Aqueduct
Keeneland: Closer Looks for April 18, 2014
Race 2
| Il Mangia Troppo |
| Sire gets about 13% winners from his first out runners and the dam was winless from 3 starts prior to dropping 3 winners including G2 SW router and 747K earner Hero of Order; not easy to win at this trip right out of the box but his pedigree does suggest he'll like routing and he worked sharply at Turfway last week for a low profile barn that has had a nice year. |
| First Beach |
| Had his number taken down at Turfway last month while making his first start since the summer; barn keeps them going second back from the break of late and this guy's pedigree does give the indication he'll like today's added trip; nice to see a top pilot take interest and the fact that some of these have run faster means he'll be a solid price. |
| Everyday |
| Tries synthetic footing for the first time after getting second money as the chalk in each of his 2 starts on dirt this season; he'll get a switch to a rider who owns this place and he owns the best recent route numbers in here, albeit on dirt; lightly raced 4 year old looks to be the one to down. |
| Arch Pearl |
| Import will get Lasix for his stateside debut after coming up short late when cut back in distance in his last start during the summer in Ireland; colt liked 10 panels on the green over there last year and should appreciate the stretch back out in his return to the races; interesting newcomer. |
| Decamp |
| Earned a big number when runner up in his Turfway sprint debut last month; gelding started from the outside draw in that one so maybe this post helps and he does figure to offer early foot on the stretchout to 9.5 panels; dam dropped a handful of overseas winners as well as multiple G1 SP, G2 SW turf router and 573K earner Grassy so he should certainly take to today's added trip; contender. |
| Large Scale |
| Got closer to the winner when moved back to the lawn last time at Fair Grounds but he really wasn't much of a threat; 5 year old has had his share of chances and neither of his synthetic spins was anything special; have to side with others on the win end. |
| Federal Agent |
| Outside drawn colt is an 11 time loser trying synthetic footing for the initial time today; while he owns some back turf numbers that would fit here, none of his tries this year stack up very well in this spot; maybe the extended trip helps him get involved for a share. - Steve Grabowski |
Race 3
| Chart Topper |
| Not only did his form take a noticeable turn for the better when introduced to the turf game three starts back, but he's shown further improvement in his two starts as a 3-year-old; he has to be careful to avoid an early pace confrontation, but he commands respect as a top contender. |
| Thunder Strike (GB) |
| It looks like he's run a number of good races overseas and he earned a G2 stakes placing three starts back; this is an outfit that does well with imports and it looks like they tightened the screws in his latest workout; viewing the presence of Rosario as a positive indicator. |
| Rope a Dope |
| Like what he showed us in his first two starts over turf and not going to be too hard on him for the sub par performance when tested against stakes competition for the first time in his latest outing; a number of his recent workouts look sharp and he attracts the services of John V. for this. |
| Lemon Point |
| The improvement was noticeable when she was placed over turf four starts ago and she might be ready for her best effort to date while making her second start as a 3-year-old and her first start since January; however, she is meeting up with boys today; 1-2-3 finishers from latest returned to win with Beyer Speed Figures of 80, 86 and 89. |
| Bisque |
| He was a sharp winner in his only turf start in his career debut and that was really a nice effort for a 2-year-old in early July; he appears to be well meant while getting over back over turf for this and Napravnik has won with 14 of 33 (42%) mounts for this barn in 2014. |
| Sniper (GB) |
| He might appreciate turning back to a sprint distance for his second start in America, and it wouldn't be any suprise to discover that this high win percentage outfit has him ready for better this time around; Carmouche has won with 9 of 35 (26%) mounts for this barn the past three years. |
| Ry's the Man |
| Improving 3-year-old is two-for-two racing over turf, and if a few of these decide to heat things up on the front end through the opening stages, he'll be happy to sit out the early running and make one late move. |
| Laddie Boy |
| Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters, and he's won with 1 of 21 (5%) starters trying turf for the first time; multiple stakes placed dam won 5 of 19 starts for 116k, including 0-for-5 over turf; G2 stakes placed colt owns the type of early speed that can be useful in a turf dash. - Brian Pochman |
Race 5
| Gridlock |
