Keeneland
Keeneland: Closer Looks for April 24, 2014
Race 1
| Smokin Red |
| Sired by Line of David who won 3 of 7 attempts and 662K including G1 success (his progeny are zero for 1 as far as winning their first race); the dam went 5 for 29 earning 40K; among the winning sibs is 46K earner Stolen Posse. |
| Kalamity Jane |
| Light but respectable work tab for this beginner whose sire was a fine sprinter (with G1 status and 1.66 million in earnings); descendants of Kodiak Kowboy have won 4 of 37 debuts; the dam won 5 of 14 and 81K; sib to 115K earner Yonakee. |
| Beauty Sisters |
| Excellent work pattern of late for this lass whose sire won a G2 and 424K overall; offspring of War Front have won 10 percent of their initial starts; the mom won 3 of 12 and 112K; sib to 544K earner Snaafy. |
| Why Wonder |
| The latest breeze from the gate was an upgrade; her sire won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and 1.05 million overall; progeny of Stevie Wonderboy are 8 for 83 in the first time victorious department; the dam was unraced and there are no winning sibs to report. |
| Haveyouseenmypappy |
| Sharp gate drill 11 days ago is of interest; her sire won a G1 and 450K; Latent Heat's offspring have won 12 out of 123 debuts; the dam did not compete; among the winning siblings is 123K earner Policio. |
| Anniebear |
| Progeny of Tale of the Cat, a G2 winner who netted 360K, have won 160 of 945 in their first try; the dam won 6 of 16 attempts and 174K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate. |
| She's Slammed |
| This lass is among the first crop to race from Tale of Ekati who won multiple G1s and 1.18 million; the dam involved won 7 of 34 races and 94K; among the winning siblings is 29K earner Otay. |
| Spanish Pipedream |
| Hails from multiple G1 victor Scat Daddy who captured 1.33 million; his descendants have won 24 out of 173 initial appearances; the dam was without a tally in 5 tries; sib to 13K earner Hookah Lady. |
| Myprettylady |
| Her sire was without victory in 4 outings (progeny of Mancini have won 3 of 114 debuts); the dam never made it to the races and this is her sole foal to start; only a moderate breeze regimen is on display. - Jim Kachulis |
Race 2
| One Golden Road |
| Coupled with Lay It Down; first synthetic try but he's got proven turf form and you've seen many a turf horse move to this footing and do well; certainly worked big over this track last Saturday to encourage, too; also been facing tougher and the last 2 times he ran strictly for a tag, he ran big (won Dec. 6, 3rd beaten a head last July 29). |
| Bowman's Causeway |
| Kept to his task nicely to be 3rd for $32K at this trip here April 9; slight drop can help and it's no surprise he ran well here - he'd done his best work prior on WO's Polytrack; used to have more tactical speed but the past few months that seems to have left him; still, the way her perked up last time hints he may be rounding back to form now that he's back on Polytrack. |
| Foolhardy |
| 4th but only a nose behind Bowman's Causeway in 3rd in that Aprli 9 race; so, if that guy is a player here - and he is - then doesn't it follow this guy might be a player as well?; darn tootin' it does; that being said, his overall synthetic form isn't nearly as nice as 'Causeway but save for a dull 6th on the FG sod Feb. 20 he's pretty much been showing up every time since last summer. |
| Heywoods |
| Coupled with Tahoe Warrior; broke lslowly in a $16K sprint here when last seen Oct. 10 and didn't really make a move as he stayed toward the back, finishing 6th; hasn't been seen since so off that layoff he's asked to move UP in price and to a completely new type of distance; after all, he's only been sprinting going back to Oct. 2012; did work nicely here April 7 but the layoff, new distance and class hike add up to a bunch of questions. |
| Sky Alert |
| Only 6th at this level on turf at FG March 23 but remember, the was beaten only 1 1/2 lengths so he didn't run badly at all; stays in for the same price and note a synthetic track win in his past; hasn't been on synthetic for some time but his form seems to have picked up of late and there are 2 recent CD works to indicate he's feeling pretty good. |
| Niederzel |
| Seemed to turn the corner late this fall/early winter with 2 straight wins on TP's Polytrack; however, then came a layoff and his form has been dicey since with just 1 good outing in his next 3 starts; dropped in for a tag here April 10 but ran very poorly (last of 10) so while there's another drop today if it didn't work last time can't today's class descent get the desired turnaround, hmmmmm? |
| Regulus |
| Only have to go back 15 mont hs or so to see a guy who was promising enough to earn a shot at a G2 at SA, and while that didn't go well he then went to GG and easily won twice on synthetic ground there; but now comes the concern - after those 2 wins he wasn't seen for 9 months; let's face it, you don't normally take a horse in peak form and put him away for that long without good reason; resurfaced on the East Coast and didn't run badly at all at AQU Dec. 4, but his next 2, at AQU and G P weren't much; now comes a big, big drop in class; that's always worrisome (they don't give anything away out here) but Rosario sees fit to ride and he won't have to be the horse he once was in order to be a big player here. |
