Gulfstream: Closer Looks for March 23, 2014

Race 1

Megalith

Has won for this price tag, and higher, in the past, so he could prove to be an excellent claim; won in emphatic fashion last month but had an ideal trip when doing so; 10-time winner can return instant dividends for the new connections regardless of the soil condition at post time.

Dream Maestro

A true warhorse, he was a clear-cut second in his last performance behind a repeat winner; certainly likes this oval although the majority of his success here has been in routes, he could rally in time to earn a significant share; would appreciate a red-hot pace.

Holdin Bullets

Pure speedball controlled the issue throughout last time at seven-eighths and, theoretically, should have an easier time of it here; gets a minor but important weight shift and may be able to hold on against these veterans of the game.

Capital City

The blank exacta record at this oval is a definite knock yet he is positioned perfectly in this small field which can enable him to make first run on Holdin Bullets; began his career in unusual fashion: in a 100K added money event; remains a puzzling possibility.

Awakino Cat

Tries the main oval for the first time in years; has shown some fine late kick during his lengthy turf campaigns; arrives with a pair of respectable, identical half-mile breezes; a wild early pace would certainly help his cause and he reverts to Rosario who was aboard for that tough beat last fall at Belmont. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Little Daniella

Tries the claiming realm for the first time and that can certainly help with the awakening; unfortunately draws rail once again and that seemed to pose problems in her last encounter; on the plus side of the ledger is the latest improved half-mile breeze.

Sabrina

Newcomer hails from G3 winner Belgravia who banked 127K and whose descendants have won 2 of 22 debuts; the dam won 4 of 17 attempts and 99K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Jelise

Recovered from a slow start to prompt the issue on a wide path in her maiden voyage, a fair effort; her sire won a G2 and 423K; the dam won 1 of 9 attempts and 41K; winning siblings include 64K earner Core Inflation.

Candy's Lady

Exits a much tougher race where she did not have a smooth journey; should fare better racing for this price tag for the first time; unlucky filly should earn a money finish today even with the distance transition.

Vengeful

Looks like a very comfortable fit as far as the pace structure of the field goes; she was pursuing a sharp tempo in the last run at Calder and should be on or near the lead today with an alert getaway; worth following up.

Lucasta

Never got involved in her first assignment, a race which was above average in overall quality; her sire won 2 of 5 and 393K and was twice graded stakes placed; the dam won 5 of 39 and 153K; winning sibs include 46K banrkoller Awesome Heart. - Jim Kachulis

Race 4

Dance With Gio

Moves up to face open claimers after running out of ground at a slightly shorter trip last time; mare is winless from 7 local spins and though she gets a little more ground here the gal who wired her last time returns and may again have an easy path to the top; another minor award proves to be her ceiling.

Starship Jodi

Mare tired after chasing the pace in her return from the short break and now she'll drop in to face straight claimers; she earned a huge number in the pre-rest wire job while breaking from an outside slot and though she's not as good as that number would indicate she is versatile and does own a pretty sharp local record; contender second time back.

Starship Shawty

Five year old makes her first start in 9 months for a barn that boasts some recent luck with its returnees; she did pick things up a bit when moved to the cross town lawn last spring, but her record over the local lawn isn't very good; prefer to side with others on the win end.

Sapphire Blue

Tries open claimers in her first off the claim by an outfit that's had a rough go of things at the local stand; she's been pretty good on the front end with cheaper over the past 6 weeks and it looks as if she'll be able to clear them early in this spot as well; she won at the trip 2 starts back and will have to be run down today; one to catch and beat.

Noor Un Nisa

Runner up in her last 3 tries better while tackling little added ground today; 7 year old has solid tracking foot so she figures to find a spot within striking range of the likely pacesetter drawn to her immediate inside here, but when the chips are down, don't know that she'll have enough to go on late; limiting her use to underneath in exotics.

El Bendinat

Absentee makes her first start off this sharp outfit's claim while returning from nearly 7 months on the shelf; she was pretty good on the green here last summer, but note that she's yet to find the winner's circle in 12 local spins; 6 year old is working regularly for her return to the gate and on her best she does look to fit well with these; nice to see Rosario take interest.

Perfect Praise

Outside drawn filly tries open claimers in her second start back from the short break; barn moves them up second back from the break, but she's never set foot on the course and doesn't have any early foot; don't think she'll have a serious impact on the outcome today. - Steve Grabowski

Race 5

White Legend

Races for the 1st time on GP dirt today after her 1st blinkered-two-turn start produced a blowout-diploma earner; she is back to 1 turn for this; the 2-back winner repeated in a CRC-allowance with a 75 Beyer speed figure; 1st-time Saez riding winning 21% for the trainer since 2013.

West Coast Girl

Rare to see a Mott-trained 1ster win so this one seems to have a bright future; beat the runner-up finisher who Beyered 88 in a next-out GP-MSW win; she has not raced past 6.5F yet; sire banked 4.5M in dirt routes winning (7-of-14) including three Grade 1 victories; is the 1st foal out of a stakes-winning dam who went 2-for-2 in dirt routes.

