Gulfstream: Closer Looks for March 2, 2014

Race 2

Money Talker

Gelding was entered to go in a turf heat yesterday but will try dirt for the first time if they opt to wait for this spot instead; he's certainly been working well over the local main track of late and the top local pilot sees enough to take the call; he'll need to step things up a bit in his first start back from better than 4 months on the shelf, but he did break his maiden fresh out West.

Silver Menace

Gray didn't have much to offer in his return from the freshening when sent to post at 155-1 but he was in against graded stakes sprinters in that one; maybe the stretchout helps, but he doesn't have much experience at the trip; barn has had some recent luck with runners second off the break and this guy owns some dirt numbers that fit, but his local slate is pretty weak.

Majestic Express

Steps up to face better after taking his third straight, this time on the engine at Calder; new outfit takes over his care as he turns back to a slightly shorter trip and though he may not be quick enough to make the lead he's shown he is quite comfortable from tracking range; looks like they'll have him to beat.

Pick of the Litter

Beat cheaper convincingly at this trip a few weeks back and he returned to breeze ok here last week; 4 year old did offer a little bit of promise here last winter and is now a 2 time local winner but now he'll spot the rest of these some weight and already appears to be a little bit slower on the figure scale; he's in solid form right now but may be best used underneath in exotics.

Stormin Monarcho

Makes his first start for a barn that hasn't had a lot of luck at the local stand; gelding worked well last week for his local debut and today's one turn trip should be right up his alley, but he doesn't own may efforts that are fast enough to win this one; prefer to side with others for the top spot.

Suns Out Guns Out

Barn's second runner in here just missed at the level while making his first start back from the short break; he'll turn back to a one turn mile in this heat which shouldn't pose him much difficulty but doesn't beat them all home too often and has been held out of the winner's circle in 6 local main track tries; he'll reunite with the pilot aboard for his most recent score and maybe he's tighter with his return try behind him; one to fear late. - Steve Grabowski

Race 3

Bold Rally

Great sign that his turf debut was an exacta finish in a key race; he defeated the show and 6th-place finishers from last both next-out out graduates in GP-TAM-20K-$12,500-maiden claimers with 65-31 Beyer speed figures; new rider had other options here while 2-for-8 for the trainer at GP since 2013; added distance is a plus; a logical contender for win honors.

Pio's Passion

30%-winning turf trainer saw him fire a career-best Beyer when back on firm grass which he will get today; his 3-back show finish looks better since the runner-up finisher graduated next out in a CRC-$12,500-maiden claimer with a 59 speed figure.

Skestos

Was part of an Odds-on entry in last both finishing off the board in his dirt debut; sire is 3-for-59 with 1st-turf starters;1-for-6 dam (36K) did not race on grass; 2 foals to race on turf are 0-for-2 combined; trainer is 1-for the last-20 dirt-to-turf; will be taking a wait and see approach..

Scat Leader

Expected more out of the 6-1 debut but today's firm turf course, 2nd-start improvement and 1F added all figure to help the cause here; 1st-time Johnny V the 31%-winning jockey-trainer combo while Pletcher is almost automatic (34%) with 2nd-time starters; the pick.

Kwacha

Claimed by a barn just 0-for-2 since 2013 with 1st-off-the-purchase runners; way off best form in recent losses at GP and was favored in latest off the price drop to this level but did not perform as exepcted; must show a lot more to graduate here.

Dividend

Sire is 2-for-16 with 1st-turf starters; 3-for-43 with 1st-time starters; is the 1st foal out of a 3-for-11 dam (32K) who went 5-0-0-0 on grass; mild worktab for a trainer not known to win 1st time out and 0-for-30 with 1st turfers since 2013.

Patrolikeachampion

Takes the MSW-to-maiden claiming biggest-class-drop in racing angle but likely needs the relief following combined 49-length losses from 1st pair; the addition of blinkers for last helped him break a little better but would be a complete surprise here.

Lador Vador

Scratched from a 25K-maiden claimer at 7.5F on turf Friday where 30-1 morning-line odds and from a class standpoint this is tougher; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 70 in a next-out 75K-maiden claiming win; others appeal more.

Valid Concept

The one to beat off a field-best Beyer speed figure at today's distance on GP green; 8 minor awards during career he is used to playing a supporting role; new rider is 3-for-12 for the trainer at GP since 2013; figures for an ideal stalking trip but won't be able to save as much ground as he did from post 2 in last.

