Gulfstream: Closer Looks for March 8, 2014

Race 2

Over the Cliff

Set a decent pace in her grass debut last month before fading mid-stretch while favored; ran into a blowout winner in her previous main track test and should be a forward factor today if the early fractions are not too testy.

Tracy's Treasure

Another turf-to-dirt possibility who aimed too high in the last assignment; no known excuse, however, when clearly defeated by La Churchi in the run 2 back; maiden score, at today's distance, was accomplished in modest time; minor spoils possible.

La Chuchi

Never threatened when cutting back in distance last month; she tries the mile for the initial time yet is certainly bred for the extension and she should find herself within range early; drops below the purchase price for the first time and must be considered.

Raising Passion

Did not seem to like the footing when trying the green last month (note fine half-mile breeze on the main track going into that effort); unlike the race 2 back, she will have to rally from well off the pace here but could be set-up if the speeds cancel themselves; not an easy call.

Senora de Lolol

Respectable showing in January,her first outing in nearly 3 months; subsequent works are steady but she spots valuable experience at this distance; has been shut out in all prior attempts at this oval and therefore cannot be given the main recommendation.

Hugh Achoo

Although the Beyer figure earned in the last victory may not inspire, the fractions of that maiden breaker were legitimate; maturing lass seems to have found the right field of 1-time winners and should offer much better odds today as well; playable.

Jojo's Gal

Course and distance win in late January when dropping way down the ladder; the previous try, at the 50 grand maiden level, is of interest as Tex Appeal came back to win an optional claimer earning an 81 Beyer; draws very well and should be a major presence before the turn for home.

Troublesmyrule

Nice try 2 back in her Woodbine finale before shipping to Florida and racing evenly in a sprint; not sure if she can handle the transition to the one-turn mile a winning one, but she will offer betting value and can obtain decent stalking position without much stress. - Jim Kachulis

Race 4

Street Chief

Made up ground in a belated fashion in each of his turf excursions, both traveling a mile and a sixteenth; don't think that the faster pace of this long sprint will help him out much, and it would be surprising to see him crack the top three.

Reach for Yield

Brown hit with 19% of his maiden second-timers going from dirt/turf over the past five years (1.76 ROI); Curlin is evolving into a solid grass sire--his progeny have won at an 18% clip first-time on the sod; unraced dam has thrown five turf winners from nine starters, including stakes performer Lucky Pulpit; preferred.

Broadway Zen

Brings improving dirt sprint form to his first turf attempt; sire's progeny are 0 for 12 on the lawn, and there's not much "green" on the dam's side for this colt, who's closely inbred to Unbridled's Song; Romans has ordinary numbers with first-time grass runners.

We Will

Homebred was a minor player on the dirt during the fall at Laurel; his trainer has excelled with horses making their first start on turf, over which he worked at Payson Park the other day; sire has produced over 12% winners on the lawn, and the stakes-placed dam was unplaced in one turf try.

Atlantic Spring

Gelded son of superb turf sire Stormy Atlantic was along for second when he moved to the grass for his second start Feb. 1--that one-mile route has yielded two next-out maiden-claiming winners; switches jocks from the bug to Solis, and should be in the thick of the battle.

The Five Points

Superb turf sire More Than Ready has sired 12.5% debut winners in North America; dam was unplaced in one turf outing, and none of her five grass starters were victorious; trainer was 0 for 21 with first-timers on the grass during the past five years.

Gibson's Bullet

Was competitive in all four of his turf starts against maiden special company, and is a must-use underneath in exotics; his last race contained three next-out winners, most notably the unbeaten Divine Oath, who notched an N1X/optional event (82 Beyer); Trujillo, who won a turf tilt on Wednesday, finished third on his lone mount at the meet for this barn. - Ron Gierkink

Race 5

Almoradi (IRE)

It has been almost 3 years since this old timer has won a race and that score was on grass for $50K claiming; his top three placings are few and far between also but he was not too far from the trifecta last time; that race came after a slightly longer break from racing: he had 3 outings in January; like the fact that he has the highest most recent Beyer Figure; top three player.

Kentucky Hero

Getting the feeling this colt is not wild about the Gulfstream grass since he is 0 for 8 on that course but 3 for 9 on other turf courses; since he won his non-winners of 3 lifetime he has been wandering; interesting workout time on Mar. 1 (it was quick) but others are preferred.

