Gulfstream: Closer Looks for March 29, 2014

Race 1

Viva Majorca

Stayed with the pace on a wide path until the final furlong earlier this month; his sire won multiple G1s and 2.35 million; the dam scored in 1 of 6 appearances earning 16K; among the winning siblings is 34K earner Bird County.

Borseggiatore

On the shelf since getting involved in a duel in mid-January; he has important experience at the distance yet faces several newcomers today; draws favorably and has been breezing in progressive fashion of late.

Financial Modeling

Some nice a.m. moves for this son of Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense who compiled 4.38 million in career earnings (his progeny have won 10 percent of their debuts); the dam went zero for 5; sib to 156K earner Town Flirt.

Chris' Brew

Descendants of Milwaukee Brew, a multiple G1 winner who notched 2.87 million, have won approximately 10 percent of their first races; the dam went zero for 3; sib to 184K earner Why Katherine.

Grand Coney

Notice the distinct improvement to the latest a.m. move at five-eighths; his sire won multiple G2s and 728K (progeny of Pulpit have won 75 out of 630 initial starts); the dam won 5 of 19 and 139K; among the winning sibs is 110K earner Hunt Crossing.

Gara Gattino

Bold finish earlier this month when overcoming a stumbling beginning to capture the show; although bred primarily for the turf, he can be a late presence today if able to break alertly; consider.

Moon Song

Ran a strong second last time out when, like Gara Gattino, he did not have a clean getaway; his sire won multiple G3s and 413K while the dam scored in 1 of 5 starts earning 28K; there are no winning siblings to mention.

Alpha High

His sire won the Breeders' Cup Classic and just under 3 million dollars in earnings; descendants of Alphabet Soup have scored in 45 out of 593 debuts; the dam won all 4 starts and 212K; sib to 362K bankroller Maritimer.

Dream Saturday

Adds blinkers after losing all chance at the start of his maiden voyage last season; his sire won a G1 and 1.08 million; the dam never raced; among the winning siblings is 363K earner Willa On the Move. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Clear Attempt

Ships in here from Tampa to try a course over which he's finished second in both of his starts; he hasn't returned from the break to run as well as he did prior to the long break but he does have solid back form on the green and the fact he gets back out here rather than hit the bench again is a positive; catches a tough field so would have to limit his use to underneath in exotics.

Seal Cove

Gray never really threatened when beaten chalk at the level in his first start since Saratoga last summer; he did break his maiden in his prior local start and Castellano will stick with him as he catches a competitive bunch; he is working well, but the concern is that he doesn't have much speed and the inside draw could bottle him up from the bell in this bulky field.

Money Talker

His first local start on the main track wasn't very good and now he'll try the green; maybe he's better second back from the break and his most recent surface try North of the border earned him a competitive number, but he'll need to take a good step forward off the comebacker to have a say in the outcome here.

Padilla

Tries better after fighting on the front end and surging late to score on the stretchout last time; 4 year old may be better at one turn, but he has responded to the addition of shades and he returned to work rather sharply here last week; looks like he gets the jump on them early and will have to be caught.

Bambazonki

Hit the bench off a couple of front running main track wins in Illinois in late fall; gelding is SP over the local turf course and his first 2 wins did come on the green; he's been working like he's ready to return running but this isn't an easy field.

Kaigun

Got away with soft splits in wiring cheaper in his return to the local sod last month; gelding is a G3 SP turfer and he's been on his best game of late; doesn't need the lead to fire and he'll get a switch to another top pilot for this one; dangerous repeat threat.

Honorable Dillon

Sprinter hasn't taken the step forward expected since leaving here as the G2 Hutcheson winner last winter; maybe the stretchout and move to the lawn help shake him up as he adds shades; sire does get 8% first time surface winners from his offspring and the dam dropped SP, 4 time turf winner and 148K earner Liquidity Trap.

Hampstead Heath

Offered little in his local return from 5 months on the shelf but he was quite good going longer in top company North of the border in late summer; with a couple of sharp breezes in tow have to think this guy takes a step forward while catching a softer bunch than he's used to facing; one to beat.

Quick Wit

Came up empty late from a wide spot in his return to the green last time; maybe he's tighter third time back from a year on the shelf but he's yet to offer much over the local sod and don't know that he's as good as some of these; have to pass on him.

Under Control (BRZ)

Makes his first start in nearly 10 months while returning to the scene of his most recent score; 6 year old loves the sod and he's proven capable of firing fresh; sharp drills are on tap for a good turf barn so expect he'll be set to return running, but don't know if his best will be enough against this field.

Hard Enough

Lasted after setting a soft pace against cheaper in his second start of the year; colt is a 2 time local course winner who worked well last week for this but his best game is speed and it's not going to be easy for him to clear this bunch and if he somehow does he probably won't have a lot left late.