Norcarl

Has not raced past 7.5F yet; sire earned 1.9M in dirt routes winning both the Florida Derby and Belmont Stakes; she is out of a SW dam did not win past 6.5F (2-0-1-1 dirt routes 52K); raced on the lead in last pair and is the one to catch again; the debut show finisher Beyered 75-68 in next-out CRC-MSW and alw. wins.

Fast Betty Blue

Showed up to the races in last 1st-time ever with front wraps on which is not a good sign; she has not raced past 7F yet; sire went 2-0-1-0 in dirt routes (8K); is out of an unraced dam; style suggests the added distance can help the cause but overall have mixed feelings.

Gdansk

Toss her turf races and she hasn't run badly on dirt or synthetic since the July career debut; love the versatility racing on the lead or from far off the pace and earning a career-best Beyer on a wet-main track; her workout for this was right on the money. - Art Gropper

Race 6

Gridiron Great

Always have a tough time giving a favorable push to a horse that has been hanging around the maiden ranks this long, but his best effort can get him into the mix against these and he appears to be well meant while getting a rider switch to Saez.

Livingston

He hasn't run poorly in his two most recent races, but he's making his first start for a new barn after a 25k claim, and he is going to need to step it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale to threaten the top contenders in here.

Big Father

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and dam won 4 of 14 starts for 62k, and she didn't make a turf start; this colt is a 1/2 to G3 winner Sweet Repent (10-20, 637k, including 0-for-1 over turf) and Dissenssion (5-21, 140k, including 2 of 7 turf starts for 62k).

Twentyonethirtyone

He had every right to need his most recent race while making his first start in well over a year, and all things considered, that was a pretty solid performance; he's out of a stakes winning dam who won 3 of 12 turf starts for 129k and he looks like he fits right in at this level of competition.

Film Star

He shows up for a high win percentage barn and his recent form racing over turf is right in line with what it might take to get the job done in this spot; not that he's one dimensional, but there's a chance that the early pace in here won't heat up all that much, and that would be to his liking.

Armature

His lack of early speed is always a concern, but he has to be respected as a top contender in this spot while dropping in with maiden claimers for the first time; if he shows up and runs his race, he figures to be making some noise through the lane.

Bold Senator

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won 3 of 17 starts for 88k, including 0-for-2 over turf; he hasn't made much of an impression in his first two starts, and his connections will hope for better with a move to turf.

Sandiwill

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and dam won 2 of 25 starts for 16k, including 1 of 6 turf starts for 7k; he's another who will need to show up with a much improved performance in his first turf start in order to have a say in the outcome.

Standup Paddle

There really isn't any dirt form worth mentioning in the main body of this race, so off this race has to be moved to the main track, it will be an ideal spot for this gelding to go after his first career win; a strong trainer/jockey tandem helps add further appeal. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Zane

GP-grass maiden-claiming graduate has been seeking the right level in 2014 posting back-to-back Beyer speed figure Tops but not making much of an impact; reunites with the 3-back win rider; the 2-back winner and show finisher Beyered 99-89 in next-out GP-optional-claiming and Grade 1 stakes wins.

Sammy Alexander (GB)

The last time he raced 2nd time off the layoff it produced his 2-back TAM victory over much lesser; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 89 in a next-out GP-OPC win; new rider is his 6th in as many races which is not a good-win angle.

Pecky's Boy

Another one who continues the jockey carousel with his 7th different jockey in as many races; likes to be forwardly placed; seems to be shooting high here off recent losses; his best Beyer and 5-of-9 record on fast dirt suggests he wants this moved to a dry-main track; view as a pace presence for part.

Bingo Bango Bongo

Not easy to take the 8-0-0-2 GP turf line while outkicked at longer in 2 races in 2014 here; reunites with the CRC-win rider noting his strong-gate speed has been missing in recent defeats; trainer began the meet on an 0-fof-50 at GP.

Dancing Lounge

Back to the 2-back win distance; note the 6-0-1-0 record without blinkers during career and 5-for-11 with the hood on; it is a great sign that the blinkers are returning today; strong 3-back rally at longer chasing the winner who repeated in a MED-OPC with an 89 Beyer.

Master Achievement

Exits his lowest Beyer since September when fading at shorter; clearly a major pace presence here with Pecky's Boy; has almost 4 lengths to make up on Sammy Alexander from latest loss as they chased the runner-up finisher an 89 Beyer next-out winner; know him early but unsure about late.

Wonderful Breeze

1st start ever with blinkers on trying to shakeup the form off latest-marathon loss when tiring; trainer's 31% blinkers-on win rate since 2013 is noted; a sprint winner during career his last victory was at 10F so he can win at any stamina test given; was edged by the 3-back runner-up finisher who captured a 107K stakes next out in Barbados.

