Keeneland Babies 2-year old picks and analysis for Oct. 5, 2013

Race 2

1 1/16 Miles (Polytrack)
Maiden Special Weight
2-year-old fillies
Purse $56,000

1. ALONG CAME KITTEN (Kitten's Joy - Steel Millie, by Cherokee Run) Sire 108-580 (19%) 2yos; unplaced dam (2K, 0-4 at 2, 0-3 routes) has 0 winners from 2 runners (0-2 with 2yos, 0-1 with routers); dam 1/2 SW Tap Your Feet (125K, 2-6 route); barn 2-19 (11%, $2.64 ROI) past 5 years all 2yos; never got out of first gear in career debut vs. solid field on turf; must improve.

2. AZHA (Tapit - Alyssum, by Storm Cat) Sire 114-764 (15%) 2yos; sprint SW dam (190K, 1-2 at 2, 0-2 route) has 4 winners from 6 runners (0-3 with 2yos, 2-2 with routers); dam 1/2 G3 SW Destiny Dance (96K, 1-2 routes), SW Aurora (285K, 1-1 route), 2yo SW Yamanin Paradise (1.4M, Japan); barn 0-9 past 5 years 2yos dirt-synthetic; bit surprising that she was so cold on the board considering her pedigree and she broke poorly; probably too early to give up on her, but she needs major improvement.

3. CRACK YOUR WHIP (Stephen Got Even - Relaxing Green, by Formal Gold) 30K yearling; 1/2 SW Noble Charlotte (228K, 0-1 at 2) by 89-762 (12%) 2yo sire; SP dam (160K, 0-3 at 2, 2-14 route) has 2 winners from 3 runners (0-2 with 2yos, 1-2 with routers); dam 1/2 G3 SW Mythical Gem (161K, 0-1 at 2, 1-2 route), 2yo turf SP Multitudinous (47K, 1-2 at 2, 0-1 route), SP 2yo Claremont (61K, 1-3 at 2, 1-3 route), turf SW Apple Charlotte (147K, 0-2 at 2, 1-2 route); barn 1-4 (25%, $2.70 ROI) past 5 years 2yos dirt-synthetic; showed improvement when dropped in for a tag; rallied from the back and was briefly steadied when impeded by a drifting rival in midstretch; 2nd best to the favored winner and should appreciate more distance; interesting.

4. SPRING INCLUDED (Include - Spring, by Stravinsky) 60K yearling; 1/2 G1 SP 2yo Pulsion (194K, 1-5 at 2, 2-12 route) by 95-611 (15%) 2yo sire; unraced dam has 4 winners from 5 runners (2-5 with 2yos, 1-3 with routers); dam 1/2 G3 SP router Throne (75K, 1-7 at 2, 1-12 route); barn 5-34 (15%, $0.89 ROI) past 5 years dirt-synthetic (no 2yos); hooked in speed duel in key sprint (5th-finisher returned to win with 78 Beyer) and may have it a bit easier from a pace perspective here; expect improvement.

5. PREPARED (Giant's Causeway - Pension, by Seeking the Gold) 95K yearling by 88-654 (13%) 2yo sire; dam won route (44K, 1-2 route) with 0 winners from 2 runners (0-2 with 2yos, 0-1 with router); dam full G3 SW Happy Hunting (281K, 4-9 route); dam 1/2 SW router Pardon (108K, 4-11 route); barn 6-18 (33%, $2.65 ROI) past 5 years 2nd-time 2yo synthetic; faced a decent filly in Tamazula (next-out 4th Arlington-Washington Lassie, 70 Beyer); broke a beat slow and was outsprinted early before passing tired foes; more distance helps; some exotics appeal.

6. STREETHOMEALABAMA (Street Sense - Servalina, by A.P. Indy) 95K yearling by 31-212 (15%) 2yo sire; unraced dam has 0 winners from 3 runners (0-3 with 2yos, 0-1 with routers); female family multiple G1 SW Excellent Meeting (1.4M, 4-8 at 2, 6-14 route); barn 2-12 (17%, $1.56 ROI) past 5 years 2yos adding Lasix and going turf-synth; runner-up 9/22 returned to win on dirt with 67 Beyer; beaten less than 3L last time despite being hung 3-4 wide throughout; respect.