Integrity

MTO earned a big number while sprinting in his first start of the year; he's got speed which figures to be on display from the bell and though he's yet to win going this far, he'll be facing a turf meant bunch if this gets rained off; with a wet track score to his credit he figures tough to down if he gets to go here. - Steve Grabowski

Race 3

Corinthian Luck

Steady breeze pattern for this daughter of Corinthian who won the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and 1.26 million; his offspring have scored in 17 out of 230 debuts; the dam went 7 for 34 earning 260K; winning siblings include 148K earner The Laurels.

Make It Snappy

Beginner was sired by the brilliant Medaglia d'Oro who won 5.75 million including multiple G1 scores; his progeny have won 10 percent of their first outings; the dam was also a multiple G1 type who earned 633K; this is her only foal to compete.

Newly Fashioned

Descendants of Old Fashion, who won a G2 and 583K, have been successful in 5 of 35 initial attempts; the mom won 3 of 17 and 152K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; consistent breeze pattern of late.

Indy's Million

Adds blinkers after encountering trouble in her first try over the green in February; raced evenly when beginning her career at this distance; fair a.m. breezes this month will help with this return engagement.

Russian Night

Has been granted any chances at various distances but her only in-the-money finishes were in 2-turn affairs; this could be a stepping stone for a route assignment in the near future; suggest a wait and see betting approach.

Tis Duet

Respectable work tab over the Payson strip for this daughter of Tiznow, twice the winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic; offspring of that 6.42 million dollar winner have scored in 44 out of 609 debuts; the dam won 8 of 33 and 118K; sib to 89K earner Christo.

La Madrina

From red-hot sire Tapit, this filly deserves respect; progeny of that runner have scored in 60 out of 470 initial races; the dam lost her only outing; among the winning siblings is G1 victor Verrazano who notched 1.69 million.

Mare On Fire

Broke to the right from the extreme outpost in her first run, losing any reasonable chance; her sire won multiple G2s and 626K; the dam went 1 for 9 earning 21K; this is her only foal to make it to the races; should improve with clean getaway.

Circle the Empire

She was sired by Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker who amassed 1.98 million and whose progeny have won 11 percent of their first attempts; the dam did not race; winning siblings include 156K earner Chatham.

Thirteen Arrows

Very fine try in her unveiling earlier this month but might suffer through a similar wide trip here; her sire won a G1 and 616K while the dam was sturdy indeed, a winner of 12 of 35 and 864K; sib to 687K earner Cross Traffic.

Jenny's Rocket

Adds blinkers after disappointing as the odds-on favorite last time out; must avoid another slow getaway; her sire won a G3 and 475K while the dam won 4 of 12 and 104K; sib to 512K earner Laurie's Rocket; consider despite dismal post. - Jim Kachulis

Race 4

Oasis At Midnight

Has never raced this far; she closed boldly at 1 Mile to post a new Beyer speed figure-career Top; her late punch wasn't as sharp at longer 2-back; she's never won beyond the Mile distance; saves all the ground then makes one run but seems overmatched in the stakes debut and prefer at shorter.

Devil's Cave

Exits a field-best Beyer speed figure when capturing her 1st-ever graded stakes attempt; will be gving Triple Arch 5 extra pounds for today's rematch at longer; if the track comes up wet it would be her 1st start on anything but fast surfaces or turf; beat the 3-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 90 in a next-out GP-294K stakes win; she wants to play catch me if you can with obvious concerns if she can get the 9F distance.

Triple Arch

Primed for this on grass; turf -to-dirt is a 23%-win angle for her trainer; the added distance here is a challenge for each runner; she gets a positive 5-pound weight swing from Devil's Cave off the 2-back loss where she was outfinished; owns her best Beyer on a wet-main track which would move her up some.

Molly Morgan

Has not fared well the most-recent times she's competed in stakes races; the good news is she needed last start and a wet-main track suits her well finishing 2nd best the only time racing on wet footing with the 2nd-best Beyer of her career; the 3-back runner-up finisher 93-92 in next-out OP-100K stakes wins; she still has a lot to prove at this level.

Private Ensign

4-0-0-1 in stakes races while today may be her 1st wet-track start; up-and-down recent form as she sandwiched a career-best Beyer with the 2 lowest speed figures of her career; win-rider Castellano stays with Devi's Cave getting a positive 4-pound weight swing off the more than 18-length loss; a tough call.

Gamay Noir

Connections certainly think highly of her; was claimed in January and today will be her 3rd straight stakes start; exits her lowest Beyer since June when rallying mildly at TAM; was a well-beaten show finisher the last time on a wet track landing behind Triple Arch; have her ranked a notch below the top contenders.