King David

Started just 3 times in 2013 but 2 of those races produced co-field-best Beyer speed figures; scary on best day; has been away since tiring at longer when facing much tougher-Grade 3 company; the 2-back winner repeated in an FG-G3 with a 96 Beyer; he beat the 3-back show runner a next-out 84 speed figure KEE-alw. winner. - Art Gropper

Race 9

Siete C

Perhaps the equipment change, and rail advantage, can help this colt atone for a series of losses at short odds; caught good course in both turf attempts and may upgrade over a firm surface; bound to be a short price again, however.

Solo Approach

Granted 15 chances already, the 5-year-old will probably arrive after the fact as usual even if the early pace is honest; had no visible excuse in the last try, at the course and distance, and may have to return to the claiming ranks in order to score.

Point Roll

New face hails from multiple G1 star Point Given who captured 3.96 million (his offspring have won 15 out of 202 grass debuts); the dam won 4 of 17 and 103K; sib to 169K earner East of Danzig; expert turf trainer at the helm.

Manoffire

Firster was sired by G2 victor Pure Prize who captured 475K and whose progeny have won 10 percent of their initial grass races; the dam involved won 3 of 13 and 127K; there are no winning siblings to mention.

Boundless Heart

Considering the very lengthy vacation, that was a decent try earlier this month where he set too fast an early pace despite a poor getaway; might be able to control the fractions here and should not be overlooked.

Skip's World

Bold finish last time out but the longshot was helped by the fast tempo set by the previous runner; still have to respect his consistent late kick and he warrants some inclusion in your exotic wagering approach.

Market Outlook

Vast improvement in that second run when staying within range throughout, a race above average in overall quality; his sire won multiple G1s including the Belmont Stakes (offspring of Lemon Drop Kid have won 53 out of 451 grass debuts); the dam won 2 of 8 and 46K: sib to 237K earner Pathfork.

Pastafagioli

Came up empty on New Year's Day but as far as his turf outings are concerned, he turned in a sharp effort last summer when just missing; latest half-mile breeze was fair and he is another member of the field who requires a fast pace today.

Real Justice

In light of the slow start, he turned in a respectable effort earlier this month when seeing the heels of Skip's World; previous showing at Woodbine was even more commendable when he facing 13 opponents and was unable to overcome a soft even tempo. - Jim Kachulis

Race 10

Philomene

Sire is 24-for-189 with 1st-turf starters; she is the 1st foal out of an unraced dam; offered brief speed in dirt sprints and figures to be a major-pace presence for this trying to sneak away on the lead and go all the way; 22%-winning dirt-to-turf trainer adds to the appeal.

Aoleon

Sire is 21-for-331 with 1st-turf starters; is out of an unraced dam who's only other foal to race is stakes-placed Arresting Officer who went 3-0-0-1 on grass (19K); the debut winner and runner-up finisher posted 82-56 Beyer speed figures in next-out CRC-MSW and optional-claiming wins; needed last start off the more than 1-year layoff but must show more.

Addar

Never finished better than 6th in 4-one-Mile grass losses usually fading after prompting the pace; she did not show a lot of stamina in latest at 5F which doesn't bode well for this; much like Philomene she hopes to shake free on an easy lead then keep on going.

Schoolgirl Mia

Pounded down to even-money odds for last posting a career-low Beyer on dirt which sends her back to the grass course today; the debut show finisher graduated next out in a CRC-32K-maiden claimer with a 54 speed figure.

Acquisition

Broke slowly in 2 of her last 3 races so the start for this is crucial; usually shows best form when sits back then makes one run; her GP-green exacta finish is when she broke 2nd; would be a big factor on best day; she posted the field's best Beyer at SAR last summer racing at 3-16ths longer than today's event.

Nonhelema

Sire is 18-for-123 with 1st-turf starters; is the 1st foal out of a 2-for-9 dam (76K) who did not race on grass; ranked as an outsider after defeating 1 runner in 2 races combined for an 0-for-29 GP trainer; the runner-up finisher from her debut graduated next out in a GP-35K-maiden claimer with a 60 Beyer.

Lady Go Go

Blinkers have helped her form; she changed styles in latest gunning for the front while 2-back broke last when defeated by Acquisition and the show finisher who Beyered 67 in a next-out GP-16K-maiden-claiming win; steps up in price off a loss which is not a good-win angle.

Dun Won

Was claimed off dirt sprints; the added distance here and return to turf are not good signs noting the lone grass race was a GP-green fade; looms a major-pace presence with Addar and Philomene; the dirt workout for this does not entice.

Bullheaded Lady

Re-claimed for this; Main Track Only entry for a 35%-winning turf-to-dirt trainer showing her best form on the main track when rallying nicely at shorter; lots of upside here and very aggressively placed dropping in price off the purchase.

Tapitinsilver

MTO owns the best dirt Beyer in the field but that was sprinting; in her only dirt-route race she faded badly in a key race; the 2-back runner-up graduated next out in a GP-MSW event with a 74 speed figure; the 3-back runner-up Beyered 77 in a next-out GP-MSW win. - Art Gropper