Gulfstream: Closer Looks for March 22, 2014

Race 1

All Tied Up

He's one of two signed on in here for the Pletcher barn and his last three starts have been in the neighborhood of what it might take to get the job done in this spot; Saez has won with 3 of 7 (43%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

French Quarter

Sire wins with approximately 16% of his turf starters and dam was winless from three starts; perhaps the move to turf can help but an improved performance is a must in order for him to threaten these.

Manaus

Respect the fact that this multiple stakes placed colt has shown a good deal of ability in his four starts over turf but feel that it is fair to wonder if he might be better off with a turn back in the distance the next time around.

Drover Road

He showed up with a pretty decent performance over this turf course at today's distance three starts back, but he did benefit from an ideal early pace scenario in that race, and feel that this is a pretty tough bunch for him to be meeting up with.

Scorched Cat

Half-brother to minor stakes placed Performing (5-20, 166k over turf) is two-for-two in the quality start department to begin his career, but a slow early pace certainly helped him at second asking; regardless, he has the potenital for better behind him at this point in time and feel that he deserves to be listed among the contenders.

Chart Topper

When considering his pedigree, it's probably a good idea to respect the improved performance he showed up with in his turf debut in his latest start; third-place finisher from latest returned to win next out here on 1/4 going 6f vs. MSW rivals with an 80 Beyer.

Big Bazinga

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and G3 stakes placed dam won 3 of 10 starts for 90k, and she didn't make a turf start; she ran well in her first two career starts, and the drop in class won't hurt her for her turf debut.

Specialnightaction

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; he's going to need to step up with a much improved performance to threaten the top contenders in here while making his first start over turf.

Rockford

His one start over turf was a winning performance and the runner up from that race won his next start going 1m over turf at GG vs. MSW rivals with a 64 Beyer, and has since become stakes placed; he's a very interesting option to consider while making his first turf start for Mott.

Charlie the Boss

Street Boss has been a strong influence as a turf sire and this colt is a 1/2 to minor stakes winner Star Queen (3-13, 94k over turf); however, this looks like a tough spot for him to meet up with winners for the first time.

Divine Oath

He was a sharp winner in his career debut and he commands respect against these off of that performance; runner up from debut won next out here on 2/8 going 1 1/16m vs. MSW rivals with a 79 Beyer; Castellano has won with 32 of 89 (36%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

School On a Hill

Not wild about the outside post for him at this trip but he's run well enough in his four starts over turf to view him in the light of a contender against these; like to see what he did in his only turf start wearing blinkers two races back.

Joh's Gone Wild

This race figures to come up much softer if it has to be taken off the turf, and even if horses like Rockford and School On a Hill might prove to be tough to deal with, this has to be considered a favorable spot for this gelding to land in.

Race 2

Dunshaughlin

Showed less speed than usual last time, despite moving out from six furlongs to a mile, but managed to finish a clear second to a rival who ran out of her skin; she may have found her calling over middle distances, and should be a factor with Bocachica retaining the mount.

Exclusive Ute

Was beaten in double digits in both of her outings going three-quarters, but could wake up here with the drop in class and stretchout in distance; the average win distance of the sire's progeny is 6.1 furlongs; dam, a minor stakes-winning sprinter, has thrown a route winner on the main track from two starters; trainer/rider duo is 0 for 2 at the meet, but Davis has fared well of late.

Zanjera

Blew a clear lead in the final furlong before checking second at a huge price when she went long for the first time Jan. 5; a subsequent fade job in the slop is probably best forgotten, and she's eligible to rebound here following a freshening; regular rider Olivera and this barn are a combined 0 for 30 at the meet; don't regard lightly.

Image of Lady Rose

Rose has had numerous chances, and she's only hit the board twice; she's coming off an improved performance, in which she was beaten 13 lengths traveling three-quarters; 5yo is changing bug riders to Sullivan, and is questionable going this far.

This Quay Home

The G1-winning millionaire Circular Quay has sired nearly 9% debut winners; versatile dam was stakes-placed, with earnings of $136K, and she's been a poor producer; filly has posted average works for a trainer who's 0 for 4 with first-timers in routes over the past five years.