Call Pat

The barn is winning 40% since 2013 first-time out with newly-acquired runners; they have her taking a massive-class leap into the stakes debut; back in just 23 days after 3-back winning fresh with 74 days between starts posting a career-best Beyer defeating the show finisher who Beyered 85 in a next-out OP allowance win.

Unlimited Budget

Is the only runner in the field to have won at today's distance; began career 4-for-4 with two-Grade 2s and with a wet-track win; exits a career-low Beyer 1st time on GP dirt but retains Johnny V which is a great sign and makes me want to cross a line through that 3-5 odds ducked-in start defeat; finished midpack vs. the boys in the BEL stakes when defeated by the winner who repeated in a SAR-G2 with a 107; the 2-back winner repeated in 2-Grade 1s with 105-98 Beyers; scary on best. - Art Gropper

Race 5

Yap Yap Yap

Showed some solid late run when getting up for third in his sprint debut here last month and now he'll draw the fence for the stretchout; he returned to work well and the barn does a lot better with runners who have had a race than they do right out of the box; unraced dam's other foal to race was winless from 4 starts, but this guy's male pedigree influences suggest that he'll take to today's added trip; expecting a move forward.

Vischer Ferry

Lost his best shot at the break while sprinting firsto ut but he did show a solid turn of foot before fading when they let him loose; New York bred has returned to work quite well at his base and his lone sib to race is a limited route winner so maybe the added ground helps move him up; clean break warrants exotics consideration at a price.

Hallowed

Last out runner up took a good step forward in that sprint heat and now he'll stretch out to try 2 turns; colt is kin to 2 route winners and he did return to breeze well last time; nice to see a top pilot take interest but the barn has had a tough stand; one to consider.

Kaytsak

Hood comes off for his second route spin after failing to make any type of impact across town first time out; colt goes for an outfit that has done little here and they boast weak numbers with second out runners; dam's other foal to race was winless from 25 starts.

Charge Now

Made a nice impression despite encountering some trouble first out on the lawn; colt has returned to work well on the Payson dirt and he is kin to several main track route winners including G1 Kentucky Derby winner and 1.8 million earner Super Saver as well as G3 SW router and 386K earner Brethren so he should have little problem taking to the new footing; appears dangerous today.

Strong Stipulation

Off the pace type grabbed a share in each of his 2 starts and was even running on late at 9 panels last time; would prefer to see a little more out of him early which could make his work in the lane a little easier; lack of lick signed on doesn't help matters, but he should again be rolling late.

Legend

He was given a little time to get over the big placing behind the subsequent Tampa Bay Derby winner (94 Beyer) when stretched out to this 2 turn trip; he's been working regularly in the interim for his return to the races and he's shown a nice early turn of foot which could give him a leg up on his main foes in a heat without a lot of early lick; one to beat.

Curly's Pal

Wasn't a threat in any of his 3 spins and his local return from the break was particularly weak; don't know that today's added ground is going to help move him up all that much for a barn that boasts a poor winning clip with runners second off the break; just watching him today.

Lynx

He's another who was given a little time to get over a career best Beyer effort when just a length off Legend in his first local spin; he's been working like he's ready to get back to the gate and make his second start on dirt; barn hasn't had any luck at the stand, but off his last this guy could get involved for a share.

Upper East Side

They paid a lot for this guy at auction as a yearling and it's taken a while for him to get to the races; barn excels right out of the box and one of their main pilots will get aboard for his unveiling from this tough draw; his sire gets 12% first out winners from his offspring and the SP dam won twice (no route wins) while banking 128K prior to dropping 4 route winners led by 550K earner Recapturetheglory, winner of the G2 Illinois Derby.

Cosmo Blue

Sire gets 11% first out winners from his offspring and the unraced dam dropped 2 foals, one of whom won 3 routes; barn does boast some recent luck right out of the box and a capable journeyman pilot takes the call, but the works aren't much and the post could prove to be a killer. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

America

Maybe she just needed the last effort; would expect her to be sent along from this cozy slot; place horse 11/30 graduated, was a distant 2nd in a Grade 3 since; this is her preferred distance and Velazquez got a chance to figure her out; expect much better performance here.

Penwith

Second time Lasix here; toss the sprint and if you figure she needed the last, you can build a case for a move forward; show horse in last cashed next out in a Grade 3 with an 82 Beyer; miss has natural speed but is not speed crazy; could see her getting a similar trip to the local win; miss could be any kind as kin to Grade 1 placed over $500K earner Centring; don't ignore.

Camille Claudel

Don't be oversold by the one win as it came in the small field and it was slop aided; the race over the surface can only help but she has to find a way to turn the tables on In Tune; note show horse in last was nearly 5 clear; can't be discounted.

Joint Return

Valid excuse of the mud in the opener, no mistakes since and like the spacing of the return drills; there seems to be enough speed in here to help the cause; look for pilot to take a hold, try to save ground and make the one run; legit threat here.

