer heat; colt has been on the track several times in the interim and should benefit from the initial race experience; he doesn't look to face much opposition to the top from those who have run and will likely have to be run down.

Sharp Stick

Newcomer is by a sire who gets nearly 15% first out winners from his offspring but less than half of that from its initial surface starters; works aren't much but the tab is steady of late and the barn knows how to get them ready to fire right out of the box.

Private Relations

Rosario sticks with a runner who encountered some early trouble in his well bet debut run over the local sod; barn hits at a nice clip with its runners who have had a race and though the dam wasn't a turf winner she did win going long on the main track; interim drills suggest he'll have more to offer today; consider.

Professor Pegasus

Failed to finish his main track sprint debut won by a talented 3 year old and was given some time to get ready for this; barn doesn't do so well with its initial turf starters but they get them ready to fire fresh and this guy is kin to both turf winner and G2 SW router Juanita who banked over half a million and SW turfer and 233K earner Sirocco Strike; eligible to show more today.

Financial Modeling

MTO topped off his worktab with a sharp Palm Meadows breeze last weekend for an outfit that hits at a nice clip with its newcomers; sire gets 10% first out winners from his offspring and the dam was winless from 5 tries prior to dropping 4 time winner (3 routes) and 153K earner Town Flirt; pedigree says let it rain. - Steve Grabowski

Race 4

Taketothestreets

Brave in defeat first time out when surviving early pressure to finish a clear-cut second; his sire was a G1 sprinter who captured 831K while the dam won a Group 3 and 127K; among the winning siblings is 503K earner Fifteen Love.

Copelan's Jet

Some upbeat workouts at Payson for this son of Purge, a G1 victor who netted 905K (his offspring have won 20 out of 279 debuts); the dam scored in 1 of 5 appearances earning 55K; sib to 38K bankroller Creative Thunder.

Easement

Earned several checks thus far yet never seems to get bet; that trend will likely change today as he returns to six furlongs (might have been best at this trip 2 races ago when losing much ground); legitimate money chances once again.

Pazolini

Flashed brief speed last sumer at Saratoga and did not have a smooth beginning that day; his sire won multiple G1s and amassed 3.06 million; the dam was unraced; among the winning sibs is 191K earner Millenium Storm.

Heaven's Touch

Very fine work tab for this daughter of Montbrook, who won a couple of G3 sprints and 373K (his progeny have won nearly 11 percent of their first attempts); the dam went 2 for 8 earning 51K; among the winning sibs is 90K earner Warbib.

Doctor J Dub

Could not keep pace with Easement in his maiden voyage but was caught very wide that afternoon; his sire won the G2 Swale and 490K while the mom was without victory in 8 attempts; sib to 94K earner Pride of Paris; nice a.m. move 5 days ago. - Jim Kachulis

Race 6

Valid Concept

His best effort is clearly strong enough to get him into the mix against these, but it's difficult to place confidence in him for the top spot when seeing that he's seeking his first career win in start number 15, even if he does appear to be well meant with a rider switch to Castellano.

Colonel Gian

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and G1 stakes placed dam won 2 of 7 starts for 132k, and she didn't make a turf start; he wasn't able to get much going in his career debut after a rough start but it does look like he's done some decent work in the a.m.

Giant Cat

A couple of his recent starts have been improved performances, but not wild about his lack of early speed, and he is starting to look like the type that might hang around the maiden ranks for a while.

Acaramelao

He didn't run badly the first two times he raced over turf, and even though it is a concern to see that he was beaten by more than 20 lengths in his latest outing, he does look like a better fit against this field of 35k maiden claimers.

Skestos

Have to acknowledge the impact that his early speed can have on the way that this race shapes up, but he is going to need to produce a much improved overall performance in order to have a say in the outcome.

Dustymour (IRE)

Limited available data on sire with regard to his first-time and turf starters, but during his career he was a multiple G1 winner racing overseas while winning 6 of 12 starts for $2.6 million, and he finished third in the BC Turf in his only start in North America; dam was winless from three starts racing overseas; this colt is a 1/2 to G3 stakes placed Sweepstake (3-7, 114k, including 1 of 3 North American turf starts for 73k).

Wallyanna

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam was winless from five starts, including a turf start; her career debut can be viewed in a positive light and a number of her recent workouts look solid, including a five-furlong turf move on February 10.

Bracigliano

Two of her first four starts have been respectable performances and she's dropping in class while making her first start for a barn that does well with new acquisitions; third-place finisher from latest won next out here on 3/7 going 7 1/2f over turf vs. 50k MCL's with an 82 Beyer; Leparoux has won with 8 of 26 (31%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Prince Zurs

He's by a solid turf sire, but he only beat two to the finish in his career debut after going to post at just under 40-1, and it will take a much sharper try to get himself into the mix against these.