He's Hollywood

Like others in this field, he is a late, closing type so he will be hoping for some pace to run at; tested dirt last time but nothing happened and the return to grass , slight class drop can lead to a more perky performance; note that if you like Sky Masterson in this race, this guy was not far behind him in Jan.; toss in exotics.

Mean Sax

Old timer is making his 3rd start after a short layoff and the best news for him is that there is not much pace in the field; he sure looked good more than halfway through his latest when he tracked the pace and then moved at the quarter-pole but he flattened out (the winner came from behind him); will tab him as a top three player.

Luigi Q

He has not done a lot of grass work in his career but the first time he tried turf was at Gulfstream and he was beaten just 1 1/2 lengths; he has been in range in his recent outings on the dirt and his good form should be respected; needs to time his move just right; interesting.

Exeter Road

Ontario-bred took his last win late in 2012 on the Gulfstream grass but times have been tough for him since then; he has been away since a lethargic outing 2 months ago and perhaps the class drop will wake him up; dicey.

The B's and E's

Loved the way he gained ground last time despite getting too far behind and having to circle up very wide off the last turn; the winner chased a wild front runner in that race; third start off the layoff can mean a peak effort and this rider has had a lot of success with the barn; serious factor.

Hold That Camera

He has that one huge effort that pops off his record (October outing on dirt) but he has not been close to that form since then; he tries the Gulfstream grass for the 15th time and seeks his first win on the course; outsider.

Sky Masterson

Here is the guy that will take a lot of the betting support since he gets back down to a cozy class level; he tackled a marathon distance last time against better but almost won his previous race; he has enough tactical speed to stay close to what could be a slow pace; big shot. - Jennifer Morrison

Race 6

Honor the Kitten

Cuts back a bit while adding shades for his second start back from 8 months on the shelf; colt's local return wasn't much and his lone score did come over synthetic footing; he did work well for the comebacker, though, and he returns rather quickly so maybe they feel he has more to offer than he showed in that one.

Master Wesley

Five year old owns the field's highest last out turf number though he earned it in an off the board effort against cheaper than he'll face today; 4 time winner may not have the upside of some of these but he was sharp sprinting 3 back in New York and maybe he's set for an improved try third time back; worth a look.

Rapsandtaps

Steps up to face winners in his return to the lawn after wiring maidens across town; his speed should be on display in here, but there is other lick signed on and don't know that this surface is going to move him up much; prefer others on the win end.

United States Won

Gelding's 2 recent route tries earned him his best numbers yet; like the tracking effort 2 back and similar tactics could play out well in a field that looks to feature a solid early clip; barn has had a rough go of things at the stand, but this gelding can go better at this shorter trip.

Bound by Humor

New York bred tries the lawn for the first time while returning from nearly 26 months on the shelf; he's quick and brings fresh speed to the table with a steady recent worktab in tow; sire gets just 7% winners from his first turfers and the dam was 0 for 3 on the green; lone sib to race was multiple restricted SW and 421K earner Sunny Desert who never tried the lawn.

Petey Cramer

Sprinter stretches out while in for the optional tag on the drop back to this level; he was pretty solid on the front end the last time he was sent long but that was 15 months ago and he's likely to see other speed in this heat as well; don't think he'll be around at the finish.

Goodtolook

Enters this off a slop aided, open lengths score over limited winners, earning a number that dwarfs anything these are capable of running; his dam was winless from 3 turf starts, but this gelding just missed in his first surface try a couple of summers back in New York so maybe he takes to it again here; should be rolling from the bell.

Rapscallion

Four year old ran well in his first 2 starts on the green last summer and he's working well for his return from the break; boasts a solid work tab for his comebacker and maybe he's able to find a spot just off the pacesetters early; a tip pilot gets back aboard for a barn that brings them back ready; consider.

Alakazan Alakazan (BRZ)

Lightly raced colt sharpened his lick sprinting in his first start of the year and now he'll stretch out in the move back to the green; he broke his maiden on the lawn in South America and he's been working well on the footing for this; barn's recent numbers on the surface switch aren't much and they don't do their best work on the green, though.

Prado Cat

It's been a while since his maiden score and his last handful of starts were pretty weak; fresh colt does return to the lawn here and maybe that helps move him forward as he did break his maiden over the local sod; he'll get in light with a capable bug named and the price will be right.

Stallwalkin' Dude

MTO rode the slop to a score over cheaper in his return to the local dirt; 2 time strip winner will likely get a similar track condition if this were to get rained off and the turf meant bunch he'd face would probably make the transition to this level easier for him; one to beat if the rains come.

