Gulfstream: Closer Looks for March 6, 2014

Race 1

Jessie Can Mambo

Can improve suddenly via the third start off the bench angle especially if she can recapture some of her old early speed; did not lose by much at all to Western Charm in their last match-up and today's pace figures differently; consider.

Tonight We Dance

She has very little sprint experience compared to her rivals yet the main statistic to focus on is this trainer's record with the turf-to-dirt approach; has drawn difficult post positions in the last 3 and now breaks from a cozy slot; mixed signals.

Senora de Lujan

This filly is scheduled to race without blinkers for the first known time and exits a route affair where she raced evenly as the public choice; switches barns and might appreciate the cutback to this distance; should be more inviting odds this afternoon.

Livin Peace

One of the main speeds to consider in this event; she was used up in a pace battle last month and might get away with a softer tempo here; the main knock: she has never attempted this tricky distance before.

Gene's Blue Moon

Needed that last start where she lost momentum at the start; she draws a particularly favorable post here, right to the outside of the main pacesetter; should give a better account of herself today and the price on the board should be generous.

Hot Coffee

Wore down the pacesetters when defeating modest n2l competition recently; she must now spot weight to more experienced rivals and a repeat score will not be easy to achieve; likely to arrive too late for top prize.

Sherry Angel

Rested since the December claim, she turned in a very sharp workout on the morning of 1/23; sports a fair local record and does have a victory at today's distance to her credit; picks up Rosario who has done well with a limited number of mounts for these connections.

Western Charm

Decent showing last month when pressing the pace of Livin Peace and outfinishing that rival; extra sixteenth of a mile may pose problems today, however, especially if that foe is able to slow down the early fractions; not an easy runner to pinpoint.

Shalala

Gets weight from the entire field here but came home in slow time in her last score over the slop; will have a difficult time here reeling in the front-runners who appear to have the tactical advantage; may need a wet track in order to earn a thin slice.

Dolce Luna

Took many a moon to escape the n2l condition and, like the previous entrant, would only grant her a chance if an off track is the case at post time; will probably be denied the lead today unless there are some key late scratches. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Nifty Shindig

Servis has scored at an impressive 42% clip first-time off the claim at Gulfstream during the past five years ($2.83 ROI); the winner of her last race came back to run third in an N1X, and the sixth-place finisher subsequently beat $12.5K B stock twice; in the mix.

Wholelotaroyalty

Found the mark twice for Ziadie, but prominent owner Calabrese has a new trainer now; the runner-up from her last race returned to finish fifth in an N1X (69 Beyer); should make some nosie with her tactical speed, and note that Zayas was aboard for her authoritative Dec. 20 triumph at Calder.

Four Aria

Was only an early factor in a recent stakes at Tampa, a race that you can draw a line through; her local form is solid, and it includes a close third in an N1X where she earned an 81 Beyer; jockey/trainer combo is 3 for 17 at the meet, and Paco has been riding high of late; speed threat.

Chifa

Chestnut has been in poor form since early in her career, and can be dismissed with confidence.

Malibu Mudslide

Daughter of Malibu Moon disappointed in an identical spot in her local debut, but can be more effective with a race over the track; she's versatile in terms of running style, and note that her trainer has posted excellent numbers with short-term comebackers; possibility.

Silver Sashay

Front-runner spun her wheels in the slop five weeks ago in an optional starter--the top two finishers both came back to run well, but the third horse got drilled in her next start; regular rider Davis is 0 for 5 at the meet for this barn, which is about due to get off the schneid here; unlikely. - Ron Gierkink

Race 3

Solo Approach

His best effort is clearly good enough to get him into the mix against these, but it's tough to back him for the top spot when seeing that he's seeking his first win in start number 16, and he'll be looking to make a quick turn around while making his second start for this barn after a 16k claim.

Classy

It would have been nice to have seen him show more in his belated career debut, but he wasn't completely ignored in the wagering for that race, and he's a 1/2 to stakes placed Cherry On the Top (7-23, 145k, including 4 of 15 turf starts for 97k).