Pared

He enters this race off of a sub par performance, but feel that he ran well enough in his first three starts over turf to merit some consideration against these; however, he's probably going to need to see some racing luck fall his way after breaking from an outside post.

Dolan's Joy

It's fair to question most of the dirt form that is on view in this race, but this colt is looking to make his first dirt start against these; like the effort he showed up with at first asking, and perhaps his most recent work out as a sign that he gets over this surface well. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Best Man

Toss last; wrong surface; colt has the ability to gain position from the rail and the last race came back okay; place horse took a $20K optional next out and 4th finisher took a N1X here; like the series of drills since the last effort including the clever spin last Tuesday; needs a rebound run.

Little Distorted

The fact he won the debut gives him a right to be on the muscle here; connections thought enough of him to try the stakes last year and he has more speed than he flashed in his recent races; check out the gate spin on the 5th; interesting.

Palm Island

Ginger Punch Racing was named as owner in Cali when in the good hands of Dave Hofmans; snappy spin 8 days ago jumps off the page and although he has to prove it on dirt, runner could sit a nice stalk and pounce trip; the blood is there too as kin Aggie Engineer took a Grade 2, earned nearly $400K.

Morgan's Guerrilla

Decent return in last considering the extended layoff; and considering the winner freaked, the race was not all that bad; note this guy was over 5 clear in the process; winner of the Indy Derby two back took a Grade 3 in next, lost next several; respect everything from this barn.

Accelerare

Colt caught the off going in the first pair but was primed to roll in solid return in last; the June winner repeated took the G2 Dwyer next out and has been placed in 3 Graded races since including the Travers; this colt looks live.

Risk Factor

Needed maidenclaimers to get there and has only run well once since; if you figure he was just short in last, you can build a case for a move forward; value will be there, still has some things to iron out.

Elusive Success

Guess Matz knew what he was doing when he gave this runner time and let the horse tell him when he was set; professional in the win, but it's never simple to beat winners right back especially when you win for a tag; note show horse was nearly 8 clear; lean toward watching one vs. winners.

Mountain Eagle

Shut down after the press and fade deal last year, she has trained forwardly for this and note the more energized drill on the 10th; 6th finisher in last took a $75K optional, show horse was 2nd a neck in that league and the winner, of course, took the Fountain of Youth and the Kentucky Derby; rates upset glance. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Kissimmee Twice

Sire is 104-for-644 with 1st-time starters; she is out of an 8-for-32 stakes-winning dam (344K) who's only other foal to race is 5-0-0-0 Ghost Kisser; superb workout 13 days for this and 2 of her last 3 workouts were bullets; high-percentage debut trainer adds to the appeal; hard to leave off any tickets.

Red Parasol

Brief speed in the debut loss now away with a new trainer who is 0-for-10 since 2013 first-time out with newly-acquired runners; if the other experienced runners did not all show gate speed would give her more of a chance to wakeup 2nd-time out; will be taking a wait and see apporach.

Angel Code

Sire is 5-for-34 with 1st-time starters; is out of a stakes-placed dam (1-for-6, 67K) who's only other foal to race is 3-for-10 Al's Uncle (84K); the worktab does not impress when compared to the other 1sters here while unveiling for a 1-for-14 debut barn.

Fiftyshadeslighter

Sire is 32-for-380 with 1st-time starters; she is out of a 3-0-0-0 dam (3K) who produced 1 winner from 2 other foals to race (2-for-11 Art of Survival 39K); has been outworked by many of the other 1sters for an 0-for-7 debut trainer since 2013.

Size

Sire is 17-for-186 with 1st-time starters; she is out of a 1-for-5 dam (35K) who's only other foal to race is 4-for-15 End (40K); March 3 bullet workout is noted for a Hall of Fame trainer who rarely wins with debut runners.

See Trouble

Worked a bullet for this off the wet-track 1st-ever dirt start produced an exacta finish; she needed the class drop in last to face maiden claimers to post a new Beyer Top and her 1st ever in-the-money finish; class hike is a concern as is the 46-day layoff.

Small World

High-percentage debut trainer has her working superbly for start 1; her sire is 95-for-833 with 1st-time starters; is out of an unraced dam who produced 2 winners from 3 other foals to race including 123K-earning full Sister State (2-for-9).

Princess Violet

Sire is 55-for-415 with 1st-time starters; is out of an 0-for-2 dam (2K) who's only other foal to race is 4-for-8 Baime (77K); have mixed reviews from her worktab for a 9%-winning 1ster trainer.