Gladis True Love

Went from bad to worse when she halved in value off a turf experiment Feb. 15, from which the third horse exited to crush $12.5K maidens with a 50 Beyer; second-leading rider Paco Lopez is 3 for 13 at the meet aboard Sano-trained runners; unlikely. - Ron Gierkink

Race 3

Jessica C

She showed late life in her career debut after being backed to favoritism and this filly is a 1/2 to G3 winner Proceed Bee (15-44, 740k, including 4 of 18 turf starts for 301k); runner up from latest own next out at Pen on 6/21 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 74 Beyer.

Town Tour

Since a poor start in her career debut, she's put together some nice performances, and it's interesting to see her getting an aggressive rider switch for this; Summer Wind-homebred deserves to be listed among the contenders.

Zamquick

The 77 Beyer Speed Figure she earned for her latest effort is the best last race figure in this field, and like to see that she earned that figure over this course and at today's distance; she has a live look to her while going out for a strong trainer/jockey tandem.

Rockabye Lady

The lack of early speed that she's shown in her two starts since moving into this barn is a little bit of a concern, and she's been beaten by today's rival Zamquick in her two turf starts, but she did run well from off the pace in a turf dash over this course when last seen.

Orient Harbor

It would have been nice to have seen her attract more wagering support for her career debut, but this is an outfit that isn't usually geared up at first asking, so perhaps an improved performance can be expected; this filly is out of a G3 winning dam who won 6 of 9 turf starts for 256k.

Lovely

She's run well in her first two starts with Castellano aboard and this filly is a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes winner Multiple Choice (9-74, 692k, including 1 of 10 turf starts for 96k); she has the look of a top contender against these.

Tasmona

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal from an unraced dam; she hails from a top turf barn that has been getting the job done with starters sprinting over turf.

Rubytheheartstealr

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and dam won 3 of 26 turf starts for 69k; this filly is a 1/2 to G3 winner Graeme Six (5-17, 338k, no turf starts); her career debut was a fine effort in a race originally scheduled for turf and this is a strong win-early barn. - Brian Pochman

Race 4

Bonnie Breeze

Brief foot in last; view as a pace presence for part here; the 1-for-26 turf sprint barn drops her into a maiden claimer from MSW; she is 1 of 4 in this race today to use the biggest-class drop in racing angle; would be a complete surprise.

The Spirit Within

Sire is 8-for-122 with 1st-turf starters; is out of a 1-0-0-0 grass dam; 1 of 2 foals to race on turf is a green winner (1-for-9 Kenny's Z 14K); offered brief speed in all 3 losses; the 2-back runner-up finisher won her next 2 starts with 62-52 Beyers including an OTC-100K-stakes win; the debut runner-up finisher graduated at GP next out with a 60.

Wild About Jass

Sire is 10-for-173 with 1st-turf starters; 34-for-275 with 1st-time starters; she is out of a stakes-placed dam (8-for-20, 375K) who went 1-for-4 on grass (49K) producing 1 winner from 4 other foals to race (1-for-10 Reina Tangonita 23K); 2 foals went 0-for-4 combined on turf.

Rogue Lady

The runner-up, 4th and 9th-place finishers from last Beyered 74-64-43 in next-out GP-MSW and $12,500-maiden-claiming wins; career-best Beyer was right off the bench and is all freshened up for this; the 2-back winner repeated in a GP-OPC with an 82 Beyer.

Speedy Girl

New trainer is 1-for-18 at the current meet; sire is 0-for-5 with 1st-turf starters; is out of an unraced dam who's 3 foals to race on grass are 0-for-3 combined; posted the field's best Beyer speed figure in her 1st start in 2014 but is 0-for-5 since but has been knocking on the door with 4 minor awards.

Maid in Heaven

Sire is 20-for-343 with 1st-turf starters; is out of a 1-0-0-0 grass dam; 2 of 5 foals to race on the lawn are green winners including stakes winner Magic Mecke (10-for-39 turf 445K); the winner and 8th-place finishers from last Beyered 81-53 in next-out GP-optional-claiming and $12,500-maiden-claiming wins.

Alexandra's Storm

Sire is 3-for-20 with 1st-turf starters; is out of an unraced dam; 1 of 5 foals to race on grass is a lawn winner (2-for-18 Miss Bergdorf 38K); the 2-back winner and runner-up Beyered 72-58 in next-out LRL-100K stakes and AQU-MSW wins; the debut winner is now 4-for-4 including taking a pair of G2 stakes (86-84-83 Beyers for the next 3 wins).