Morgan's Guerrilla

MTO will start from the outside slot if he gets to go in here; 5 year old wasn't a threat in his first start back from the long break, but he ran into a very impressive comebacker in that one and though he returns quickly, could move forward with the effort behind him; big threat if he gets to go. - Steve Grabowski

Race 7

Zahadoom

Preakness-Travers-winning sire (earned 3M in dirt routes) is 27-for-237 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 2-for-19 dam (58K) who did not race past 7F; she produced 4 winners from 6 other foals to race including multiple-Grade 1-stakes winning dirt router Ron the Greek who won his 1st two starts (overall 10-for-30, 2.7M); is the only runner entered without racing experience for a trainer not known to win with 1sters.

Demander

Was screaming out for more distance in last and gets it here; has not raced past 5.5F yet; sire earned 1M but went 4-0-1-1 in dirt routes (79K); dam won 2-of-15 routes (95K) producing G2-SW dirt router 710K Neck N Neck; gets 1st Lasix off the long layoff which can be an improvement angle

Holy Wildcat

Debut-exacta finish represents the field's best Beyer speed figure producing that huge effort at today's-Mile distance; 2nd-time Long is often an improvement angle; gets in lighter than many of these for a high-percentage 2nd start trainer; hard to handle if moves forward off last; the pick.

Appealing Alex

Was screaming out for more yardage in last for a barn not known to win with 1sters; has not raced past 5.5F yet; sire won the G1-Florida Derby; G1-SW dam went 1-for-6 in routes (290K); her only other foal to race Daddy in the Dark is 3-0-1-0 in dirt routes (5K); contender.

C J's Awesome

Is the one to catch after setting the pace sprinting; has not raced past 7F yet; sire was a Breeders' Cup Classic winner; is the 1st foal from dam who was G2-placed in her only dirt-route attempt; 1-for-37 trainer using 1st Lasix since 2013; know him early but unsure about late.

Slip By

Projected to chase C J's Awesome to the lead which likely helps the closers; mild-3F workout off the 1st-route test showed a slight 2nd-time out Beyer improvement; off latest seems best would be at shorter distances than 1 Mile.

Grand Strand

The trainer is just 1-for the last-12 with blinkers on; much to prove off the 2 losses but worked bullets for this suggesting we may see a different colt now the hood is on?; the winner from his debut repeated to make it 2-for-2 in a GP-optional claimer with an 82 Beyer.

Sassicaia

Has not raced past 6.5F yet; sire took both the Preakness and Travers; is the 1st foal out of a 3-for-25 dam (319K) all of her wins in dirt routes; high-percentage fresh trainer saw him race evenly in the debut which should set him up nicely for this; great to see Johnny V here when seemingly having other options; is the one to beat.

Alto Sky

Has not raced past 5.5F yet; G1 sire went 1-for-4 in dirt routes (486K); his 1-for-10 dam went 0-for-1 in dirt routes winning her only race at 8.5F on grass; her only other foal to race Thunder Rode is 1-for-2 (21K) but has not raced past 6F and only started on synthetic surfaces.

Souperfast

Primed for this on grass; his best Beyers were posted on dirt; middle moved 2 back vs. the runner-up finisher who posted a 73 speed figure in a next-out GP-MSW win; steady worktab for this late runner who hopes CJs Awesome and Slip By duel each other into defeat. - Art Gropper

Race 8

Sole Train

This colt is out of a multiple graded stakes placed dam who won 7 of 13 turf starts for 442k, and he took a step in the right direction at second asking; winner from latest won next out here on 3/1 going 1 1/8m over turf in a G3 with an 89 Beyer.

This Guy Is Blue

He finished behind today's rival Sole Train in his latest start and this might prove to be a tough spot for this colt to try to secure his first top-three finish; prefer to look toward others.

Proud Maxx

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a stakes placed dam who won once from 10 starts for 52k, including 0-for-3 over turf; he showed a little improvement the second time around but this looks like a tough spot for his first turf attempt.

V. E. Day

He finished behind a couple of today's rivals in his career debut but he's certainly eligible to be ready for better now that he has some racing experience to draw from; this colt is a full to English Sunrise (2-13, 91k, including 1 of 4 turf starts for 33k).

Skydance

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; this barn can have one ready to go long over turf at first asking but this isn't a soft spot for a firster.

Good Response

Darley-homebred is making just his second start with Lasix and his first wearing blinkers, and he's out of a dam who was a G1 winner racing in Argentina while winning 5 of 22 starts for 237k, including 3 of 14 North American turf starts for 169k.