Petite Warrior

Sire is 10-for-119 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 1-for-8 dam (21K) who's only other foal to race is 2-for-14 Texas Josh (23K); the trainer being just 1-for the last-39 with 1sters has me taking a wait and see apporach.

J. Quirk

Saratoga absentee for a capable long-layoff trainer; was troubled 1st time out so has plenty of upside if ready; has been working steadily for start 2 which is just a 9% win angle for the barn; figures to press the pace off the bench then hopes to find enough stamina to hold on at 6F.

Checkupfromzneckup

Sire is 65-for-560 with 1st-time starters; is out of a SP-dam (3-for-7, 170K) who produced 3 winners from 4 other foals to race including 17K-earner Giant Connection (1-for-16); was also entered Saturday in the 11th as a Main Track Only entry in a 7.5F MSW turf event.

Hanalei Hailey

Rushed up to duel for the lead after breaking slowly from post 11; held on well for 2nd money despite the gate issues and have to love that the sizzling rider Castelllano stays right here; main concern is there seems to be plenty of other early zip signed on here so may have to change front-running style and stalk; dangerous.

Snowbell

Exits a field-best Beyer speed figure when landing in the exacta for the 2nd straight start; the runner she deadheated with Beyered 88 in a next-out GP-MSW win; figures to sit just off the gate speed and hopes not to bounce off the 1st-Lasix-new career best Beyer all coming off a long layoff. - Art Gropper

Race 9

Win for Kitten

Cuts back after coming up short late on the rise to this level last month; clearly loves the local sod and she's proven she fits with these, but she moves to the fence for this one and there's not a lot of lick signed on so she could well find herself even further out of it early at this shorter trip; her recent competitive numbers are hard to overlook, but she could be left with a lot of running to do in the lane.

Zipso Facto

She's another who prefer to do her running from out of it early and that left her with too much to accomplish when finishing behind a couple of these at a big price last time; her pilot opts to stick with her and she'll get another half panel in which to make her run here; capable of getting in the exotics mix.

Why Katherine

Wasn't beaten much through a quick final quarter while making her local return off 5 1/2 months on the shelf; mare always gives a solid account of herself on the green and each of her 3 career scores has come over this course; her tactical foot puts her in a good spot to control this heat from the bell and she certainly has a right to improve with her last behind her; one to catch and beat.

Auntie Martha

Four year old has been slow to develop from a figure standpoint but she does enter this in career best form and finished in front of the gal drawn to her immediate inside here last time; expect that gal will move forward today but this one didn't have the easiest of trips and should appreciate today's added trip; proves to be the main danger.

Spring Reason

Fresh filly returns with a couple of sharp local breezes in tow for an outfit that brings them back ready; after a couple of sharp turf spins to begin her career she took a big step back and was sent to the bench for nearly half a year; she'll make her first start on the green since last winter here and though she's shown some ability on synthetic footing she may just like this stuff better; top turf pilot gets aboard today; can't be overlooked.

Magical World

Broke through to get the maiden score in her first start of the year and was again given a little time to prepare for this crack with winners; barn fires fresh and after running down a slow clip last time she doesn't figure to have an issue regardless of setup here; price will be right to give her a good look.

Abbey Street

Exits a G3 stakes heat in which she didn't fit so well but she's back to a realistic spot here; while she's run well over the course she's never won here and in heats featuring normal fractions up top she prefers to take back and make one run which may not benefit her in here; siding with others.

Minx

Didn't offer much over a firm turf course in New York last fall but she proceeded to take to footing with give in it to break her maiden locally before getting caught in a tough spot from a wide draw in her first with winners; barn has had some luck with limited starters here and she's been working well in the interim but a minor award may prove to be her ceiling. - Steve Grabowski

Race 10

Artempus

He really hasn't run a bad race to date, and that includes a start over turf at Calder two back, and with this being his first start as a 3-year-old, an improved performance isn't out of the question; looking at this as being a tough spot for his 3-year-old racing debut, but not willing to count him out of it.

Chas's Legacy

Sire wins with approximately 7% of his turf starters, and he's won with just 5 of 137 (4%) of his starters trying turf for the first time; dam was winless from one start, and it was a turf start; this gelding is a 1/2 to Salaam Alaykum (1-3, 21k over turf); third-place finisher from latest won next out at CD on 11/30 going 1 1/16m vs. MSW rivals with an 80 Beyer.

Go Go Romeo

His two most recent races have been much improved performances and he was in tough against stakes competition when last seen; he's making his first start for the Nicks barn and it looks like he's been training well in preparation for his return to action.