7. STOCK YARD HEN (Rock Hard Ten - Perfect Six, by Saratoga Six) 5K short yearling, 30K 2yo after 1F work 10.4; 1/2 SP sprint Ada's Dream (109K, 0-1 route), multiple G3 SW Buffalo Man (505K, 3-5 at 2, 2-6 route) by 40-326 (12%) 2yo sire; multiple SW dam (278K, 2-5 at 2, 1-2 route) has 5 winners from 7 runners (1-2 with 2yos, 1-3 with routers); dam 1/2 SP Explode N' Win (214K, 2-6 at 2, 1-2 route), G2 SW Commitisize (784K, 2-5 at 2, 2-6 route), multiple SW Rusty Spur (281K, 1-2 at 2); barn 2-11 (18%, $1.00 ROI) past 5 years 2yos turf-synthetic; far back early, he was in traffic turning for home and lost all chance when severely checked; deserves another chance.

8. FUN ELUSIVE (Elusive Quality - Amusing Plan, by Pleasantly Perfect) 75K yearling by 98-659 (15%) 2yo sire; 1st starter from sprint winner (34K); dam 1/2 multiple 2yo G1 SW Folklore (945K, 4-7 at 2, 1-1 route), G3 SP sprinter Delightful Quality (208K); barn 0-8 past 5 years 2yos dirt-synthetic; gave an even try at Churchill and may be close to moderate splits; prefer underneath.

SELECTIONS:

1. Streethomealabama
2. Crack Your Whip
3. Fun Elusive

THE PLAY:

Streethomealabama - Crack Your Whip - EXACTA Streethomealabama - Fun Elusive EXACTA

Race 3

7 Furlongs (Polytrack)
Maiden Special Weight
2-year-olds
Purse $56,000

1. SPOT (Pulpit - Quiet Summernight, by Quiet American) 150K RNA yearling; 1/2 SW Quiet All American (233K, 0-3 at 2, 3-7 sprint) by 152-1002 (15%) 2yo sire; placed dam (14K, 0-3 at 2, 0-6 sprint) has 4 winners from 7 runners (1-6 with 2yos, 4-6 with sprinters); dam 1/2 G2 SW 2yo router Night In Reno (206K, 3-7 at 2, 2-8 sprint); barn 10-45 (22%, $1.57 ROI) past 5 years turf-synthetic (1-5 with 2yos); 3rd- and 4th-finishers from 8/22 returned to win and runner-up came back to finish 2nd in 100K stake LAD; should be forwardly placed from rail.

2. HARBOR BOUND (Rockport Harbor - Sequoia Queen, by Forestry) 42K yearling by 74-534 (14%) 2yo sire; dam won sprint (77K, 2-3 sprint) with 2 winners from 3 runners (1-2 with 2yos, 2-3 with sprinters); 2nd dam multiple SW Barefoot Dyana (432K, 3-10 at 2, 1-6 sprint); barn 0-10 past 5 years 2yos dirt-synth; good learning debut as off slow and forced to wait in traffic on turn; finished evenly once clear; contender.

3. COASTLINE (Speightstown - Culinary, by El Amante) 190K yearling by 97-494 (20%) 2yo sire; dam 2yo G3 SW router (271K, 2-3 at 2, 0-1 sprint) with 1 winner from 2 runners (0-2 with 2yos, 1-2 with sprinters); 2nd dam G1 turf SP Volunteer (Argentina, 0-1 at 2); barn 3-11 (27%, $1.24 ROI) past 5 years 2nd-out 2yos dirt-synth; beat gate as chalk but jock opted to track outside; ended up 4 wide on turn and was easily 2nd-best; respect.

4. GHOST TO GHOST (Ghostzapper - Cinderellaslipper, by Touch Gold) 100K yearling, 65K 2yo after 1F work 11.0; sire 49-265 (18%) 2yos; unplaced dam (3K, 0-2 sprint) has 2 winners from 4 runners (0-2 with 2yos, 2-3 with sprinters); dam 1/2 G1 route SW Eithan (Argentina, 76K, 1-1 at 2, 3-8 sprint); barn 7-23 (30%, $2.30 ROI) past 5 years 2yos turf-synthetic; gained fitness from debut over testing turf course; exotics player.