| He has quit cold in every start but he now races for the lowest level of his career; the endurance levels should increase if he is not challenged early and if he is capable of setting an easier early tempo. |
| Standing Tall |
| Never got untracked at Sam Houston although he was bet down to 2 to 1 in a large field; his sire won a G1 and 591K while the dam scored in 4 of 12 appearances earning 83K; winning siblings include 38K earner Denali Tizawinner. |
| Penny's Deputy |
| Five-year-old held well until the final furlong of his last assignment over the green; should improve off that tightener and the local half-mile breeze was fair; must avoid a pace war with Gridlock; difficult call. |
| Hijo Del Corredor |
| Game in defeat last month when putting away Penny's Deputy but losing a blanket finish; must be respected in light of the new trainer involved; should be able to achieve decent early position once again if taking to this surface. |
| No Free Lunch |
| First time for a tag, always a potent angle; the colt was chasing swift fractions in that February getaway race; looks like a very comfortable fit in this group if not moving too early into contention; reverts to Goncalves who was aboard for that solid placing 2 back. |
| War Ready |
| Cuts back from seven furlongs after being jammed at the start of that affair; the only runner in the field with a race over the track, a major advantage; drops down a peg and can be a major late presence with patient handling. |
| Daylightem Rich |
| Flashed brief speed in his maiden voyage at Turfway; his sire won a G3 and 461K while the dam was without victory in 2 attempts; sib to 108K bankroller Art I Awesome; generous odds assured once again. |
| Enlisted Man |
| In his comeback race at Oaklawn, he did not break alertly and never got involved thereafter; subsequent workout tab, however, is evenly spaced and the latest half-mile breeze is encouraging; ran against 2 above average fields in 2013; curious item. |
| Borseggiatore |
| Goes back to blinkers after coming up empty in the last run at Gulfstream which featured a rapid early pace; should find himself closer to the lead here and, despite trying claimers for the first time, should offer fair market value. |
| Cocico |
| Newcomer hails from multiple G1 star Henrythenavigator who garnered 2.76 million (his offspring have scored in 6 of 51 debuts); the dam went 3 for 12 earning 1`53K; winning siblings include 53K earner Barbies M. |
| Go Gamecocks |
| Steady set of half-mile drills to consider for this son of G2 winner, and prolific sire, Tale of the Cat (a lifetime winner of 360K whose progeny have scored in 160 out of 944 initial races); the dam was unraced; sib to 67K earner Justleavemealone. - Jim Kachulis |
Race 6
| Silver Union |
| Bet down to under 4-1 odds for the debut where she faded; the long layoff comes with a KEE-3F bullet workout so assume we will see better gate speed out of her; in 5 races at today's distance on KEE synthetic from April 9-13 closers were winning; all winners raced 4th or worse at the 1st call averaging 5 lengths back; view as a pace presence for part. |
| Cozy Nicole |
| Unveiling on turf represents a field-best Beyer speed figure; the trainer since 2013 is 1-for-11 with turf-to-synthetic surface starters; working on KEE synthetic like she won't miss a beat; main issue is the added furlong after being outfinished for the win at 1 furlong shorter. |
| Gray Favor |
| Sire is 38-for-274 with 1st-time starters; is out a 3-for-46 dam (147K) who produced 4 winners from 5 other foals to race including 143K-earning-stakes winner Venture Cat (9-for-45, 143K); a so-so worktab is on display for 1st asking. |
| Ready Player One |
| Cuts back in distance to her shortest-test ever after offering brief speed in last; her best race 2-back saw her rally from 6th-five lengths back at the 1st call and that profile was a winning one in KEE-6.5F races last week; main concern is the trainer's 0-for-14 turf-to-synthetic record since 2013 but fits vey well here and is the one to beat. |
| Ruefully |
| Sire is 51-for-474 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 4-for-21 stakes-winning dam (212K) who produced 7 winners from 7 other foals to race including G1-SW Rutherienne (11-for-24, 1.2M); working like a runner for a trainer not known to win with 1sters (1-for-50 since 2013). |
| La Madera |
| DMR absentee returns to a synthetic surface and clearly the previous trainer had high hopes for her going right into stakes company for her unveiling; not much form in either loss but faced nice ones in defeat; the winner from last captured her next 2 starts taking two-100K stakes with 83-79 Beyers; the debut winner repeated in a DMR-100K event with a 66 speed figure. |
| Red Parasol |
| The runner-up and 12th-place finishers from last Beyered 77-53 in next-out AQU-MSW and KEE-50K-maiden-claiming wins; adds blinkers after breaking slowly again then was outrun throughout; the debut winner made it 2-for-2 in a PRX allowance with an 87 Beyer; has to display the ability to break better to land a share. |