Ready Mecke

Rematch with Valid Concept where he broke last then passed runners; hopes to move forward 2nd time back off the 48-day absence a high-percentage win angle for the trainer; widest drawn so sure to lose ground; GP rider from last pair sides with Bold Rally. - Art Gropper

Race 4

Southern Honey

Game to maintain the place first time out at Churchill; steady breeze pattern for her first try as a sophomore; her sire won won multiple G1s and 1.77 million; the dam involved was unraced; among the winning siblings is 219K earner Agung.

Proud Girl

New face hails from G2 victor Proud Citizen who banked 638K (his progeny have scored in nearly 12 percent of their first races); the dam won 3 of 14 and 67K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Cali Star

Raced evenly first time out but was hurt by an outside path; her sire won multiple G1s and 5.15 million; the dam was a G3 winner who netted 338K; there are no winning siblings to highlight; worth follow-up.

Gasparilla Inn

Some upbeat workouts for this arrival; see the previous runner for same sire information (descendants of Street Cry have won 28 out of 336 initialstarts); the dam won multiple G2s while earning a total of 515K; there are no winning sibs to report.

Little Zoe

Flashed some early speed in a bulky field first time out; her sire won a G2 and 508K; the dam won 1 of 16 and 14K: among the winning siblings is 292K earner Six Flings; can improve via this surface, distance switch.

Sharon Jones

One of the main pace considerations today; her sire won a G2 and 479K while the mom won 2 of 15 and 77K; this is her only foal to compete; must avoid a duel with the runner to her outside flank in order to have a realistic chance.

Bridled Heiress

Held strong to share secondary honors a month ago; her sire won a G1 and 424K; the dam won 1 of 9 and 49K; this is her only foal to make it to the races; superior workout on 2/24 points her out as a major player but the price will be mighty short again.

Love You Loads

Respectable maiden voyage in January when finishing right behind a next-out winner; this wide post should actually work in her favor today as she draws outside of the primary pacesetters; her sire won multiple G1s and 3.07 million; the dam won 483K; sib to 190K earner Love Locket. - Jim Kachulis

Race 5

Ribo Bobo

Going to be hard to handle if comes close to repeating last; exits a field-best Beyer speed figure when winning a key-stakes race; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 103 in his next-out GP-optional-claiming victory; he also beat the 5th-place finisher a CRC-next-out-OPC winner (88 Beyer); the pick.

Dad'z Laugh

The one who just beat him finished behind Ribo Bobo in the start before; has never been better from a Beyer perspective but he is 0-for-3 over the GP-main track while some of the others love this course; gets a very-hot hand in Castellano to return who is having an incredible-GP meet; contender.

Mongolian Saturday

Snapped the dirt-losing streak by winning fresh at 5.5F; the final yards here and a bounce candidate firing a career-best Beyer following more than a 4-month layoff and has just 15 days to regroup for this; today is start 1 on GP dirt; know him early but unsure about late.

Hardened Wildcat

Away and in a new barn following his 2nd-lowest Beyer ever; the new connections shoot high right off the bench for his 1st GP-dirt start; the winner from last repeated in a SAR-Grade 1 with a 104 speed figure; obviously would have liked to seen latest-win rider Castellano here as he's sizzled this GP meet but he takes Dad'z Laugh for this; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Emile

Outsider off recent form beaten more than 36 lengths combined in last pair defeated by similar rivals; not easy to take an 0-for-10 dirt record with just 1 exacta finish; the 3-back winner made it 5 in a row next out with a 98 Beyer taking an OP-OPC; obviously his 6-for-9 synthetic-surface record begs to question why hasn't he raced on synthetic since August?

Songa

Owns an improving-career Beyer speed figure pattern blowing the field apart in latest at CRC; GP-graduation was more than 1 year ago but likes this track beating the show runner who Beyered 73 in his next-out GP-25K-maiden-claiming win; the one to beat. - Art Gropper

Race 6

She's Justified

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam won once from 11 starts for 26k, including 0-for-2 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to G1 winner Dance to Bristol (10-20, 980k, no turf starts); this is a barn and rider that win their share of races together.

Little Miss Brown

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and dam won 4 of 13 starts for 83k, and she didn't make a turf start; she has some early speed but she needs a much improved overall performance in her turf debut to come out on top in this one.