5. POLISH COWBOY (Mineshaft - Spring Tide, by Unbridled's Song) 17K yearling by 61-440 (14%) 2yo sire; dam won route (35K, 0-1 at 2, 0-3 sprint) with 2 winners from 3 runners (1-3 with 2yos, 2-2 with sprinters); dam 1/2 G3 SW 2yo Mr. Sea Sanders (112K, 2-3 at 2, 3-18 sprint), G3 SP Delightful Bet (101K, 1-8 sprint), 2yo G2 SW sprinter Old Tascosa (393K, 3-9 at 2, 14-42 sprint), SW Lights On (216K, 0-3 at 2, 3-18 sprint); barn 0-8 past 5 years 2yos dirt-synthetic; hard to love off dull debut.

6. GREYFELL (Roman Ruler - Sakura Song, by Unbridled's Song) 40K yearling; 1/2 SP sprinter Arcade (46K, 1-4 sprint) by 65-420 (15%) 2yo sire; unraced dam has 3 winners from 4 runners (0-2 with 2yos, 2-4 with sprinters); dam 1/2 G3 SW sprinter Traverse City (495K, 0-2 at 2, 10-26 sprint); barn 9-52 (17%, $2.07 ROI) past 5 years 2yos synthetic; got hot going to post 9/6 and set uncontested pace before grudgingly yielding to promising winner; earned big number, figures close to pace and must be considered.

7. STORM VIPER (Stormy Atlantic - Satin Sash, by Silver Deputy) 42K weanling, 30K yearling, 35K 2yo after 1F work 10.0; sire 240-1261 (19%) 2yos; 1st starter from route-placed dam (3K, 0-2 sprint); dam full G3 SW Leonnatus Anteas (600K, 3-3 at 2, 1-2 sprint); barn 4-21 (19%, $1.63 ROI) past 5 years 2yos synthetic sprints; chased the very promising Cool Cowboy (90 Beyer winner 9/14) both times AP; expect good early speed.

8. NATE'S DYNAMITE (Mineshaft - Funny Girl Rachel, by Distorted Humor) Sire 61-440 (14%) 2yos; sprint winner (104K, 4-16 sprint) has 0 winners from 2 runners (0-2 with 2yos, 0-1 with sprinters); dam 1/2 multiple G2 SP Remand (127K, 1-1 at 2, 1-6 sprint); barn 1-1 (100%, $7.80 ROI) past 5 years turf-synthetic; Lasix may help, but he needs an improved effort.

9. HADRIAN'S VILLA (Cowboy Cal - Beloved by All, by Rubiano) 95K RNA yearling; 1/2 multiple SP Grand Sensation (386K, 0-1 at 2, 9-34 sprint), 2yo sprint SW Runstevierun (56K, 1-8 at 2, 3-13 sprint) by multiple G2 SW (1.0M, 2-3 at 2, 0-1 sprint, 0-15 with 2yo FTS); dam G3 SP router (64K, 1-1 at 2, 2-6 sprint) with 5 winners from 7 runners (2-5 with 2yos, 1 FTS winner, 5-6 with sprinters); dam 1/2 G2 SW sprinter Afto (133K, 1-2 at 2, 3-8 sprint), 2yo SP sprinter Sensible (80K, 1-5 at 2, 1-5 sprint); barn 1-25 (4%, $1.35 ROI) past 5 years 2yo FTS synthetic MSW sprint; 8/15 work matches Athenian Beauty (FTS Friday R1); 8/24 work matches Peggy's a Ten (2nd 15K MCL 9/15 IND 45 Beyer); 9/28 work matches Not Be Forgotten (54 dirt Beyer); 9/28 work matches Trans Continental (83 dirt Beyer)

10. SPRINGBOARD (Spring At Last - Woodland Sprite, by Woodman) 6.5K short yearling, 20K yearling; 1/2 SP Speargun (74K, 0-2 at 2, 1-12 sprint) by 23-150 (15%) 2yo sire; winning dam (68K, 1-6 sprint) has 3 winners from 4 runners (0-3 with 2yos, 2-3 with sprinters); dam 1/2 G1 SW Pool Land (529K, 1-2 sprint), G2 SP My Chickadee (246K, 1-4 sprint); barn 7-30 (23%, $1.89 ROI) past 5 years turf-synthetic (1-3 with 2yos); jock gave an excellent ride to save ground after breaking from tough outside post; outpaced late, but can do more here.