| Trippydoodle |
| Away since the career-low Beyer when defeated by the runner-up finisher who posted 72-66 speed figures in 2 next-out wins taking a KEE-MSW and LRL-optional claimer; tired in many of her races while stretching out to her longest-distance ever today is clearly a stamina hurdle she will have to overcome. |
| Nanette's Spirit |
| Sire is 9-for-63 with 1st-time starters; is out of a Grade 3-stakes-winning dam (3-for-7, 140K) who produced 9 winners from 12 other foals to race including 79K-earner Glackity Glack (5-for-36); the 0-for-19 debut trainer since 2013 is an issue; the barn's KEE winner this meet was a fresh-last-out TP runner. |
| So Festive |
| Sire is 21-for-247 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 3-for-22 dam (179K) who's only other foal to race is 2-for-7 Old School (16K); the KEE workout for this was rock solid; the trainer won with a last-out TAM layoff runner here last week and yields 28% winners 1st Lasix; 47%-KEE win rider Garcia getting the mount adds to the appeal; the pick. |
| Temper |
| Sire is 71-for-672 with 1st-time starters; is out of a SW-dam (1-for12, 76K) who produced 4 winners from 5 other foals to race including 86K-earner Love Buzz (1-for-21, 86K); quick March 31 KEE workout but overall have mixed reviews from the worktab for her 1-for-20 debut trainer since 2013. - Art Gropper |
Race 7
| Mal Guapo |
| Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters, and he's won with 1 of 20 (5%) starters trying turf for the first time; dam won 3 of 22 starts for 29k, and she didn't make a turf start; turf is a question and he hasn't been the most consistent performer, but he's run very well in a couple of his dirt starts. |
| Midnight Notes |
| This barn has been getting the job done with turf starters and this colt ran pretty well in his first start for them in his latest outing; however, this might prove to be a difficult step up in class for him; respect the presence of John V., but leaning toward others. |
| Mt Tronador |
| He ran well in his turf starts at second and third asking, and perhaps he'll regain that form while getting back over turf after a dirt and synthetic surface start; however, this does appear to be a tough test for him; runner up from latest won next out 12/15 going 1 1/16m vs. N1X rivals with an 87 Beyer. |
| Rei |
| He was sharp when finishing third after a layoff in his most recent start over turf at Gulfstream Park two races ago, and he's out of a multiple G1 winning dam who won 8 of 37 starts for 526k, including 6 of 28 turf starts for 494k, and he's a 1/2 to multiple stakes placed Easy Crossing (2-11, 117k over turf); Elliott has won with 4 of 16 (25%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting. |
| Lurego |
| Half-brother to G1 winner Turallure (6-21, $1.3 million over turf) only has three starts to his name to this point in his 4-year-old season, and this has a chance to prove to be a tough assignment for his first start since August and his first start against winners. |
| Dalton to Green |
| He was beaten by today's rival Lurego when he was last seen racing over turf and that rival doesn't appear to be his biggest concern in this spot; obviously he needs a much improved performance if he's to have a say in the outcome. |
| Citizen Wells |
| This barn has been making the most of their starters in 2014 and this gelding has shown the ability to produce a pretty sharp performance on his best day; third-place finisher from latest won next out at FG on 11/30 going 1m over turf vs. 25-20k N2L claimers with a 72 Beyer. |
| Red Vine |
| The next time this colt runs a bad race will the the first time and the winner from his latest race returned to win next out at GP on 3/29 going 1m over turf in a G3 with a 101 Beyer; not going to argue with anyone who is looking favorably in this direction. |
| Justfollowmylead |
| Sire wins with approximately 16% of his turf starters and minor stakes winning dam won 4 of 16 starts for 88k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this looks like a tough spot for this colt to get over turf for the first time. |
| Song to You |
| Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam won once from 10 starts for 59k; this colt is a 1/2 to stakes placed Lexington Pearl (9-28, 167k, including 1 of 10 turf starts for 30k); this colt has appeal in his first turf test and he's already shown a good deal of ability in his dirt starts. - Brian Pochman |
Race 8
| Lady Rouge |
| Draws the fence for her return from 3 months on the shelf after holding on to score off the break in her first crack with winners; she ran pretty well on synthetic footing in Canada last year so the surface switch shouldn't bother her and she has proven she can fire fresh. |
| Lonesome Town |