Twentyonethirtyone

Don't like to see that he hasn't raced since October 2012, but his two turf starts weren't bad performances, and a few of his recent workouts look okay; 310k purchase is out of a stakes winning dam who won 3 of 12 turf starts for 129k, and he's realistically spotted for his return from a long absence.

Gerry With a G

This gelding has a little bit of turf in his pedigree, and if he can regain some of the better form that he displayed in 2013, he's eligible to have a say in the outcome against these; it is a concern to see how badly he's tired late in his races in recent attempts, but still don't feel that he's out of the question, and like to see the rider switch to Lezcano.

The Best Monkey

It's tough to back him with any confidence based on his recent form, but from time to time he's shown the ability to put together a respectable performance, and it isn't like he finds himself facing the toughest bunch.

Gridiron Great

If you're looking for the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here, he has it, but he has been hanging around the maiden ranks for a while and it's tough to argue with anyone who is going to limit his chances to a spot underneath in the exotics.

Underestimate Me

He looks like he's heading in the right direction as he gets ready to make his third start back from a long layoff, and if he's ready to regain some of his better form, there isn't any reason why he can have a say in the outcome; like to see Castellano back aboard for this.

Raging Mane

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and dam was winless from five starts, and she didn't make a start over turf; one of two signed on in here for the Iadisernia barn, and it might be worth noting the presence of Castellano aboard Underestimate Me.

Swear

He has enough early speed to help him clear traffic before getting into the first turn, and even though his best effort might be strong enough to get him into the mix against these, he's seeking his first 1-2 finish and he has struggled to maintain a forward gear late in his races. - Brian Pochman

Race 4

Rachel's Ticket

Tough call off the outrun-throughout line at long odds when easily handled by Jill's Reflection who is back for this; her best Beyer speed figure was freshened off nearly a 4-month absence but that effort still produced a far-back defeat.

Dunshaughlin

Sprinter dueled for the lead in last now stretches out for this; she is the one to catch; has not raced past 6F yet; 0-for-4 sire went 0-for-2 in dirt routes; was claimed off a high-win percentage trainer with mixed reveiws since her debut loss.

Broadway Secret

Blasted off to the lead in last but could not hang on vs. JIll's Reflection while this race features speedsters Dunshaughlin and Benne First Baby which compromises her win hopes dramatically; best Beyer and finish at 6F she seems better suited sprinting.

Jill's Reflection

Projects to sit just off the speedsters then be tough to hold off in the lane; 17th chance today but if she can repeat last would be tough to keep her out of the winner's circle defeating many of these in latest-exacta finish; owns her career-best Beyer on a wet-main track so handles that possibly even better than fast.

Benne First Baby

Gets in with her lightest-weight assignment ever; Dunshaughlin is a major-pace presence here likely pressing early for the front; has not raced back to her debut-exacta finish on GP dirt at shorter; tired the only other time sent this far but likely gained conditionting from that effort.

Herecomeshoneybobo

Her last dirt start 2 back represents the field's best Beyer speed figure at today's distance on GP dirt; drops to lowest price tag ever but has 61 days since latest for an 0-for-10 fresh trainer since 2013; hopes for a pace metldown as she figures to be rallying from far off the pace but fits well here.

Bright Promise

Has not raced past 6F yet; sire went 0-for-4 in dirt routes all graded-stakes losses; dam won 1-of-2 dirt routes; posted a careeer-best speed figure vs. the 3-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 49 in her next-out GP-$12,500-maiden-claiming win. - Art Gropper

Race 6

Go Sandy Go

Earned a personal best Beyer in that last surprising second at the course and distance; must be respected from the hedge as a result of that sudden awakening; chronic maiden can earn a share once again at a healthy price.

Ultimate Speed

Commendable try in that 2013 finale and it involved a wide bid for command; steady breeze pattern for the return and the daughter of turf star English Channel might be able to handle this group despite the layoff involved.