Whomping Willow

Not easy to run well vs. winners first crack but she almost pulled it off; must respect this kind of speed; lone sibling was sprint only, dam lost 4 times but sire earned over $2.2 million routing; rates long look in all the slots.

In Tune

No secret in the debut before the in hand repeat; she showed a bit more energy in the drill last Saturday and like the way she was extended in the late stages in last; threepeat well within the realm.

Holiday Magic

She found Graded land a bit too steep in last; lack of speed a valid concern and she will need a real rebound performance; capable barn due for some luck, check out the 23 slices this meet; can't boost.

House Rules

Once given real estate to negotiate, the light went on bit time; a case could be made for her to sit a solid stalk and pounce trip; 2 clever drills since last effort suggests she is feeling pretty good about herself; another threat in a good betting race. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Lord Trondor

Tiznow about 7% with debuters in a 609-runner sample; about 4% with first-time grass runners in a 452-runner survey; sire did not race at 2, took 8 of 15, earned over $6.4 million as a double BC Classic hero, never tried grass; dam was unraced; lone full sis was 0 for 9; cozy slot to kick it off.

Lord Lemon

Lemon Drop Kid about 12% with first-time turf runners in a 452-runner sample; sire won twice at 2, won multiple Grade 1s, banked over $3.2 million, never tried turf; dam was unraced; lone half bro Fiaker won twice, once on grass; must hurry.

Barley Twist

This is a tough ticket to sell after several non-efforts; backers can point to the fact that top kin won stakes on grass, earned over $300K; can't endorse.

Decisive Edge

The blinks did wonders and there is no reason he won't build on it; dam took one dirt sprint; lone sib took one dirt sprint; in good hands and Solis got a chance to figure him out; interesting.

Palace Gate

Pushed out on the first turn but he kept to his task; place horse two back graduated next out with a 73 Beyer; she has a shot to have a nice career as kin to Excited, who won thrice on grass, banked nearly $250K; major player.

Our Wild Won

He caught the yielding course, was pinballed in the live race two back and the place horse in last graduated with an 85 Beyer next out; 9 for 26 dam won on grass once, earned over $450K, won several stakes; the sibling that raced on grass once ran out of the money; look for him late if at all.

Street Chief

Cruz got a chance to figure him out but would rather see him back in for a tag, try to win, and then move on; there are at least multiple grass winners in the family; due.

Classic Sense

Debut was solid and then he took the overland route; dam's lone win came on grass; both siblings won including grass winner, G2 winner and over $900K earner Handsome Mike; blinks on a good ploy for this potent barn; respect.

Nauset Beach

Colt has picked it up since the blinks were added; note he was nearly 5 clear in last; there is also a 4-time grass winner in the tree; just may get brave with a lonely lead.

Nest of Pirates

See rail for sire stats; dam did win on grass once; this is her first to race; 11th finishers in last took a maiden $35K claimer, 12th finisher took a MSW in a romp; would lean toward watching.

Interpol

Lost all chance when off slowly; stakes winning dam earned over $200K, was turf only; 2 siblings won on grass, and 2 banked 6 figures; needs a turn around.

Blarp

Made a nice move to get within 2 of the lead before reality set in last time; dam was unraced; top kin Newsdad was a triple winner on grass and banked nearly $500K; not impossible chore. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Happy My Way

Draws the fence for the rise to open stakes company in career best form; gelding ran a big one to get second money despite trouble in a productive Sunshine Millions heat 2 back and the winner of that one shows up here as well; gate issues have plagued him of late and that's not ideal from this inside draw, but he's a big threat to turn the tables here; contender.

On the Loose Again

Wide trips hampered his last 2 efforts, but neither of them was very good; gelding hasn't been the same since coming here early last month and doesn't look to be too comfortable since taken by this outfit out of his first local spin; have to side with others.

Hardened Wildcat

Ran into a couple of these while making his first local start off 8 months on the shelf and failed to make much impact; gelding did return to blow out well for this last week and it was just last year that he was earning numbers that would put him right in the thick of this one; barn's recent slate second back from the break suggests a big move forward could be on tap today.

Apriority

Seven year old has banked over half a million while winning 4 times over the local footing; he dabbled in stakes company last year and did grab a minor share but he's proven of late that he best fits with cheaper than he'll tackle in this spot; have to look elsewhere for the winner.

Red Hot Randy

Took this guy a while to get through his preliminary allowance condition and now he'll step up to face stakes runners; he did earn an improved number last time and enters this in overall sharp form; though he's twice worked well in the interim and retains Leparoux, he'll need to keep improving to step with these; siding against the repeat.

Border Song (FR)

Ran to his works and broke through to grab his first stateside score last time, but he needed the drop out of the allowance ranks and a hot clip in front of him to get the job done; gray does like it here and last win did come at today's trip, but don't think he's good enough to step with these.