Chiffonade

This filly is by a fine turf sire and she's out of a G3 winning dam who won 3 of 13 starts for 251k, including 3 of 9 turf starts for 233k; an awkward start didn't help her in her career debut and she's eligible to be ready for better with that experience behind her.

Gracie's Butterfly

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his first-time starters and with approximately 20% of his turf starters, and stakes winning dam won 2 of 12 starts for 131k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes placed Manuka Honey (2-8, 177k, including 0-for-5 over turf); this barn can be live with a firster going long over turf and it's interesting to see Rosario get the call.

Place of Honor

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his first-time starters and with approximately 16% of his turf starters, and multiple G1 winning dam won 6 of 20 starts for $1.5 million, and she didn't make a turf start; this filly is a 1/2 to multiple G1 winner Storm Flag Flying (7-14, $1.9 million, and she didn't make a turf start).

Buda Miss

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; this miss is a 1/2 to Southern Causeway (4-27, 46k over turf) and stakes winner True Way of Grace (2-25, 171k, including 0-for-1 over turf).

D' Orsay

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam was a multiple G1 winner racing in Argentina while winning 4 of 10 starts for 111k; perhaps this Darley-homebred can show more with a move to turf but it might be worth noting the presence of Saez aboard another in here.

Love My Daddy

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; this filly is a 1/2 to Man of Faith (5-29, 54k, including 2 of 9 turf starts for 27k).

Union Mettle

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his first-time starters and dam was unraced; this might prove to be a tough spot for this firster to land in, but she cost 350k, and a couple of her workouts hint at ability.

Senior Prom

She showed a little something in her first two starts, and when seeing that it looks like she's trained well over fast surfaces, she might appreciate it if she gets a fast surface to race over for the first time. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Love This Kitty

Filly flashed nice zip but she had the taxi cab on speed dial as she really gave up the ghost; winner of the debut repeated in an N1X at Calder; dam lost only start; this is her first to race; must hurry.

Jenny's Rocket

Broke dead last but kept running; stakes placed 4 for 12 dam won 3 times at 2, earned over $100K; both siblings won stakes, a full sis earned over $200K and the other half bro Laurie's Rocket earned over $500K; like the energy in the drill last Tuesday.

Queen of the Spa

Maybe the miler helped the stamina; now the blinks are added; 1 for 9 dam won at 2, earned over $40K; this is her first to race; the hotter the pace the better for this filly.

West Coast Chick

Been given time since being bumped in New York; she boasted 2 bullet training track drills going into the debut; SP 3 for 20 dam took debut at 2, earned nearly $135K; this is her first to race; she's trained fast for this; respect.

Roundnroundwego

Elusive Quality about 15% with firsters in a 620-runner study; sire won debut going long in the slop for fun as an older horse, earned over $400K; SP 2 fo 14 dam was route only, earned over $100K; 7 of 8 siblings won; two banked 6 figures including SW and near $300K player Banker's Buy; could need experience.

Summer Camp

Horse Greeley 4 for 26 with firsters; Grade 2 winning sire won twice at 2, earned over $225K; dam took debut at 2, retired after winning next start; youngster looks fit enough.

Thirteen Arrows

Indian Charlie about 16% of his debuters in a 641-horse sample; sire took debut at 2, won first 4 starts including the SA Derby; Grade 1 winning dam took debut at 2, won 12 of 35, earned over $850K; several multiple race winners in the tree including G1 hero and near $700K earner Cross Traffic; could be any kind.

Street Smoke

Street Boss about 19% with firsters in a 104-runner study; sire didn't run at 2, won debut at 3 with a 86 Beyer, took a Grade 1, banked over $800K; SW 2 for 14 dam earned $120K, both wins came at 2; both siblings won multiple races, one cashed at 2, one banked over $70K; best of 29 bullet locked and loaded.

Mare On Fire

Northern Afleet about 13% with debuters in a 603-runner sample; sire won juvenile debut at Del Mar, won multiple Graded stakes including two G2s, earned over $600K; dam was one for 9; this is her first to race; drills are well spaced. - Brian Mulligan

Race 9

America

It's interesting to see that she was entered over turf for her career debut as a 2-year-old and that this is her first turf start since then, but this certainly isn't a soft spot for her second turf attempt; runner up from latest won next out here on 1/29 going 1m vs. MSW rivals with an 81 Beyer and third finisher won next out here on 1/2 going 1m vs. 75k OPC's with a 68 Beyer.