Sharon Jones

Sire is 32-for-283 with 1st-turf starters; is the 1st foal out of a 1-for-5 grass dam (35K); brief speed in all of her losses and is drawn outside so likely chases a hot pace wide; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 87 in a next-out GP-MSW win. - Art Gropper

Race 5

Tangible Assets

This trainer is a specialist with the turf-to-dirt approach and this gelding is much better than the last pair of performances indicate; he might be able to recapture some of the gate speed he displayed last year over various tracks and will be overlooked in the wagering today; consider.

Point Rocky Home

Disappointed at odds-on in that second start but the sloppy surface might have been one of the reasons for the defeat; his sire is pure sprinter J Be K, winner of 440K including G2 success; the dam went 2 for 12 earning 14K and this is her sole foal to compete.

Three Part Monty

Both efforts featured slow getaways; his sire won multiple G3s and 373K while the dam involved was zero for 4; among the winning siblings is 35K earner Winter Mambo; recent workout activity suggests he can turn things around in a hurry this afternoon.

Royal Gallant

Very sharp in that second performance when tested from the opening bell; dangerous if able to clear the field especially with the shorter distance today; his sire won a G2 and 495K; the dam won 5 of 37 and 112K and this is her only foal to start.

Pulpit Spirit

Nothing at all to write home about up to this point; unlikely to turn the tables on Sea Zar Run who clearly trounced him 15 days ago; cannot recommend until much more enthusiasm is shown.

Sea Zar Run

The type of runner who warrants inclusion in your trifecta approach but this is his 13th go and he is facing several lightly-raced opponents today; should be within striking range once again but still believe he is destined for minor spoils.

Dreamingoflawrence

Only one blemish on the record where he faced much better stock than this; his sire was a G1 victor who captured 1.22 million; the dam went 6 for 30 lifetime earning 166K; sib to 83K bankroller More Drama; beaten chalk should fare better now. - Jim Kachulis

Race 6

Girl From Glan

She exits the best race of any in the cast; game in the 2014 opener and she has proven she can handle any kind of going; soph has some semblance of speed but there are several outside of her with designs on the top; needs a rebound run.

City in Sky

Toss last, wrong surface; and she was forced to steady to boot; rider got a chance to figure her out and pilot has had good success for this barn; like fact she has speed, but can sit just off the pace and still get it done; don't ignore.

Dreaminofauntdiane

Can never dismiss this kind of speed; there are some stamina issues though; note she has gone backward in the drill in the last 3; nice move on the 21st last month but she has not matched that a.m. energy since; could at least muddle the pace.

One Proud Gal

Blinks and the career cheap spot worked to perfection; she was fully extended and we really don't know how much it may have taken out of her; never easy to beat winners right back; would be careful here.

Liberty Fuze

Filly has a penchant for finding the wire; versatility could be her best asset as she can lead or track the pace and still get it done; she has been consistent since coming back in November; respect.

Sharp Words

Considering the cut back, she could find herself with some work to do late; only the one poor effort and she was troubled that day; she had the excuse of slop two back and brings a best of 23 bullet to the party; another slice?

Stately Defence

Must prove she can win sprinting; Davis got a chance to figure her out and she got a boost when the winner 1/25 repeated in the Grade 2 Davona Dale; must find a way to turn the tables on the Pinchin runner among others.

Golden Friendships

Pushed into the stakes after graduating and has not been able to close the deal since; note show horse in last was well clear but this miss has been handled by a number of today's foes; capable barn due for a bit of luck.

Blush Again

Maybe she just wanted dirt all the time; place and show horses in last were spread out, sometimes a sign of a solid race; she looms an astute claim as full brother Derby Kitten took a Grade 3, earned $430K.

Sensational Value

Could not close on the Pino runner in last; note she was getting a little late in the win and now has to go a furlong farther; she at least has the 2 races to draw from now; needs very best. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Full Moon's Back

Wasn't beaten much in either of his last 2 at the trip and level and now he'll move to the fence without much early foot which means he could get shuffled quickly if not alert from the bell; numbers he earned in those last 2 do play out well in this spot and it's encouraging to see Lezcano take interest; consider.

Goesse

Goes first time for a new outfit while making his first local start off nearly 5 full months on the shelf; gelding did earn a solid number in breaking his maiden over a course with give in it at Arlington but his subsequent spin with winners wasn't very good; have to side with others in here.