| Held ok despite the wide trip in her first start of the season for a new outfit and now she'll move back to the footing of her open lengths maiden score around this time last year; mare should be better with her last behind her and a top pilot will take the call; contender. |
| Miss Lucky Sevens |
| West coast shipper makes her local return after failing to get the money in shades in each of her last 2 spins; nice to see a top pilot take interest and she does figure to be closer to the top on the stretchout here, but don't know that 2 turns is really going to move her up much today; prefer to limit her use to underneath in exotics. |
| Seanchai |
| Ran well to get second money when dropped back to this level on the Gulfstream lawn last time and now she'll tackle this type of footing for the initial time; like the way she's been working over the local main track for this sharp outfit and though she'll get yet another new pilot today's rider has done pretty well at the local stand; think she'll prove to be the one to beat. |
| Propelleroneway |
| Hood goes on for her second start back from the freshening after showing little from the Fair Grounds turf fence; barn moves them up second back from the break and she's working well on the local footing for her return to this venue; price should be right to give her a good look. |
| Rosee Is Cozee |
| Tackles a tougher bunch while looking for her third win in her last 4 starts; gray has been in career best form since moving back to this footing and she has solid positional lick but she'll need to breakthrough with a career best number in order to prove a serious threat on the win end. |
| Star Pearl |
| Beaten last out chalk makes her first start since offering little in her stateside debut in Maryland last fall; filly ran a big one in victory while trying synthetic footing for the first time overseas late last summer and this barn brings them back ready; note that Leparoux hasn't had any recent success for this outfit, but she can't be overlooked here. |
| Ode to a Skylark |
| Took a step back off a couple of solid efforts to begin the year while drawing the fence in her first crack at the level; she'll make her synthetic debut in this spot and it's not always an easy transition to this type of footing, but she did run pretty well 2 back on dirt and if she can offer a similar one over this stuff she must be considered. |
| Liberated |
| Didn't have much impact from an outside slot against Tampa stakes runners in her return from the freshening; filly handled this surface well in the fall and maybe the local return helps perk her up some; barn doesn't do so well second off the break, but this one's interim drills suggest she may be set for a better try. |
| Ambusher |
| Moves to an outside slot in her return to synthetic after a solid late running effort at a big price at Tampa; barn hasn't had much luck with its runners trying this type of footing of late, but this gal does own a solid local sprint effort; still, she's got some work to do from here. |
| St. Borealis |
| Outside drawn miss didn't offer much in her first start of the year while routing at Turfway; she's yet to prove she can step at the level and don't know that she'll have much of a chance to do so from out here; have to side with others for the money spots. - Steve Grabowski |
Race 9
| Ire |
| This is her venue; pinballed last time, she was boosted a bit when the show horse 12/7 took a $57.5K NC allowance next out with a 90 Beyer; would expect rider to take a little hold, try to save ground, make the one run. |
| Moment in Dixie |
| Was inside in last and never really got untracked; she was flattered when the winner of last repeated in a Grade 3, then ran out of the money in a G1; beaten 6 in the last return effort and this race is a far cry from beaten 4 optional claimers like she did in the last victory. |
| Pearl Turn |
| Only beaten a length and a quarter in the synthetic effort across the pond; 1/23 show horse cashed next out in an N1X, then was out of the money in an N3L spot; miss has been consistent but she gets the acid test here. |
| Gold Medal Dancer |
| Far back in the other Graded efforts; she was just holding on in last when over 3 clear; like fact she has natural speed but doesn't need the lead to win and she beat a nice horse last time; place horse in last Imposing Grace won a G3 last year. |
| Noble Charlotte |
| Lack of speed a legit concern; only in the money once since beating 4 rivals last June; she did show renewed energy in the drill last Saturday but with her style, things have to break just right. |
| Dixie Strike |
| Mare may not have cared for the sealed wet/fast strip in last; back on preferred surface, and she got a boost when the winner of last repeated last Friday in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom; the winner of this race last year Ice Cream Silence was also coming off a loss in a Grade 2; look for her late if at all. |