Trini Boss

Sire wins with approximately 23% of his turf starters and G1 winning dam won 7 of 24 starts for 445k, including 0-for-3 over turf; like to see the improved performance he showed up with in his first start as a 3-year-old in his latest outing and this son of Street Boss might be looking forward to getting over turf for the first time.

Charlie the Boss

Another son of top turf sire Street Boss being represented in here and this colt is a 1/2 to minor stakes winner Star Queen (3-13, 94k over turf); if anyone in here is going to lead this field every step of the way, this looks like the one to do it.

Dance Champion

Although he was favored to win, he certainly made it look easy against eight rivals in breaking his maiden in his latest start, and this colt is out of a G3 winning dam who won 7 of 22 starts for 586k, including 2 of 6 turf starts for 141k; Leparoux has won with 4 of 16 (25%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Edison

Not wild about Bernardini as a turf sire, but he scored at a nice price for the Pletcher barn at second asking, and he's one of only three in here to have touched the 80 mark along the Beyer Speed Figure scale; Saez gets his share of live calls from this outfit.

Drover Road

Like the effort he showed up with in his first start over this turf course three races back, but outside of that performance, his form hasn't been strong enough to suggest that he can get himself into the mix against this tough group of 75k optional claimers.

Rope a Dope

Maybe it's a negative to see that he's one of just two in here with a price tag attached, but he ran well in his first two starts over turf, and he's clearly capable of better than what he showed when trying a stakes for the first time in his latest outing.

Sniper (GB)

He was beaten by a couple of today's rivals in his first start in America in his latest outing, and don't like to see Lezcano aboard another in here, but it wouldn't be a shock if this barn had him ready for better this time around with the addition of blinkers.

Camden Street

He attracted a lot of wagering support for his first two career starts, and although it would've been nice to have seen him show a little bit more in his two most recent races, it wouldn't be a surprise if he was ready to step up with an improved performance in his second start as a 3-year-old; this colt is a 1/2 to stakes winner Kilderry (4-13, 178k over turf); Castellano has won with 40 of 109 (37%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Angry Moon

This is another strong trainer/jockey tandem being represented in this race, and this colt clearly took a step in the right direction along the Beyer Speed Figure scale in his turf debut in his latest outing; he's out of a stakes placed dam who won 3 of 11 turf starts for 163k.

Mr. Candy

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam won 4 of 14 starts for 147k, including 3 of 8 turf starts for 106k; a much improved performance is a must in his turf debut if he's to threaten the top contenders in here. - Brian Pochman

Race 11

Arissa

Majestic Warrior 3 for 57 with first-time turfers; sire won debut at 2, took Grade 1 Hopeful for the other score, earned over $220K, never turfed; dam was unraced; 4 of 5 siblings won; 3 tried grass to no avail; backers have to hope the blinks shake her up.

Secret Fascination

Miss showed talent the first time she tasted grass and has lost two tough ones of late; tactical speed a legit plus factor; due to punch it on in.

Trio of Mischief

Turf debut was solid; more experienced pilot takes the reins; could see her sitting a nice stalk and rally trip; don't sell too short.

Showtime Samurai

At least she has the 2 races under the belt now; 1 for 23 dam did win on grass; both siblings won; both won on grass including G3 winner and near $550K earner Northern Passion; must pick it up.

Shy Society

Never been in this cheap but maybe she belonged here all the time as a $7,500 purchase; both siblings tried grass but failed on grass; may like it here.

Mountain Sprite

Maybe she was just pitched a tad too high in last; show horse 2/5 graduated next out in a maiden $25K seller, then was out of the money; several in the tree were tried on grass, none succeeded; note this rider was up for the clever try two back; look out.

Wv Mountain Momma

The drop is logical after a pair of non-efforts; dam was 0 for 5; lone full sister to race Audacious Chloe, took several stakes on grass, banked over $300K; must be given look on the drop alone.

Siyawe

She could have sulked after being dead last early but was still inching toward them late; connections would love to see start acting like top kin Eighteenthofmarch, who won 5 times on grass, earned almost $300K; look for her late if at all.

Cleveland

Empire Maker about 11% with debuters in a 379-runner survey, about 10% with first-time turfers in a 264-runner grid; sire took debut at 2, won Belmont Stakes on way to near $2 million wallet, never turfed; stakes winning 9 for 25 dam banked over $230K, won 7 times on grass; lone half sister lost twice; never easy to win long at first asking.

Aunty Pearl

Educated in the debut but she raced solidly in the big field last time; 2 for 27 dam banked nearly $190K, was 2nd in best turf moment; this is her first to race; miss has every right to improve with a pair under the girth. - Brian Mulligan