Are We Not Men

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and dam was winless from two starts, and she didn't make a start over turf; this gelding is a 1/2 to G3 winner Are You Kidding Me (3-13, 301k, including 2 of 8 turf starts for 249k); firster shows up for a barn that has been live at this meeting.

Hines

It's probably worth noting the presence of Velazquez aboard another in here, but this colt ran very well at today's distance in his career debut; he's out of a dam who was a multiple group stakes winner racing overseas while winning 5 of 12 starts for 367k, including 1 of 4 North American turf starts for 101k; this colt is a 1/2 to G3 winner Osidy (4-17, 297k, including 2 of 10 North American turf starts for 245k), and G3 winner overseas Quetshe (4-8, 131k).

Picozza

One of two signed on in here for the Pletcher barn, and with Castellano riding at Tampa today, they see fit to call upon John V. for this; he's shown a good deal of ability in his first three starts and has to be respected as a top contender.

Sheldon

This colt has a fine turf pedigree and perhaps the addition of blinkers can help him avoid falling too far out of it through the opening stages as has been the case in his first four starts; feel that he commands his share of respect in this spot.

Four More

He showed up with an improved performance in his latest outing with the addition of Lasix and he just might be able to prove to be the controlling early speed in this race; the possibility of a slow early pace exists, so not going to be surprised if he's involved in the running throughout.

Giant's Passion

He's by a top turf sire and he's a 1/2 to multiple G1 winner Presious Passion (14-52, $2.6 million, all wins over turf); not wild about the outside post, but this is a top turf barn that can have one ready for better at second asking.

Lynx

This race has a chance to fall apart if it has to be moved to the main track, and based on what this gelding showed us in his dirt debut in his latest outing, he'll command respect as a top contender.

For Goodness Sake

The move to dirt seemed to agree with this colt at second asking and he has a chance to prove to be a fine 50k claim for his current connections based on what he showed in that race; he'll merit contender status if this race has to be taken off of the turf.

Collinito

Although he was disqualified from first and placed second, he was much improved with the addition of blinkers at second asking; it's probably a good idea to keep an eye out for him in the event that he draws in, especially when it looks like the early pace won't heat up all that much.

Trecastle

Like the late life he showed in his career debut and he has plenty of pedigree working in his favor; his dam was a G3 winner while winning 5 of 14 starts for 259k, including 4 of 9 North American turf starts for 233k; this colt is a 1/2 to stakes placed Stone Cat (3-13, 125k over turf), G2 winner Miss Coronado (2-10, 152k, including 1 of 4 turf starts for 41k) and multiple graded stakes winner Karen's Caper (4-14, 622k, including 2 of 7 North American turf starts for 409k). - Brian Pochman

Race 9

Brujo de Olleros (BRZ)

Needed last start and stretches back out; gets a positive 1-pound weight swing from the 6-length deficit he has to make up on Falling Sky; when racing at today's distance 2 back was handled by Golden Ticket so have him rated a notch below the top contenders.

Golden Ticket

Exits his lowest Beyer speed figure since March, 2013, on GP dirt, when outrun facing Grade 3 rivals; 2013-GP win was fresh at longer so coming off the 99-day layoff might be a good angle however his barn nails just 11%-fresh winners since 2013 so will be taking a wait and see approach.

Uncaptured

Brief speed in latest but with Falling Sky going early here expect him to sit back from the bell; 5-0-0-2 record since the FE-500K stakes win while recent races over the track do not entice; career-best Beyer was 3 back when relaxing early then making one run; others appeal more.

Falling Sky

If he was on the lead when winning the GP Sprint you would think he's on the lead here today at 1 Mile; negative 3-pound weight swing off the more than 5-length victory over Narvaez; is 1-for-5 in races at 1 Mile or over while 3-for-5 in sprints; the one to catch and beat.

Sr. Quisqueyano

Wish he fared better than 4th when fresh in June coming off a similar layoff; was way off his best game pre-rest posting his lowest Beyer since July when last facing lesser; his stakes win over the track was gate-to-wire but with the speedy Falling Sky signed on project him to be a pace presence for part.

Narvaez

Enters 0-for-6 overall in races at 1 Mile or over; 139-1-exacta finisher when no match for Falling Sky hoping the extra furlong can help turn the tables while getting a positive 3-pound weight swing for the rematch; worked well for this but races for an 0-for-22 sprint-to-route trainer since 2013.