Dad'z Laugh

Runner up in 3 straight was beaten by one of these in each of his last 3 starts; his top pilot sticks with him and this colt does have the positional foot to sit a good pace tracking spot from the outset; he's winless locally but he has won going longer than the trip he's asked to handle today and should have every opportunity late; he's a player.

Bear Tough Tiger

Fresh gelding tackles a couple of the guys who finished in front of him in the stakes heat first time off this barn's claim; he was turned around pretty quickly in that one so now that the outfit has had time to put him through their training regimen he has another more forward in him; price should be right to give this G1 SP sprinter a look.

Ribo Bobo

He's been a veritable win machine since and even before re-taken by the barn around this time last year; gelding has won just about everything in sight over the pace year and he's clearly fallen in love with the local water this season; he showed in each of his last 2 starts that he doesn't need to have the lead from the bell to be effective so even if he doesn't break so well with the move outside it isn't cause for concern; added half panel may pose the trouble, but they are going to have to come and get him to win.

Cozzetti

Barn's second runner in here gets off the fence while cutting back slightly in distance off the near miss against cheaper; he's since returned to work well and maybe he finds himself in an outside tracking spot with a little extra to offer late, but he's had problems sealing the deal with a lot cheaper than he'll catch in here. - Steve Grabowski

Race 9

Danalin

Exits a best-last-race Beyer speed figure when rallying well at today's distance; lowest Beyer of career was produced in her only wet-main track start so moving this off grass benefits others; lone win was at longer and was screaming out for more yardage in last but remains at 7.5F; do not often see runners claimed off Pletcher go on to greater things and she is 4-0-0-2 since the buy; off latest seems to fit well here likely closing into the exotics.

Daring Kathy

Sire is 23-for-163 with 1st-turf starters; she is out of a 2-0-0-0 grass dam who produced 2 turf winners from 3 other foals to compete on grass including 142K-turfer Zeb (4-for-18); connections thought she was special going right into stakes company off the debut score; she should appreciate the class relief for this.

Sweetsoutherndame

Sire is 3-for-22 with 1st-turf starters; is the 1st foal out of an unraced dam; moves into a top turf barn while all freshened up for the class relief; she's only raced on synthetic surfaces so if gets a wet-main track it would be a mystery; figures to be rallying strongly on any surface but would prefer the lawn.

Hillhouse High

Wants to play catch me if you can here with Evidently the major danger up top; beaten-betting choice vs. the winner who repeated with an 85 Beyer taking a GP-100K stakes; she beat the 2-back show runner the last time on turf; that one Beyered 63 in her next-out AQU-MSW graduation.

Little Michelle

Was screaming out for more distance in both grass races and gets it here; posted a solid try with winners when breaking next-to-last sitting behind hot fractions then flying late; figures to race a lot closer to the front for this then hopes to show up with that huge-stretch punch; benefits rallying into a hot pace.

Fun Elusive

In her only grass start she put together a strange running line re-rallying at longer vs. the show finisher who Beyered 71 in a next-out CRC-optional-claiming victory; her lone win was on the lead at 2F shorter but has Hillhouse High and Evidently to fend off early then the closers late.

Queenie's Song

Lots of upside on this one with an improving-career speed figure pattern; received 1st-Lasix for her1st time on wet turf which produced a new Beyer-career Top and another victory; she beat the 2-back show runner who posted an RP-60K stakes win next out with a 77 Beyer; defeated the debut runner-up who graduated next out in a PID-MSW with a 68 Beyer.

Evidently

Adds to projected lively pace here with Hillhouse High and Fun Elusive; showed new-found gate speed 2nd-time out and 1st time racing on turf; her upset gate-to-wire score looks better since the runner-up finisher Beyered 78 in a next-out TAM-MSW graduation.

Solitary

Debut field-best Beyer speed figure was on a sloppy race track and if this gets washed off the weeds onto a wet-main track it would help being the only-wet-dirt winner in the field; more than doubles latest claiming price off a loss which is not a good-win angle while front waps came on for last pair which is usually not a good sign.

Miss Loretta Lynn

Debut winner has been shelved since that sharp off-the-pace score; style fits well with the added distance but can she win right back with winners and right off the long layoff?; moves outside after able to save ground in the 1ster win; wish the barn hit better than 12% with repeat winners since 2013.

Charlie A

Shown zero-gate speed in both starts but rallied like a wild filly in the debut win on grass from similar post 11 while excusing the dull-fast dirt defeat; clearly with Hillhouse High and Evidently going here the pace could be hotly contested and set things up for a closer like her. - Art Gropper

Race 10

Aigue Marine (GB)

She's been beaten by today's rival Inimitable Romanee in her two most recent races, but this multiple graded stakes placed miss commands respect as a top contender as she tries to turn the tables on that rival in this one; she'd probably prefer it if a legitimate early pace was established, but that doesn't seem likely, and going to look for her to place a little more pressure on the early leaders this time around.