Drama Coach

Castellano sticks as he gives winners another shot third back from he break; he is winless over the green, but he can handle the footing and he wasn't beaten much last time; he goes for a barn that's had an excellent meeting; maybe for a minor share.

Really Sharp

Beaten last out chalk got a great clip to rally into and did well to get within a length of the winner off that rough trip; he'll go third back from a year on the shelf in this spot and maybe he's tighter for the try; if he gets off to a better beginning he's a big threat to beat this bunch home.

Jersey Blue Giant

He looked pretty good breaking through on the main track in his second start of the year and now he'll show up in a protected spot while moving to the green in his first start off the claim by a prolific outfit; he's run well on the green in the past but he is winless over the footing; maybe his last is a sign he's back on his game but he does return in just a couple of weeks for this and he's not the most consistent sort.

Heart Doctor

Neither of his local tries was much and he was sent off at a big price each time; he does own a few turf sprint scores but he'll need to step things up off what he's done in order to have a say in the outcome in this spot.

Tell Me a Joke

Lightly raced sophomore tackles older for the first time while making his turf debut in this spot; he ran big in each of his local main track tries with cheaper winners this year and his lone sib was a first time turf winner; sire is 2 for 24 with his initial surface starters.

Fairy Cat

Barn's other runner in here returns to the green while stepping back into the allowance ranks; 5 year old hasn't won in a long while and though his turf sprint tries weren't bad, don't know that he'll be set to get back on track in here.

Zippin On By

Makes his first start for a new barn while tackling winners for the initial time in his first start since the fall; he's drawn well to sit a tracking trip similar to the one that resulted in his maiden score and he's working like he's ready to return running; he is a sophomore tackling older in the comebacker but he gets a top local pilot for this and note that the numbers he earned on the green came as a juvenile and he has a right to show up a lot faster today; don't overlook. - Steve Grabowski

Race 8

Everything Matters

This filly showed up with a much improved performance in her turf debut in her latest outing and her connections are showing a lot of confidence in her by shipping her here for this; Bravo has won with 3 of 9 mounts for this outfit at the current stand.

My Cat Lily

Full sister to stakes placed Next Kitten (5-30, 89k, including 1 of 7 turf starts for 27k) and Runs Like a Kitten (1-3, 57k over turf) has looked good in her first two career starts but she has been beaten by a number of today's rivals in those races.

Bitty Kitty

When considering that she was making her first start with Lasix, it's probably a good idea to respect the performance she showed up with in her latest outing, and she attracts the services of a fine turf rider in Leparoux.

Princess Mariah

She's another who showed noticeable improvement in her first start over turf in her latest outing, and she might deserve some extra credit for the performance when seeing that she was making her first start in more than a year.

Touch the Star

Juddmonte-homebred goes out for a barn that can be better meant at second asking and this filly is a 1/2 to G1 winner overseas, Etoile Montante (7-16, 659k, including 2 of 7 North American turf starts for 340k); maybe it's worth noting the presence of Rosario aboard another in here, but she loses nothing with John V. taking over.

Flaming Flag

Although she finished behind a few of today's rivals, her career debut was a very nice performance, and there's reason to believe that she can be ready for better with that experience behind her; Stronach-homebred is out of a multiple stakes winning dam who won 9 of 27 starts for 481k, no turf starts.

Best Try

She's three-for-three in the quality start department to begin her career and she has to be listed among the contenders in this race based on the strength of those performances; note that she finished right behind today's rival Stella Cavallo in her latest outing.

Ambitious

She has a quality pedigree, but she's also had her chances to show us what she can do, and the addition of blinkers will have to help her to a career best effort if she's to get over on the top contenders in this one.

Stella Cavallo

Viewing it as a positive that she's making back-to-back starts for the first time since September and her latest race can be viewed as being her best effort to date, even if she did benefit from an ideal early pace scenario.

Madaket Millie

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and dam won once from four starts for 25k, including 0-for-1 over turf; Castellano has won with 8 of 28 (29%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Chic Soiree

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and dam was winless from six starts, including three turf starts; this miss is a 1/2 to minor stakes placed Veiled Prophet (6-43, 288k, including 5 of 35 turf starts for 256k) and Halloween Party (3-12, 108k over turf).