Alguna

Decent showing last month when racing evenly behind Go Sandy Go; has lost to several of these foes in the past and cannot be given the main vote as a result; should offer a much better price today than in the last outing.

Devious Maddy

Fair effort against Acquisition last month despite a bumpy trip; considering the pace transition from the previous race, it appears she is progressing nicely and can earn a better share today at this shorter distance; consider.

Whistle My Way

On the shelf since her grass sprint debut last March where she was compromised by a wide post and fairly slow getaway; her sire won a G2 and 225K while the dam was without a tally in 4 attempts; there are no winning sibs to mention; expert turf trainer at the helm.

Ah Honey Honey

Tries blinkers after failing to fire first time out but that was against much better stock than this; she was sired by the undefeated Candy Ride who won multiple G1s; the dam was unraced; winning siblings include 448K earner Bunker Hill.

Lloyd Harbor

Perhaps the blinker addition will enable her to cut into the margin against some of these same foes she faced last month; unfortunately, she draws wide again yet reverts to Castellano who was aboard for that fair showing 2 back while favored.

Acquisition

The return to blinkers seemed to help immensely in her last placement as she was bet down heavily that day; does not warrant favoritism here though considering the post involved; may have to settle for minor spoils again.

Forever for Always

In her career debut, she failed to fire over a dirt track although the Aqueduct inner dirt course is a tricky surface; lost all chance on the clubhouse turn in her comeback race last month; may show more firepower with this surface change. - Jim Kachulis

Race 7

Shot Girl

Her career debut was a solid run and it's worth noting that's the only time that she's sprinted over turf; viewing the rider switch to Lopez as a positive indicator, but her lack of early speed is a concern, especially from a tricky rail post.

Double Interest

In her last four starts she's beaten just one to the finish, and she hasn't run a race that is anywhere near strong enough to threaten the top contenders in here; she has the look of an outsider.

I Wish I Wish

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his first-time starters and with approximately 6% of his turf starters, and minor stakes winning dam won 14 of 39 starts for 384k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to You Take It Easy (5-18, 40k, including 1-for-1 over turf for 7k); it looks like they tried to tighten the screws in her most recent workout.

Scat Daddys Breeze

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and dam won once from seven starts for 27k, including 0-for-2 over turf; the move to turf might agree with her and her two most recent workouts look lively; plus, this is her first start for Calabrese and Vazquez.

R Girl She Gone

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and stakes winning dam won 2 of 4 starts for 59k, and she didn't make a turf start; this filly is a 1/2 to Spirit of Lindy (2-11, 16k over turf); she took a step in the right direction at second asking and her early speed can come in handy in a turf dash like this.

Starship Mystique

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who was winless from one start, and it wasn't a turf start; winner from latest won next out here on 1/16 going 7f vs. 16k claimers with a 58 Beyer and third finisher won next out here on 1/18 going 1m over turf vs. 35k MCL's with a 57 Beyer.

Speedy Girl

Sire has won with 1 of 7 (14%) turf starters and dam was unraced; the only time he finished out of the top three was against winners, and even though he might be starting to look like the type that might take a while to get to his first win, he deserves to be listed among the contenders.

Rogue Lady

She brings a high degree of early speed with her and the drop to the 25k maiden claiming level might be just what she's looking for; runner up from latest won next out here on 2/12 going 5f over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 73 Beyer; like to see the hot-riding Castellano aboard again.

Nonhelema

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won 2 of 9 starts for 76k, and she didn't make a turf start; runner up from debut won next out here on 2/15 going 7 1/2f over turf vs. 35k MCL's with a 63 Beyer.

Hot Cotton

Sire wins with approximately 5% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who was winless from three starts, and she didn't make a start over turf; this is her first turf test, but she showed a little something in her career debut.

Mimi Track

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; she tired badly at first asking, but when seeing the wagering support she attracted that day, there's reason to believe that we didn't see the best she has to offer.