Anjaz

She's shown that she has the ability to be competitive against competition of this caliber, and in the two starts where she's finished second, she's had legitimate excuses; feel that we have yet to see the best of her in her four starts since arriving in America, and viewing her as a top contender in here; third-place finisher from latest won next out at KD on 9/7 going 1 5/16m over turf in a 153k stakes with a 93 Beyer.

Stick to Your Guns

Her form has improved since being returned from a layoff two starts ago but she's going to need to find a way to take her game to another level to threaten the top contenders in this one; note that she finished behind today's rival Antonia Autumn in her latest outing.

Antonia Autumn

Half-sister to multiple G1 winner Gio Ponti (12-29, $6.1 million, including 11 of 24 turf starts for $4.4 million over turf) has yet to prove that she's graded stakes quality, but have to respect the fact that this is a top turf barn that sees fit to take a shot with her in a spot like this.

Inimitable Romanee

She backed up her Long Island victory with another upset in the Very One in her latest start, and she has to be respected as a top contender based on those two starts; like to see the versatility she's shown by winning on the lead and from off the pace; this really isn't a bad spot for her to try to capture another Grade 3.

Caroline Thomas

A little concerned about the 1 1/2m distance for her, but still viewing her as being a little bit of a sneaky player in here; she's always shown that she has ability, and even though she might not have developed quite as well as it looked like she might after her first few starts, she's a G2 winner and she came up just three quarters of a length shy in the G1 QEII at Keenland in October.

Viva Rafaela (BRZ)

Don't feel that she's quite as talented as some of the others in here, but she deserves credit for the third-place finish she recorded when chasing a couple of today's rivals through the stretch in her latest start, and her early speed can give her a tactical advantage.

Clearbrook

This looks like a tough spot for her to step up into, and it's probably worth noting the presence of Velazquez and Rosario elsewhere in here; that said, this miss was an impressive winner in her latest start, and she certainly doesn't lose anything with Castellano taking over.

Hunter Forward (AUS)

Stakes placed mare was on top of her game in her final two starts as a 7-year-old but this has to be considered an extremely tough spot for her to make her first start as an 8-year-old; she looks like more of an outsider. - Brian Pochman

Race 11

Midnight Cello

One more jump and he gets the money in last; he was forced to steady but they also were all together, sometimes a sign of just an ordinary race; 3rd, 5th, and 7th finishers in last took optional claimers next out and the winner was third in a Grade 1 next out, then 2nd beaten a length in a G2; in tight in the other try on the course; needs very best.

Salto (IRE)

Must find a way to deal with Mr. Online among others; he has the 3 races to draw from now but would love to see him get that killer instinct; he has twice as many slices as wins; a bit more keen to drill last Sunday; his tactical speed will give him first run on the deep closers.

Kharafa

Nothing wrong with winning a third of your starts; his versatility could be his best asset as he has proven he can win on the lead, tracking and from over 5 lengths off the pace; 5th finisher in last took a Grade 3 next out and 8th finisher took a $62.5K optional at AQU; Empire-bred has had a nice career and he was inching toward the winner in the race locally; must be left in the mix.

Mr. Online

Gelding has been very consistent since leaving Delaware; the winner of this race last year also came out of the 2/22 race; that runner, Za Approval, was 4th beaten 2 in the stakes but then came from 8th recording a 97 winning Beyer; key off that G1 race last October and he fits nicely; the winner of that race took a $100K stakes next out and then was third beaten a half in a G2; major player.

Hey Leroy

Gelding picks up a lot of checks but he has to prove he can ramble with this caliber a foe; in the exacta in 7 of 8 on the course and he can be placed anywhere and still fire; may need softer to shine.

Tetradrachm

Pushed along in the last pair but he may be better served settling and bit off the pace and coming late; this rider was up for that kind of a trip for the last win; troubled three back, he could really enjoy this shorter journey; steady drills for this; don't sell too short.

Grand Tito

Colt has speed but doesn't need the lead to win; fully extended in the short field last time and note Sky Blazer exited race two back to win a $100K optional; Jan. 9 winner repeated in a $40K optional, lost next pair; out of the money in the last 2 Grade 3 events.

Five Iron

Colt pulled the wrong club in the Hawthorne Derby when he lost ground when it counted; the 5th and 6th finishers in last took optional claimers next out; the fact he won the debut gives him a chance to fire fresh; he seems to have a high cruising speed and may have disliked the soft course last time; another threat in a real scramble.