| Sisterly Love |
| Mare has more speed than she flashed in last; proven in a G3 on the synthetic and she has sat second early and won in her career; this miss will be the speed component of the Casse runners; far too sharp to ignore. |
| Sisterhood |
| Ward spots them solidly year in and year out and this miss was a troubled 2nd in this race last year; love the spacing of the drills coming to this event and note this rider has had good success for this outfit; must find a way to turn the tables on the Mott runner among others. |
| Solid Appeal |
| Her tactical speed will give her first run on the deep closers once again; like fact she has several local drills and she got a boost when the 8/17 winner and champion Dank took the BC F and M Turf with a 104 Beyer before running third beaten 8 in the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free; slightly shorter trip should work to her advantage. |
| Emollient |
| Repeatedly proven fresh, she is a multiple Grade 1 winner including the local score last year; dueled into submission last time but she was flattered when the winner of last repeated in the G3 Santa Barbara with a 92 Beyer last Sunday; the one to deny. |
| Strathnaver (GB) |
| Mare has been expertly managed; she will not be intimidated by the big field as she was 2nd beaten a neck in a 16-horse field in 2012; 4th finisher in last took a $150K stakes next out, 7th finisher took a Grade 3 at GP with a 94 Beyer; she has been working like she means business today. - Brian Mulligan |
Race 10
| Transcend |
| Like to see the improvement he's shown along the Beyer Speed Figure scale since turning 5 and his best effort is strong enough to make him a player in this spot; winner from latest won next out at GP on 3/29 going 1m over turf in a G3 with a 101 Beyer; Rosario has won with 3 of 6 mounts for this barn in 2014. |
| Tesseron |
| Grade 3 stakes placed colt deserves another chance to see what he can do over turf and he's out of a stakes winning dam who won 3 of 5 turf starts for 121k; however, his best races were run as a 2-year-old, and he must improve over his recent form to have a shot against these. |
| Fighter Squadron |
| His form racing over turf in Ireland looks good, and can't be too harsh on him for what he showed in his first start in America as that race was run on dirt; 360k purchase shows up for a barn and rider that win their share of races together. |
| Cap Trick |
| Hat Trick has been a positive influence as a turf sire and this colt has shown a little something in his three turf starts; however, this might prove to be a tough spot for his first start over this turf course; winner from latest won next out at LS on 4/11 going 7 1/2f vs. 40k OPC's with an 83 Beyer. |
| Aqtaar |
| Maybe it's a concern to see that he's only making his seventh career start as a 6-year-old, but have to respect the form that he's displayed in his four turf starts; however, his three wins have been earned against claiming competition and he loses the services of Graham to another in here. |
| Twigazuri Strait |
| He finished behind today's rival Transcend in his latest start and the winner from that race won next out at GP on 3/29 going 1m over turf in a G3 with a 101 Beyer; this barn does some of their better work with turf starters and this gelding is capable of putting together a pretty strong run on his best day. |
| Above the Bar |
| Majestic Warrior has been a below average influence as a turf sire and this gelding will need to improve over what he showed in his turf debut against 25-20k maiden claimers if he's to beat this field in his first attempt against winners. |
| English Pound |
| He's developed a nice level of consistency to his game, but his best effort doesn't appear to be quite strong enough to get the job done against these; perhaps a minor award is within reach, but looking in another direction for the top spot. |
| Honor the Kitten |
| If this Ramsey/Maker production is ready to come right back with the same level of performance that he showed up with at Gulfstream Park in his latest start, he'll be tough to deal with; he's a full to stakes placed Wayward Sailor (6-34, 223k, including 4 of 22 turf starts for 142k) and Leparoux has won with 7 of 25 (28%) mounts for this barn in 2014. |
| Happy Fella |
| Not wild about what he's shown in his recent starts, but this Valando-homebred has run well enough over turf in the past to suggest that he has the ability to get himself into the mix against these if he can regain some of his better form. |
| Casino Dan |
| Half-brother to Wise Dan (20-28, $6.4 million, including 12 of 13 turf starts for $5.3 million) ran well in his turf debut when last seen and the winner of that race returned to win next out at Ind on 7/10 going 1m over turf vs. 40k OPC's with an 87 Beyer; like to see that he's run well when fresh in the past. - Brian Pochman |