| Lay It Down |
| Coupled with One Golden Rod; looks awfully scary as he won 4 straight (3 on GP turf then 1 on TP's Polytrack), all while moving up in class, then finishing a solid 4th vs. some tough optional claimers here April 5; now comes a significant drop, which is a tad worrisome but heck, he was running for a lesser tag than this just 3 months ago; that April 5 run shows he hadnles this place and if anything this longer trip may be more to his liking. |
| Tahoe Warrior |
| Coupled with Heywoods; game win for $10K here last Oct. 23 but then he wasn't seen for nearly 6 months; at least when he reappeared here April 13 he did so quadrupled in value but those $40K foes were too tough to handle; back down in class but stil above where he was racing last fall; been a pro for a long time - you don't win 16 times by accident; that being said, he is an 11yo now and while you can be forgiving about that April 13 return run it does make you wonder if time is going to start catching up to this wonderful ol' dude pretty soon. |
| North of Never |
| First try on synthetic; comes off some soldi turf outings at TAM and as noted before, you've seen many a turf horse come here and handles this place; that being said, he got no help from the draw as he's mired way outside; they thought enough of him back in the summer/fall of 2012 to give him some stakes opportunities including a G3 so there was once some promise here. - Michael Hammersly |
Race 4
| Wildlife Artist |
| Ran well second time on the lawn at Churchill after a decent debut effort behind a next out winner over the local sod; colt should have his legs underneath him from the return tightener and from here he could hold a tactical edge over his main foes; contender. |
| Roque Bluff |
| Adds the hood for his initial turf try after showing little in 2 rail drawn starts over the Oaklawn main track; colt will get a new pilot for this and he worked well over the local main track last week, but he doesn't boast much turf on the sire's side of the pedigree as he is just 3 for 53 with his first time surface runners; dam was a minor SW turfer who won 4 times over the footing, though. |
| Causeworthy |
| Didn't threaten in either of his turf tries and now he'll make his local debut with a solid journeyman pilot aboard; colt gets shades for this and did work quickly on the main track for just his second start since the summer; lone sib was multiple SP, 239K earner Gold Medal Dancer who won first time on the lawn. |
| Not to Yield |
| Goes back to an outfit that had him for his first start in the states after failing to get involved late in either of his tries in Louisiana; gray is bred strongly for the lawn and he's kin to 2 time overseas G1 SW and 1 million earner Blue Bunting, but hasn't done much over it as of yet; his drill this weekend was a step in the right direction. |
| Clearer View |
| Took a step forward in his second turf try while also second time in shades; gray is kin to a 2 time surface winner so wouldn't be surprised to again see him improve and Rosie does stick with him today; price should be right to give him a look. |
| Chiefroll'nthunder |
| Lightly raced colt has shown a one run style in each of his turf races that doesn't bode so well for consistent success in bulky fields such as this one; he does have a right to move forward second time in shades while making just his second start since last summer and he is kin to a couple of North American turf winners. |
| Beyond Smart |
| Import gets Lasix for the initial time while luring a top pilot for his stateside debut under the care of a crafty outfit; he showed some ability overseas last fall and he's been working quite well here of late to take on a moderate looking bunch of turfers; he's kin to G3 SW turf router and 269K earner Emerald Beech; expect he'll be set to fire and prove a big threat today. |
| Malibu Springs |
| Wasn't beaten much in his return to the lawn at Tampa last month and now he'll make his local debut off some solid recent drills; barn hasn't had much luck here but maybe this guy appreciates today's added trip and can get in the mix for a share at a price. |
| Hines |
| Offered late kick in each of his 2 starts on the Gulfstream lawn this past winter; he had plenty of early trouble in that last one but was able to rally through a bulky bunch in that one and now the barn's top pilot will get back aboard; kin to G2 SP, G3 SW turfer and 297K earner Osidy, he certainly has a right to improve; one to fear in the lane. |
| Blarp |
| Earned nice numbers in each of his 2 turf spins including his last from a wide draw in his Gulfstream finale; Mott colt is kin to 2 turf winners including G2 SW turf router and 626K earner Newsdad; maybe the move inside a couple of starting slots helps him sit a little closer early and that could make a big difference today. |
| Stroll to Victory |