Itsmyluckyday

Working like he's ready to fire a huge race however must note the barn's 1-for-17 long-layoff record since 2013; Grade 3-stakes winner over the track at longer hopes to bounce back off a did-not-finish line vs. the winner who repeated in a MTH-G1 with a 116 Beyer; contender.

Palace Malice

Exits a Classic with 4 next-out winners; his only race on GP dirt was over a sloppy track when we know he prefers it fast; the winner, runnerup and 5th-place finishers from last Beyered 103-101-100 in next-out CD-G1-HAW-G2 and GP-400K stakes wins; he defeated the 7th-place finisher a 110 Beyer next-out AQU-G1-SW; his-fresh Jim Dandy is a field-best speed figure hoping he can fire best off the bench cutting back to his shortest distance since January, 2013; the pick. - Art Gropper

Race 10

Unlimited Budget

She was among the continent's top 3yo fillies during the first half of 2013, when she took the G2 FG Oaks and ran third behind divisional leaders Princess of Sylmar and Beholder in the G1 Ky Oaks; has been working fast at Palm Meadows for accomplished layoff trainer Pletcher, who's 5 for 22 at the meet when using JR; should be tough to beat if seven furlongs doesn't cramp her style too much.

Crumb

Homebred wasn't able to clear the first allowance condition in a pair of optional claimers at Calder in January; trainer has fared well when adding the hood, but he's been shut out at the meet; don't like her chances one bit.

R Free Roll

Two-time stakes winner earned a triple-digit Beyer twice in her career, but was somewhat of a disappointment in her last two stakes tries; front-runner is stretching out to a distance over which she's questionable, but could make most of the running under Paco, who was aboard for her narrow loss in a G3 fixture here in December.

Mass Invasion

Stretch runner had a lively pace to chase when she closed wide from sixth and last to land a recent N2X/optional event; there's not an abundance of speed in this unique allowance with no conditions for Florida-breds, but she could be along to pick up third money.

Toasting

Stakes winner never fired in a recent turf experiment, and her trainer's turf/dirt stats are weak; she was previously in good nine-furlong form, which included a narrow loss to the favorite in a G3 at Aqueduct, from which Teen Pauline exited to capture three straight stakes on the inner track at the Big A; could be the main threat to Unlimited Budget. - Ron Gierkink

Race 11

King Dix C

His sire loved a long grass race and he is average at 10% with turf debut winners from starters; the mare was 10 for 39, but 0 for 1 on the grass, $1,500; can't be too tough on this colt off debut that came in slop but let's watch again.

Windworthy

He posted his best career Beyer Figure last time when he grabbed 2nd place away from Ronto's Dream with Jaen taking over for the first time; often the 3rd race of a form cycle can be a peak race so maybe he has another move forward; using in bottoms of trifectas, superfectas.

Golden Rifle

He figures to be odds-on as he plunges in claiming price for the high profile stable; colt was a bit sweaty for his Feb. 7 race and he had a good trip but he was a bit flat; the 7th place finisher has come back to win for $20K; most likely winner.

Graffitist

His most recent grass attempt was his first outing for claiming and it was his closest finish of his career; has his 6th different jockey as he moves out in distance for a grass return; minor share.

Dragon Tail

This will be his 25th attempt and he exits the same quick event but 3 of these were ahead of him; he does not have much speed in his style and he tends to hang late; outsider.

Magnificent Moon

Older maiden is making his 3rd start after an extended layoff and he was not far behind 2 of these in his latest; that was a quickly run race where the winner stayed just off the early pace on that firm course; looks like he will be the main threat to Golden Rifle as he figures to move forward once again (he has some back class with those 80 Beyer Figures).

Rontos' Dream

He was 1st time with Lasix last time in his return to grass and he made an early bid to chase the leader but he stalled late and lost 2nd on the wire; he needs to time his move better but he factors in the trifecta and superfecta.

Kat's Corinthian

He will have the blinkers back on but since that lone top three placing last summer at Calder, he has not been close; can't recommend.

Dillon's Actor

Looking for his first top three placing and this will be his 3rd attempt on the grass; toss his latest as he had a bumbling beginning; before that, he had some speed in his turf debut so he probably likes the surface a bit ; still, he's hard to play just yet.

Succesful Brothers

He has been on a sloppy track for 4 consecutive races including the 2 outings off the 11 month layoff; he also has burned a lot of betting money with losses as the favourite but should he draw in because the race is off the turf. he is the one to beat once again. - Jennifer Morrison