Fredericksburg

Gelding got away with moderate splits in last and still could not close the deal; proven at the trip, but he was 17-1 that day; he is proven off the bench but that was against much softer; another slice?

Cozzetti

The back class is there off the Grade 3 win in Chicago in 2012; it has been a major drought since; he has the two races to draw from and the show horse in last was well clear but it was a short field; best of 36 bullet in the holster; he was right there on the fast pace; should at least muddle the early issue.

Csaba

The class is there off the win in the Hooper last December; he lost all chance in last when forced to steady on the first turn; 1/11 winner repeated in the Grade 1 Donn with a juicy 114 Beyer; veteran has rebounded from poor efforts in the past; note he was freshened after the Donn last year and got it done; must bring the A game.

Catron

No secret to kick off the career; he got the ideal trip beating 4 in the 2013 closer and was only a brief threat in the stakes last time; runner is giving away a ton of experience and that could tell at crunch time; would be careful here. - Brian Mulligan

Race 12

Salustio

No problems with getting today's distance cutting back in yardage off last 3 exacta finishes in Panama; clearly the connectons think they have something here going right into Grade 3 company 1st time in the states with 1st Lasix; figures to save ground then make one run.

War Dancer

The 2-0-0-0 dirt line is not easy to take with accomplished-main track performers competing here today; his 3-back dirt loss was in the G1 Travers vs. the winner who repeated in the G2-Pa. Derby with a 105 Beyer; just seems best on turf posting a G2-green win at longer than this; last-rider Rosario stays here when seemingly having other options.

Grand Tito

Stakes winner on GP green has been in top form at 1 Mile on grass which makes it more likely that he will race in GP 11 off the gate-to-wire lawn win; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 97 in a next-out GP-optional-claiming win; the 3-back last dirt start saw the winner repeat in a CRC-OPC with a 91; if races here it marks the longest-distance test of career and clearly he would be a major-pace presence.

Csaba

Is entered as a Main Track Only in the 11th today which is slated for 1 Mile; wet track would help; field-best Beyer was posted on wet-CRC dirt at 9F October, 2012; today would mark the longest-distance test of his career; 6-time win rider Saez has Nevada Kid for this; last time on dirt faced the winner who repeated in the G1 Donn with a 114 Beyer; versatile sort can win on the lead or from off the pace but clearly has something to prove racing this far and latest represents his lowest Beyer since August..

Nevada Kid

Try to catch me; career-best Beyer was following an 88-day layoff now back in just 28 days for the longest-distance test of career; speedster hopes both Grand Tito and Csaba go in other races today so he can get loose up top; both Mile and an eighth races were strong performances including one on a wet-race track; either way he figures to be a force from bell to finish again and a speedy contender for win honors.

Macho Bull

Lone-GP dirt start was a decisive loss in the G1 Donn and seems to be shooting high again here; 2-0-0-0 in races at today's distance or longer during career; July, 2012, finished 8th in an AP-G3 turfer racing at today's distance; this event marks his longest test since April at 12F on KEE green when producing a distant-8th-place finish in a G2.

Nikki's Sandcastle

Today is his 1st dirt start since August, 2012; has been at his very best on KEE synthetic; 2-0-0-0 in races at today's distance or longer although recent-closing style suggests he might be OK traveling this far?; his only dirt win was a 6F maiden breaker in 2010 at OP.

Joshua's Comprise

Has never raced this far; blinkers off for last trio produced 1 exacta finish but 2 dull-double-digit length defeats; been best with blinkers on (1-for-13 overall) including the GP dirt Beyer best; the 2-back show runner Beyered 97 in his next-out GP-OPC win.

Norumbega

Exits a best-last-race Beyer; is another who has never raced this far but clearly has the right-closing style to handle it and give him credit for beating Micromanage last fall; high-percentage fresh trainer sees the 2-time win rider Rosario on War Dancer for this but replacement Johnny V wins 25% for Shug at GP since 2013; the one to beat.

Sr. Quisqueyano

Another racing beyond 1M and an eighth for the 1st time; the last 3 times racing 1st at the 1st call were all wins; he wants the lead but if any of the trio of Hillhouse High, Nevada Kid and Csaba stay in this race the pace will be hot and he likely chases it wide.

Micromanage

Blinkers on for the 1st time racing at his longest-distance test ever off the key-race loss; the runner-up and 4th-place finishers from last Beyered 102-92 in next-out DED-75K and LRL-100K stakes wins; finished 2nd best to the 3-back winner who repeated in an AQU-100K stakes with a 107 Beyer; career-best Beyer was posted on a wet track and so if he gets wet footing that helps even more; should be closing rapidly into a hot pace; the pick. - Art Gropper

Race 13

Slumber (GB)

Really like what he showed us in his first four starts in America and it was nice to see him regain some of his better form in his latest outing; looking at this as being a good spot for him to try to go after his first graded stakes score, especially if his stablemate Amira's Prince ships to Fair Grounds.