| Beaten last out chalk ran well on the Saratoga lawn while facing some nice turfers in those heats; he had trouble from a tough spot in his first start of the year in Florida and maybe he just doesn't like the local main track as well as he does the green; with a tightener in him and Leparoux getting aboard he could well be set to blow them out of the water for an outfit that's had a great stand. |
| Slip By |
| He's shown good speed in his last couple of dirt starts and now he'll try the lawn for the first time from this outside draw; sire gets 16% first surface winners from his offspring but there's not much turf on the dam's side of the pedigree; dam's best foal was G3 SW and 475K earner Palmeiro who was a 9 time main track route winner; gets a top pilot, but don't know that he's going to improve much from here over the new footing. |
| Out of Patience |
| AE will make his turf debut from a tough draw if a scratch allows him in; his numbers on synthetic footing weren't anything special and his sire is 1 for 14 with his first time surface runners; dam banked 183K and won her initial turf start prior to dropping a foal who was 0 for 2 on the green. |
| Majestic Sunset |
| AE is a SP maiden who just missed getting there over the local sod last out; he'll draw another difficult post if he gets to go in this spot and that could leave him with a lot of work to do late, but he does have a right to be tighter with his return from the freshening behind him; must be considered if he gets to go. - Steve Grabowski |
Race 5
| Holy Whirl Wind |
| Far from disgraced in the local debut when beaten by a daylighter; it took him awhile to figure it out but the efforts against winners have been solid; 11/23 show horse beat $50K claimers next out, then lost next 3; tough beat at this demanding distance last summer; major player. |
| Treasury Bill |
| He exits the best race and must be respected off that fact alone; the 8/13 winner last year has won 5 times since, the last in a $17K optional in the 2013 closer; like the spacing of the return works and although he'll need help on the front end, there seems to be enough speed in her to promote the late punch; respect. |
| Dillinger |
| Bet like a good thing and he sure didn't disappoint; like the snappy move last Saturday and it should have him on his toes; place horse in the debut graduated next out here last Friday in a MSW with a 77 Beyer; he has a shot to have a decent career as kin to double Grade 3 winner and over $150K earner La Chunga; repeat well within the scope. |
| Purgenality |
| No speed, no asset; third in the other try at this distance, but he can be his own worst enemy since he has zero speed; apparently not much of a work horse so he will have to adapt to the synthetic on the fly; ton of chances to get that second win; not my kind of play. |
| Eton Blue |
| Hung wide the last time in town, he seems fit enough and at least he got a local drill under the girth last Thursday and he has a shot to be on the muscle since he is fresh; rates upset glance. |
| Schmooze |
| Over 8 clear in last and note show horse was by himself too; both of the synthetic efforts were decent and the extra distance could be just what the good doctor ordered; note this rider was up for the lone win; toss anything from a 31% at own risk. |
| Stevis Man |
| Gelding beat the small field for the win but he also flashed career speed in last; Rose got a chance to figure him out but there are a couple of concerns; he could not win in the maiden claimer 3 back and he's lost ground in the lane in every race except his debut. |
| Cold Facts |
| A closing 2nd beaten 2 in the last cut back situation; place horse in the 2014 opener cashed next out in an N1X with an 82 Beyer, then was 2nd beaten 3 in a $40K optional; fit enough to at least work since his last race but he is speed challeneged and things will have to break just right; everything will have to be perfectly aligned. |
| Command Force |
| An even 5th the last time at this distance; considering he had the eventful trip and jumped shadows in last, the race was pretty solid; gelding has much more speed than he just flashed; and can't fault anybody for giving him another shot at glory after the flop as chalk. |
| Breaking Ball |
| He nearly beat allowance foes the first time he tried them; must respect his speed and he figures to be sent along; local drills solid accentuated by the move last Thursday and note he is proven off the pine; this racer looks live. |
| Nobel Laureate |
| Agile enough to overcome the awkward start for the win, gelding had a weird trip in last; close up early, he seemed to back out of it, then ignited coming for the wire; first time going short but barn has spotted them just fine to the tune of 35% this year. |
| Mean Marine |
| Game in the win three back but it was a short field; note show horse in last was over 3 clear; valid excuse of the slop 2 back and note this pilot was aloft for the last victory; drawn right, he has contending speed and must be respected. - Brian Mulligan |
Race 6
| Can'thelpbelieving (IRE) |