Candy Kitty

She was last seen recording back-to-back stakes wins and like to see the way that she stepped it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale in her first start as a 3-year-old in her most recent start; runner up from latest won next out here on 2/8 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 75k OPC's with a 79 Beyer.

Valseuse

Connections are showing a lot of confidence by signing this miss up for this, but she was an impressive winner in her career debut in a race that didn't exactly shape up in her favor; there's a lot of potential for better living here at the moment and she's a 1/2 to Villanella (4-12, 86k over turf).

Seeking Her Glory

She deserves credit for making every pole a winning one in her latest start while setting a swift early pace, but that was a soft looking field of maidens she faced that day, and now she's being asked to handle G3 competition in her first attempt against winners; Castellano has won with 36 of 100 mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

High Wire Kitten

She ran well in three of her four starts as a 2-year-old, and she's eligble to be ready for better in her first start at age three; however, this looks like a tough spot for her to be meeting up with graded stakes competition; Davis has won with 12 of 47 (26%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Merry Merry Bee

The addition of blinkers has helped this filly take her game to another level and she didn't finish all that far behind one of today's key rivals in Candy Kitty in her latest outing; her lack of early speed is a concern, but have to respect her recent improvement, and it looks like she's been training well leading up to this.

Raging Atlantic

She was claimed away from Pletcher for 75k just two starts ago and now her new connections see fit to sign her up in a graded stakes; it looks like Rosario opted to pilot another in here, and perhaps a minor award is the ceiling for her.

Hardly

She's yet to show us that she knows how to run a bad race and this late running miss finished right behind one of the top contenders in here in Room Service in her latest outing; not going to argue with anyone who is looking favorably in this direction.

Room Service

Half-sister to Oscar Party (2-9, 118k over turf) was last seen earning a stakes placing over this turf course, and her overall form has been strong enough to suggest that she can prove to be a threat for the top prize against these; she's out of a multiple graded stakes placed dam who won 4 of 15 turf starts for 223k.

Joint Return

Horses like America and Candy Kitty can prove to be tough to deal with if this race has to be moved to the main track, but this filly will command her share of respect after recording three consecutive easy wins, including a stakes in her latest outing.

Fierce Boots

Flay-owned filly didn't bring her 'A' game when beaten by today's rival Joint Return in her latest start, but she's only two races removed from a stakes score, and not going to count out the possibvility of her being ready to bounce right back with a sharper try. - Brian Pochman

Race 10

Farmers Market

Late running type might be at his best racing over dirt and he has been beaten by a few of today's rivals in his recent turf starts; he has just one win from 16 turf attempts, and he looks like more of an outsider.

Dynamic Boy

If he can regain some of the better form that he displayed in 2013, he can have a say in the outcome, but when seeing what he's done in his three most recent races, that might be a lot to expect.

Midnite Silver

13-time winner has won nine of 32 turf starts, and he's a proven commodity racing over the Gulfstream Park turf course; he has to bounce back from a sub par performance, but he's clearly a good fit at this level of competition.

Tom Kitten

He's tough to ignore in this spot while going out for a barn and rider that win their share of races together and this veteran routinely runs races that are strong enough to suggest that he can make a serious bid for the top prize against these.

Dr. Chase

He hasn't finished better than fourth in his last eight starts and there isn't anything in his recent form to suggest that he's about to jump up with a competitive performance against these.

Le Mans

The 78 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for his latest performance represents the best last race figure in this field, and as long as he can avoid falling too far out of it through the opening stages, he can prove to be capable of making some noise through the lane.

Franklinpark

Not that he isn't capable of getting himself into the mix against these on his best day, but it's tough to look favorably in his direction when taking into account his five most recent races; prefer to look toward others.

Money in Motion

Don't like to see that he has just a single victory in his last 29 starts going back through 2012, but his best race is fast enough to make him a player in this spot, and he is making his first start for a new barn that does well with new acquisitions.

Decaf Again

He's another in here who is light on recent winning form and his complete lack of early speed is always a concern; perhaps there was a time when he would have had a competitive look to him in this spot, but his recent form is tough to back.