Vertiformer

He has a strong turf pedigree and he's multiple graded stakes placed racing over turf, and like to see the effort he showed up with after a long layoff in his latest start when chasing today's rival Admiral Kitten, and that was his first start for Clement; leaning toward others for th etop spot, but feel that a minor award is within his reach.

Joes Blazing Aaron

He's a G3 winner and he's done some nice work racing over this turf course, but it's tough to envision him being able to carry his speed 1 1/2m against competition of this caliber; respect the fact that his strong connections see fit to sign him up for this, but looking toward others.

Suntracer

His complete lack of early speed is always a concern, but he's capable of rallying himself into the mix against these on his best day, and he finished right behind one of today's key rivals in Slumber over this turf course in his latest outing.

Admiral Kitten

He's a Grade 1 winner racing over turf, and from 11 career starts, he's finished worse than second once; Leparoux has gotten a chance to get to know this stone-cold closer in his last two starts, and that was a nice win he recorded at Sam Houston in his latest outing; must respect.

Charming Kitten

One of two Ramsey-owned colts in here that has displayed a nice level of consistency and he's put together some solid performances against strong competition along the way; he likes this turf course and Pletcher and Castellano have teamed to win with 41 of 118 (35%) starters at the current meeting.

Amira's Prince (IRE)

He's also entered to defend his title in the Mervin H. Muniz at Fair Grounds today, and he looks like the one to deny in whatever spot he lands in; he was three-for-three over this turf course prior to a third-place finish after a long layoff in his latest outing, and Lochte exited that race to finish second in a G1 at SA on 3/8 going 1m over turf with a 104 Beyer.

Joha

He's a G1 winner racing over the synthetic surface at Keeneland and like the idea of him being involved in the running early on; however, not wild about today's 1 1/2m distance for him, especially when it looks like he's going to have to contend with the early speed of Joes Blazing Aaron.

Russian Greek

His career best Beyer Speed Figure was earned racing over dirt and he's never hinted at having the ability to handle competition of this caliber, especially over turf; he has the look of an outsider.

Newsdad

He's a multiple graded stakes winner and he won this event in 2012, but his two most recent races haven't been his best, and it's probably worth noting the presence of Velazquez aboard Slumber; horse-for-course can't be counted out of it, but he does need to find his way back to one of his better efforts to get the job done.

Ocean Seven (IRE)

Half-brother to multiple G1 winner Goldikova (17-27, $7.1 million, including three of four turf starts in North America for $3.5 million) lacks early speed and seems likely to be outrun throughout while taking another crack at graded stakes competition. - Brian Pochman

Race 14

Wildcat Red

He deserves a lot of respect for what he's done through his first six starts, and he and General a Rod put on quite a show when running 1-2 in the Fountain of Youth; maybe an effort like that can take something out of him, but there's nothing to knock about what he's done to this point in time, and he has to be respected as a top contender.

Matador

He ran well from off the pace when finishing fourth in the Sam Davis two starts back while making his first start after a layoff, but it would have been nice to have seen him build upon that performance in the Tamp Bay Derby in his latest start; this looks like a very tough spot for his first start over the main track here.

Cairo Prince

He's already a multiple graded stakes winner and he's a nose shy of being unbeaten through his first four starts with his one loss coming to Honor Code; his 3-year-old racing debut was a strong performance and the third-place finisher from that race returned to win next out at FG on 2/22 going 1 1/16m in a G2 with a 97 Beyer.

Constitution

Have to wonder if this isn't too much too soon for him, but he's been impressive in his first two starts; he overcame breaking approximately five lengths slow in his career debut and he made it look pretty easy against a good looking runner in Tonalist in his latest outing; a top trainer/jockey tandem helps add appeal.

East Hall

His starts over the main track here have been solid performances and he hasn't run badly when finishing behind today's rivals Wildcat Red and General a Rod in a couple of his recent starts; nevertheless, it's tough to envision him having a chance at the top spot.

General a Rod

Have to respect what he's accomplished from four starts to begin his career, and he's faced strong competition in his three dirt starts; like Wildcat Red, he enters this race off of a hard fought battle, but he's clearly a talented performer, and it doesn't hurt to see him being reunited with Rosario who was aboard for the stakes score two back.

Allstar

He was claimed for 25k just four starts ago, and he's already rewarded his connections with a couple of wins, but he's never given any indication that he can handle the quality of horse that he's lining up against today; strictly an outsider.

Spot

He ran a nice race in the Swale while making his first start for the Zito barn, even if he did benefit from an ideal early pace scenario, and No Nay Never is a G1 winner sprinting over turf in France; nevertheless, this does look like a tough next step for him; his sire finished second in this event in 1997. - Brian Pochman