Take Charge Annie

Sire wins with approximately 7% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and dam won once from 19 starts for 4k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to G3 winner Mr. Livingston (10-40, 429k, including 9 of 30 turf starts for 362k). - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Bar Magic

Gelding only beat one home the last time in allowance company; local debut was solid and the place horse that day won nest out in a $20K claimer, then was 2nd beaten over 4 in a $10K claimer here 2/21; if you figure he just hated the slop last time you can excuse the race but he may need softer to shine.

Catholic Cowboy

Colt was given his chances at a number of different venues early in his career; nice bit of training to have him set to roll in the 2014 opener and like the series of drills since; never simple to beat winners right back but he has a right to have a useful career as kin to Threetimesawonder, who earned nearly $300K in a long career.

Over and Back

Gelding has much more speed than he just flashed; note he set the sub :45 pace at Penn National in the allowance race in April; and note that race was also a turf to dirt maneuver; hung 5 wide two back; respect everything from this barn.

Squadron A

Grinder kind of runs the same race every time; nearly 4 clear in last the extra furlong could work to his advantage; he needs pace to show best stuff and there really doens't seem to be a ton of speed in here; another slice?

Seve

Pushed along and put into the race early last time and it worked to perfection; he has drilled like a Swiss clock since and got a boost when the place horse 12/22 won next out in a $25K optional, then was out of the money in a $62.5K optional; runner looms the speed half of the Romans pair; fresh and dangerous.

Ooohs and Aaahs

Connections thought enough of him to try the stakes but he never got into the flow; proven fresh, over 3 clear two back and Castellano enticed; this guy looks well intentioned today.

Elusive Success

Nice bit of training to have this runner primed off the extended layoff; note the show horse was well clear and the show horse in the return was nearly 8 clear; a bit more keen to work last Saturday, distance no problem and you can build a case for a stalk and pounce run from this post; too sharp to ignore.

Lent

Showed a little interest late in the debut and cashed on the stretch out despite going wide; homebred has worked steadily with this race in mind and place horse in the opener graduated next out in a MSW, then beat entry level allowance rivals with an 82 Beyer 2/14 at OP; connections have given him time because the blood is there; he is kin to BC Classic winner and near $5 million earner Fort Larned; respect. - Brian Mulligan

Race 9

Palatine Hill

He looks like he can prove to be a player in this spot whether this race is run over turf or dirt and it's worth noting that he's making is first start after a claim for the Walder barn; note the success that Castellano has had riding for this outfit and he's 4-for-12 for them at the current meeting.

Tiz Ready

He appears to be more comfortable racing over dirt than turf and it would have been nice to have seen him show more in his latest outing while making his first start back from a long layoff, and his first start for this barn; prefer to look toward others.

Volcano Run

He shares the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here with Alicantino, but it is of some concern to see that you have to go back to October 2012 to find his most recent victory; nevertheless, he is a good fit at this level of competition.

Money in Motion

He's light on winning form after 36 starts, and one of his wins was awarded via disqualification; he did run well in his first start for this barn in his latest outing, and he's a solid fit at this 20k claiming level, but still having a tough time backing him for anything more than a minor award.

Storm Warnings

He's another in here trying to snap a long losing streak, but he's capable of dialing up a competitive performance at this level of competition, and he's shown the ability to run his race over turf or dirt; runner up from latest won next out here on 2/8 going 1 1/16m vs. 35k OPC's with a 90 Beyer.

Le Deluge

He's performed at a consistent level since moving into this barn after a claim five back, and he was last seen in a very tough 35k OPC; winner from latest won next out here on 2/1 going 1 1/8m over turf vs. 62k OPC's with an 88 Beyer and third finisher won next out here on 1/24 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 25k OPC's with an 89 Beyer, and then took a G1 over turf here with a 98 Beyer.

Totemtale

Don't like to see that he hasn't finished 1-2 from five starts over turf, but a couple of his better turf starts have been run over this turf course; winner from latest won next out here on 1/26 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 16k claimers with an 85 Beyer.