| Based on what he's shown in his two starts with the addition of Lasix and blinkers, he may very well prove to be the one to deny in this spot, and it doesn't hurt to see that he ran well in his first start in America over this turf course; runner up from latest won next out here on 4/19 going 1 1/16m in a G3 with a 90 Beyer; Garcia has won with 4 of 9 (44%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting. |
| Morning Calm |
| This colt has flashed ability in his first three starts and he exits the same race as one of today's key rivals in Can'thelpbelieving; runner up from latest won next out here on 4/19 going 1 1/16m in a G3 with a 90 Beyer; he has to show more to turn the tables on Can'thelpbelieving, but this is his first start with blinkers, and at the very least, he's worthy of consideration underneath in the exotics. |
| Scoria |
| He's by a top turf sire and have to acknowledge the improvement he's demonstrated in his three most recent races; May foal is only making his second start since January and feel that the possibility of another improved performance exists; top connections help add further appeal. |
| Sanculpa |
| He has the look of a runner who can benefit from having a couple of races under his belt, but he does find himself in a tough spot for his first attempt against winners; going to give the nod to others for the top spot, but feel that this runner can continue to show more. |
| Special Envoy |
| Firestone-homebred hasn't run a bad race to date, and even though he's going to need to step it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale to prove to be the one in this spot, he commands his share of respect; winner from latest won next out at Tam on 4/5 going 1 1/16m over turf in a 75k stakes with a 76 Beyer. |
| Sly Tom |
| Son of strong turf influence Kitten's Joy looked good racing over turf in his first two starts as a 2-year-old, and it's interesting to see the addition of Lasix for his 3-year-old racing debut; runner up from latest won next out at CD on 11/30 going 1 1/8m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 72 Beyer. |
| Teniente Coronel |
| Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam won once from seven starts for 18k, including 0-for-3 over turf; third-place finisher from latest won next out at FG on 3/21 going 1m over turf vs. 50k OPC's with a 78 Beyer. |
| Mr. Candy |
| Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam won 4 of 14 starts for 147k, including 3 of 8 turf starts for 106k; the assignment of John V. might be a signal that his connections are looking for better out of him with a move to turf. |
| Proud Azteca |
| He's yet to actually hit the finish first, but he hasn't run a bad race to date, and like to see the way he's moved forward along the Beyer Speed Figure scale in his first three starts; it might be worth noting the presence of Rosario aboard another in here, but he has a live look to him with Leparoux getting the call, and this colt is wearing blinkers for the first time. |
| Cry From the Heart |
| He deserves credit for the way that he was able to get the job done going 1m 70y in his career debut, and he's out of a G3 stakes placed dam who won 4 of 17 starts for 188k, including 4 of 16 turf starts for 175k, but this does look like a tough test for him. |
| Colonel Krenz |
| He's another in here hooking up with winners for the first time and he'll have to step it up over what he's shown in the maiden ranks in order to prove to be a player in this spot; he's out of a G2 stakes placed dam who won 2 of 14 turf starts for 92k. |
| Afortable |
| His career debut going a mile as a 2-year-old was a fine run and this colt has plenty of pedigree appeal; he's a 1/2 to stakes winner Corrupt (7-25, 234k over turf), multiple graded stakes winner Free Fighter (7-39, 386k over turf), multiple stakes winner Suntracer (6-27, 556k over turf) and G3 winner Leading Astray (5-9, 287k over turf). |
| Manaus |
| Can't ignore the impact that his early speed can have on the way that this race shapes up, but he appears to be much sharper at distances shorter than today's 1 1/8m assignment, and this is a tough group of N1X allowance rivals he's up against. |
| Arctic Slope |
| Grade 1 stakes placed colt will be an interesting option if he draws in as his only start over turf was in his career debut, and the winner from that race has since become a graded stakes winner, and the third-place finisher is now a multiple stakes winner. - Brian Pochman |
Race 7
| Morpheus (GB) |
| 1st time racing on a synthetic surface but has worked well locally for this; makes his 4-year-old debut 1st time in the USA with 1st Lasix and his lowest-weight assignment ever; the 7th and 22nd-place finishers from last captured 18K and 10K wins next out; popular in England at the betting windows going 5 straight starts as favorite. |
| Whatthecatdrugin |
| Hard to ignore sensational 9-for-14 synthetic-surface record however recent efforts are far off his best form posting a field-best Beyer speed figure in a TP-synthetic surface optional claimer at 1 Mile, February, 2013; exits an event where it appeared he wanted a shorter distance but remains at 8.5F; view as a pace presence for part. |
| Cerro (IRE) |