11. CONQUEST AFLEET (Afleet Alex - Corre Scout, by El Corredor) 47K short yearling, 75K yearling, 95K RNA 2yo after 3F work 34.2, 170K 2yo after 2F work 21.1; sire 15-173 (9%) 2yo FTS; 1st starter from unraced dam; dam 1/2 G3 SP Back in Shape (268K, 0-1 at 2, 0-2 sprint); barn 17-129 (13%, $1.35 ROI) past 5 years 2yo FTS synthetic sprint MSW; 8/30 work matches Prayer On a Wing (2nd FTS MSW 9/29 CD 49 Beyer); 8/30 work matches Exploring (1st AN1X 9/6 CD 81 Beyer); 9/20 work matches Pool Play (6th Homecoming Classic 9/28 CD 73 Beyer);

12. BERN' JAMES BERN (Bernstein - Lovely Reward, by Gulch) 23K yearling by 32-268 (11%) 2yo FTS sire; 1st starter from unplaced dam (0-1 sprint); dam 1/2 multiple turf SW With Patience (393K, 0-2 sprint), G3 SW Lovely Afternoon (150K, 2-6 at 2, 1-4 sprint); barn 14-90 (16%, $1.81 ROI) past 5 years 2yo FTS synthetic MSW sprint; 9/11 work matches Me Commanche (52 dirt Beyer); 9/11 work matches Regally Ready (4th Kentucky Cup Turf Dash 9/14 KD 94 Beyer);

SELECTIONS:

1. Coastline
2. Greyfell
3. Springboard

THE PLAY:

Coastline - Greyfell EXACTA
Coastline - Springboard EXACTA

Race 8

1 1/16 Miles (Polytrack)
The Dixiana Breeders' Futurity (G1)
2-year-olds
Purse $400,000

1.INTENSE HOLIDAY (Harlan's Holiday - Intensify, by Unbridled's Song) Picked up his game in first start around two turns, rating on an uncontested lead before motoring home over next-out 66-Beyer graduate Afleet Accompli; likely will have to rate here with plenty of speed to his outside, but should save valuable ground going into the first turn; note that Pletcher is only 2-26 (8%, $0.39 ROI) over the past 5 years with 2yos going dirt-synthetic; prefer on bottom of exotics.

2. KENDALL'S BOY (Sky Mesa - Golden Damsel, by Gold Token) This colt was working very well leading up to the debut, but he had the misfortune to catch the highly-touted Havana; regrouped to win as the heavy chalk in slow time at Churchill Downs; has some stamina in the pedigree, but will try two turns and polytrack for the first time while facing tougher; expect early speed, but he may have to go fast to get the lead; curious to see how hard he's bet and how he does; prefer underneath; according to the Keeneland Clocker Report for 9/30, he "started 2-3 lengths back of Information Age and Speightshill, rallied to be almost even at the wire, and was the stronger on the gallop out";

3. SCHOOL ON A HILL (Student Council - My Meggie Meg, by French Deputy) Privately purchased by shrewd connections following rallying AP win, but never got involved when facing impressive filly debuter My Conquestadory in the Summer (she runs Friday); Catalano put Lasix on 2yo Animal Kingdom at Keeneland in 2010 and the colt responded by graduating; late runner should get an excellent setup with plenty of speeds in the lineup; exotics appeal.

4. LADDIE BOY (War Pass - Lil's Lassie, by Lil's Lad) This guy carved out some legitimate fractions in the Grade 3 Iroquois and understandably tired when the real racing began; that was a pretty tough spot as he was stretching out 3.5 furlongs fresh off a maiden win at Indiana Downs; know him in the early portion of the race, but there are distance, surface and class questions to address.

5. RUM POINT (Malibu Moon - Quiet Weekend, by Quiet American) Graduated in gate-to-wire fashion over the Del Mar polytrack, but that race came back slower than a maiden special for Cal-bred juvenile fillies on the same card; faltered when tested for the first time in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity on 9/4 and it will be interesting to see if the addition of blinkers enhances his good speed; dam was a pure sprinter on turf in France so distance could be an issue

6. SOLITARY RANGER (U S Ranger - Galileo's Star, by Lil E. Tee) He's quick and pretty talented; battled 9-1 shot Lotsa Mischief into the ground (that one finished last) through testing fractions in the Arlington-Washington Futurity only to continue onward to an easy victory; continues to work bullets in the morning, but may have to save some of that speed with other pace rivals looming large; tries 2 turns for the 1st time; not out of it.