Cinnamon Beach

The drop in class seemed to agree with him in his latest start and he didn't finish far behind one of today's key rivals in Pecky's Boy; he is seeking his first win racing over turf, but feel that he deserves to be listed among the contenders.

Pecky's Boy

Like to see the early speed that he owns and there's a chance that he'll be able to grab the early advantage without having to work all that hard after breaking from the outside; he has a very live look to him in this spot while getting a rider switch to Castellano.

Palatine Hill

There are a few horses in the main body of this race that have shown that they can run well over dirt, and even though this gelding will have the look of a top contender while making his first start after a claim for the Walder barn, he'll have to earn it. - Brian Pochman

Race 11

Sombrero de Copa

Moves back to the fence from which he wasn't beaten much despite early trouble first time over the course 2 back here; outside draw didn't help matters last time but he still earned a solid number that fits with these and maybe he gets a little more pace in front of him this time.

Luck Seeker

He's had his share of chances and still couldn't get the job done when dropped in for a tag last time; maybe he's better with his first start in nearly 8 months behind him and the barn does boast a recent winner off the angle, but it's tough to get too excited about his chances of breaking through here.

March Reward

Didn't have enough late when stretched back out to this trip a few weeks back but still held third money; though he's settled for plenty of minor awards he's run quite well on the green, earning numbers that make him a big player in this spot; expect he'll be able to sit the right spot just off the speed and prove to be the one to beat.

Real Justice

Canadian shipper lures the circuit's top pilot for his return from 5 months on the shelf for this new barn; like the late run he made from the fence when dropped in for a tag in his route debut at Woodbine and he'll get Lasix for the first time in this spot; lightly raced colt has a right to return faster than he was up North and he did work pretty well here last week.

Birds Gone Wild

Showed solid sprint lick when shades were added on the drop in for a tag second out on the local main track; colt will tackle a route of ground in his surface debut and his sire gets just 4% first time turf winners from his offspring unraced dam's other foal to race was a 3 time sprint winner who was winless from 3 route tries while never trying the lawn; don't know that he'll love the footing but he should be mixing it up from the bell.

Casa Creek

He's another sprinter stretching out to try the lawn for the initial time; 5 year old has been burning up the Palm Meadows green in preparation for this and his sire gets about 13% winners from his first time surface runners; dam dropped a 2 time turf winner so expect this guy will handle the new footing.

Bright Guy

Steps up to face MSWs in his turf debut after getting beaten as the chalk when shades were added last time; lightly raced gray is by a sire who gets 14% winners from his first turfers and the dam won first time on the green prior to dropping 2 foals who were each 0 for 1 on this footing.

Skip's World

Took a step back last month after a decent effort from a wide post in his return to the MSW ranks; his late running try 3 back over the course was solid and maybe he's set to get back to it with his last behind him; he'll get another new pilot for this but the price will be right to give him an exotics look.

Solo Approach

He's a 14 time loser making his first start off the barn's claim while stepping up to face MSWs; his last was the lone time he's hit the board in 7 career cracks over the sod; a solid pilot takes interest, but he doesn't look to be a very good fit with these.

Boss Man

Mott colt showed solid early foot in his return to the course earlier this year but didn't have enough left late and was again given some time; maybe the slight cut back helps and there is some stretchout speed for him to track in here; his sharp effort 3 back in New York is tough to overlook and if he's able to get back to it he could prove tough here; main danger.

Metasonic

Newcomer is by a sire who gets 14% first out winners and 12% first time surface winners from his offspring; dam was a SP sprinter and 141K earner whose other foal to race was winless from 2 main track sprint tries; barn hasn't had much recent success right out of the box and the outside draw doesn't figure to help this guy's chances any.

Boundless Heart

Absentee makes his first start in over 13 months for this new outfit; his turf debut wasn't bad and this barn boasts nice numbers with today's applicable angles, but have to think this guy needs at least one before we see the best he has to offer.

Dyker Beach

MTO steps back up to the MSW level for his first off the new outfit's claim; he's run ok going long in the past but he's had his share of chances; he'll catch a turf meant bunch if this does get rained off and that should help, but he's worth trying to beat if he gets to go here.

Malibu Master

MTO stretches out off his sprint return from more than half a year on the bench; colt is bred to handle today's added ground and is kid to SW router and 149K earner Lecturing Lynn; nice to see Lezcano take interest. - Steve Grabowski