Hugo Light

He has run some decent races over turf in his career, but he's light on recent winning form, and he is going to need to step it up over what he's been doing lately if he's to threaten the top contenders in this one; note that he's 0-for-14 over the GP turf course.

Dreaming of Danny

Late running type is seeking his first win over this turf course in his tenth attempt, but he has to be considered a good fit at this level of competition, and he's making his first start for Dubb and Vitali after a claim.

Alicantino

He shares the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here with Volcano Run and this gelding appears to be capable of having a say in the outcome whether this race is run over turf or dirt; not going to be at all surprised if he's involved in the running throughout.

No Play

Stakes placed veteran took a step in the right direction while making his second start back from a layoff in his latest outing and he has turf form on his card that is plenty strong enough to suggest that he owns the ability to show up with a competitive performance at this level of competition.

Poco Man

There are a number of horses in the main body of this race who have shown the ability to run well over dirt and this looks like it might prove to be a tough spot for this gelding if this race has to be taken off the turf. - Brian Pochman

Race 10

Blues and Silvers

Draws the fence for her return from the freshening off this cross country trip after being claimed by this outfit out West; barn does boast some recent luck with this type and this mare has run well going long, including a career best Beyer effort over the local sod; nice to see a top pilot take interest in a runner who has been working quite sharply of late, but there is plenty of early foot in this heat.

Kipling's Joy

Stand's top pilot gets back aboard as this gal returns to the trip and footing of her 2 back score; while she was in tough last time she still finds herself in a tough spot, but maybe the plethora of early foot sets things up well for her kick; still, have to limit her use to underneath in exotics.

English Class

Wasn't beaten much at the level in her local debut run and should be tighter in her second start back from more than 7 months on the shelf; mare returned to work well over the course for an outfit that boasts some recent luck second back from the break; graded SP filly settles for a lot of minor awards, but she gets off the fence for the first time in a while here and could fall into a pretty nice trip; consider.

Meri Shika (FR)

Catches softer foes in his return from nearly half a year after middle moving in the Canadian G2 stake first time in North America; she was competitive in middle distance turf heats overseas prior to shipping and her style should play out well given the pace scenario; worth a look.

Will to Shine

Makes her first start off the barn's claim while returning at this trip and level off the fade; mare's prior pace effort in the local return run was pretty sharp and maybe that's what led to the regression last time, but the presence of other speed will likely give her all she can handle; keeps things going up top but this looks to be a tough spot for her from a pace standpoint.

Perfect Package

Stretches back out after sharpening her early lick sprinting over this course; she wasn't able to go on after setting soft splits 2 back, though, and there figures to be quite a bit more pressure up top in this heat; hard to imagine she's able to shake off pressure and outlast the latecomers to the wire.

Free as a Bird

Didn't have enough late at a trip shorter than her best while making her first start in nearly 5 months; mare stretches out to 2 turns and does figure to be tighter with her last behind her; there looks to be plenty of early foot signed on and she could find herself in that next tier of runners, ready to pounce; giving her the nod to get there first today.

Jane of All Trades

Filly's return to the lawn over the local course was not very god and now she'll try 2 turns; both scores over this sod came sprinting on the front end and that looks to be a crowded spot in this one; tough to make much of a case for her here.

Coarsegold

Outside drawn filly gives the trip and level another shot after running out of ground in a quick paced heat; she's never been off the board in 5 career spins over the local sod and she'll get off the fence today; there does look to be plenty of pace in this one as well, so expect she'll be rolling through the lane.

Elusive Fate

MTO makes her first start in over 3 months while stretching back out to 2 turns in this spot; she's been breezing quite well of late at Palm Meadows for the comebacker and she'll get a top pilot if her gets to go; her Saratoga debut effort over a wet track was sharp and that's the likely condition she'll get if she's to meet the starter in this spot; big threat against a turf meant bunch. - Steve Grabowski