7. GENERAL JACK (Giant's Causeway - J'ray, by Distant View) Not surprising this one took to turf considering his pedigree and he's done little wrong in 2 starts over the green; beat Bashert in debut and that one came back to win his next two including a Grade 2; pulled early at CBY, but soon settled behind the early leader; seemed very green in the stretch, switching leads several times but was striding out nicely at the wire; that race gave him valuable two-turn experience; seems capable.

8. PONTOS (Tale of the Cat - Winning Chance, by Alphabet Soup) Appreciated stretching his legs around two turns, but not sure he beat much at DEL (3rd-finisher returned to win 30K MCL with 57 Beyer and was recently running for 20K; unlikely to make the easy lead he obtained last time and is stepping way up in class; in very tough.

9. CONQUEST TITAN (Birdstone - Miner's Secret, by Mineshaft) 475K 2yo purchase was bet hard for his debut, but caught a key race (Dunkin Bend has since won 2 in a row including the G3 Sapling) and tired late; really caught the eye with his facile Swynford score as he came to hand nicely while setting the pace, opened up turning for home and finished under mere hands and heels encouragement; it will be interesting to see what trip he gets as he's quick from the gate, but there are others that may have designs on the front; dam a 1/2 sister to 10F turf winner Woodlander so there's some stamina in the pedigree; respect.

10. ARCTIC SLOPE (Van Nistelrooy - Alpine Spring, by Coronado's Quest) Made his debut in a live turf heat at Saratoga and was one of 3 next-out winners to emerge from the race (Bashart took the graded With Anticipation); rallied off moderate fractions to win his maiden on dirt at Churchill Downs and may have the right off-the-pace running style for this race; distance and surface shouldn't be an issue; needs Beyer boost, however, to take down all the marbles.

11. READY FOR ACTION (Ready's Image - April Gator, by Green Alligator) Has shown a willingness to rally from off the pace in sprints, but the distance is still somewhat of a question as the dam did most of her damage going short; wheels back on short notice for excellent barn, but takes a big class hike and the Beyers pale in comparison to those of the main contenders; taking a wait-and-see approach for now.

12. WE MISS ARTIE (Artie Schiller - Athena's Gift, by Fusaichi Pegasus) Didn't love the maiden win as he tracked an easy pace before surging by turning for home; only one of the six next-out runners from that race cracked the trifecta (in a 65K maiden claimer); willing to give him a mulligan for the With Anticipation as he was hung outside and that may have sapped his stretch kick; expecting Johnny V. to take him off the pace and make one run in a race packed with speed; minor award could be his ceiling.

13. SMARTY'S ECHO (Smarty Jones - Silver Echo, by Eastern Echo) Needed the length of the stretch to catch loose pacesetter Greyfell (entered in today's 3rd race) after tracking that one from the inside on the backstretch; earned a nice Beyer Speed Figure, but he looked green in the stretch racing on his left lead; bullet workout should have him primed and he may work out a stalking trip behind a solid pace; must avoid a wide trip from tough outside post; contender.

14. TIZNOWFORAMERICA (Tiznow - Papa to Kinzie, by Boston Harbor) Think this colt is talented, but they're asking a lot by stretching him out 3 furlongs for his first start against winners and over polytrack; made good debut in ultra key heat (4 next-out winners and In Trouble took G2 Futurity) before speed-popping overmatched opponents in the mud 9/2; speed has been his game and he is stuck way outside with other fast ones to his inside; by stout sire, but dam was mostly a sprinter; not out of it, but demand value.

15. MEDAL COUNT (Dynaformer - Brisquette, by Unbridled's Song) Looked pretty good overcoming some adversity to win his maiden at Ellis Park, but it doesn't look like he beat the strongest field in the world and the race came back pretty slow; 360K yearling has upside potential and would get the right pace setup if he started here, but the leap up in company may simply be too much of a mountain to climb.

16. OOGELEY EYE (Afleet Alex - Flirting Glances, by Maria's Mon) Received a nice education when rallying along the rail in the debut, but was no match for Kendall's Boy at Churchill, and would start from a tough outside post if he gets in from the also-eligible list; cross-entered in a maiden race on Friday and would fit much better in that spot; according to the Keeneland Clocker Report for 9/28, he "went well, in company with Eirigh and was slightly better at the finish";

SELECTIONS:
1. Conquest Titan
2. Smarty's Echo
3. General Jack

THE PLAY:

Conquest Titan to WIN and PLACE at 4-1 odds or greater