Cloture

Her three most recent races over turf have been solid performances and the runner up from her latest race returned to win next out at Aqu on 11/13 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. MSW rivals with an 82 Beyer; Rosario has won with 4 of 13 (31%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Lady Margarita

It's fair to question the dirt form that is lined up in this event, and perhaps this miss will be ready for an improved showing this time around with the addition of blinkers and a sharp looking recent workout in tow. - Brian Pochman

Race 9

I Know It All

Not only is this filly making her first start since August, but she's never run a race that is up to the level of the top contenders in here; respect the presence of Lopez, but prefer to look in another direction.

Seanchai

Her recent form has consistently been on the level of what it might take to win this and this stakes placed miss hails from a strong turf barn; she has the look of a top contender while dropping in class for this.

Really Right

She might be able to get herself involved in the running through the opening stages, but it looks like her best effort is short of the mark of what it will take to win this; prefer to look toward others.

Glamour N Glory

Multiple stakes placed veteran hasn't recorded a win in quite some time, and she has been known to settle for runner-up finishes, but her latest effort is in the neighborhood of what it might take to get the job done in this spot.

English Class

Like to see the effort she showed up with after a long layoff in her latest outing, and if she's ready to step up with one of her better performances, she'll be involved in the running every step of the way.

Alette

This filly has a lot of turf pedigree to call upon, and she's gotten the job done in four of 10 career starts, but she is going to need to dial it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale if she's planning on being the one in this spot.

Medea (IRE)

This mare hasn't run a bad race in her career and she looks like she fits right in with this group of 62k OPC's; she's run well in both starts over the Gulfstream Park turf course, and like to see what she did the last time she was entered off of a layoff.

Lonesome Town

She's looked good in both of her turf attempts and she's a 1/2 to G3 winner Kid Dreams (3-12, 258k, including 2 of 7 turf starts for 211k); she's making her first start for a new barn and note the success that they have when returning horses from this type of a layoff.

Feelingbettertoday

She deserves a lot of credit for how consistently she's performed in her nine starts over turf, and seven of those starts have been over this turf course, but she was claimed for 16k two races ago, and this group might prove to be a bit too tough for her. - Brian Pochman

Race 10

Five Star Momma

Surprised bettors with a runner-up finish to Groupie Doll, showing heart to hold second; others in the race simply folded up once Groupie Doll swooped past on the outside; is kind of in a must-send situation from the fence and there are other speed horses in the lineup.

My Pal Chrisy

Hasn't won since November but she's been keeping very good company, running vs. Ullapool and Munnings Sister, very good sprinters; acts a cut below the best ones in here but should get a hot pace to aid her rally; Wolfson and Leparoux surprisingly has poor stats together, but its not often that he runs 3 in the same race and calls his number; see her rallying for a piece.

Centrique

Might have been slightly disadvantaged by the Fritchie being moved back a week and having to sit idle for a bit while that racetrack thawed out from snow; even so, she ran a quality third behind a pair of nice fillies in My Wandy's Girl and La Verdad; Castellano is back aboard and this miss is 3 for 3 on this track; also her sit-just-off-the-pace style looks perfect for the setup of this race; choice.

Wildcat Lily

Social Inclusion's owner/trainer tandem team up with this miss, who was a non-threatening third in the Hurricane Bertie in a race she likely needed; she obviously showed her quality last year with a Grade 3 win and a couple of G1 placings, though in restricted 3YO company; her fastest races have been at Calder and Saratoga - not Gulfstream, however.

Zia Zia Zia

Appears to have been bought privately after a fast win going down the hill in Jan; she beat a nice filly in Premier Steps; before that she was fourth in a salty allowance that had Scherzinger and Socialbug - two very nice sprinters; Bravo rides infrequently for Pletcher, but Castellano is understandably on Centrique and Johnny V. is at TP riding in the Spiral; at least a pace factor.

Heart Stealer

Was flat in the Hurricane Beritie, never getting near the lead and simply going through the motions; she's clearly better than she showed that day; can likely sit a pressing/stalking trip on the outside here - a style she used with success over her final three starts of last year; expecting her to rebound with a good effort.

Toasting

Took advantage of a hot pace in her latest and ran down R Free Roll, a filly known to fall apart late at times; that was a step in the right direction following some disappointing efforts after a fine 2nd in the Comely; doesn't get the usual weight break from apprentice Davis - since this is a stake. - Byron King