| Makes just his 2nd start since October; speedster exits a last-place fade when making his 1st start as a 4-year-old; removes blinkers trying to shake up his form; the 6th and 8th-place finishers from last Beyered 100-93 in next-out GP-Grade 2 and optional-claiming wins. |
| Get in Line |
| Adds more gate speed into an event already top heavy with other frontrunners; was claimed off a high-win percentage trainer into a barn 1-for the last-20 with synthetic-surface starters; defeated the 2-back runner-up and show finishers they Beyered 106-83 in next-out CRC-OPC and GP-16K-claiming wins. |
| Admiral Perry |
| Hopes to pass the distance test; figures to sit just off the speed then hopes to get 1st run on the closers; March, 2011, a 6th-place finish in a 100K stakes, is the only time he's raced this long of a distance on an all-weather strip ; has won on turf racing this far but that was 13 races ago July, 2012, at MTH. |
| Sockarooni |
| Won a key race defeating the show and 5th-place finishers; they Beyered 87-71 in next-out KEE-starter allowance and 32K-claiming wins; main concern is if he can duplicate latest racing off a 104-day layoff while today he is back in just 27 days for this; was far off his best form in his only KEE start on today's surface rallying in traffic vs. MSW rivals. |
| Exothermic |
| The runner-up, 7th, 10th and 12th-place finishers from last Beyered 97-95-87-87 in next-out GP-OPC and starter alw.-TAM-OPC and KEE-50K-claiming wins; hard to ignore the trainer's 0-for-15 turf-to-synthetic record since 2013. |
| Charming Kitten |
| Going to be a tough customer if runs back to his Blue Grass-show finish over the track one year ago; been primed in graded events with much-welcomed class relief for the reuniting Johnny V (1-for-4 riding him including a 100K grass-stakes win). |
| Bellarmine |
| Horse for the course (2-for-2 on KEE synthetic) for a trainer who's having a stellar KEE-spring meet; found himself loose on the lead to win last but today has several others wanting the lead here including Cerro who gets his most-recent-win rider Garcia. |
| Patrioticandproud |
| Has raced very well off previous freshenings although today marks the longest absence of his career; the 2-back winner repeated in a WO-G2 with a 98 Beyer; reunites with the KEE win rider; his off-the-pace style fits well in a field top heavy with gate speed; scary if ready. |
| Code West |
| Has been at his best on fast-dirt tracks during career racing for the 1st time on an all-weather oval since September, 2012; has raced vs fast ones; the runner-up and 8th-place finishers from last Beyered 107-98 in next-out SAR-G1 and FG-OPC wins; beat the 2-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 96 in a next-out FE-500K-stakes win. |
| San Antone |
| Return to the KEE-synthetic surface for last produced a big-wakeup call just missing vs. lesser; he has been a much-better all-weather runner (0-for-10 on all other surfaces); the main issue is he hasn't connected much on the win end as of late; his last victory was at a longer distance going on 2 years ago. - Art Gropper |
Race 8
| Always Kitten |
| Came from the clouds to notch a SW on the HOU sod March 1; freshened since and now not only steps up in class but ties a new game distance-wise; trip shouldn't be an issue as daddy's turfers can go this far just fine, and on the bottom is further stamina with Dynaformer as damsire; main issue is whether she's ready to tackle some of the toughest staying distaffers around. |
| Left a Message |
| Last win came at this trip so you know she handles it; Inimitable Romanee beat her the last 2 times they met, but not by all that much so this gal certainly belongs; hasn't run in a couple months but Proctor can fire off the bench; darn near won the Dowager on this course at this trip last fall so the situation suits, provided she's ready for her best off the layoff, because in all likelihood her best is what will be needed here. |
| I Dazzle |
| Found herself out West, shipped to FG this winter and continued her fine work with 2 big wins; of course, those 2 wins came going much shorter than this and vs. state-breds, too, so she's facing much tougher; remember, though, she wasn't disgraced vs. some tough graded stakes gals out West and while this is a new place she's handled BHP sod, SA sod, DMR sod and FG so odds are she'll handle this; question is, is she good enough particularly playing this longer game? |
| Street of Gold |
| Just 1 for 12 on turf; had things going along nicely last summer and showed some spark in the fall but then came a layoff and her 3 starts this year don't exactly get the pulse racing; did improve to be 3rd on CT's main track April 2 but even so she was no factor at any point (beaten 8 1/2 lengths); so today she's up in class, moving to a surface on which she's had limited success, all while trying a brand new game distance-wise. |
| Stick to Your Guns |
| Chased the pace in the G3 Orchid at GP March 29, a race like this, but never really mustered a run; prior pair, both at GP, were nice, but also came at 9fs so the Orchid raises 3 questions: is this trip beyond her, is this class level beyond her, or are BOTH beyond her?; at least nice to see Contessa feels good enough about her to take another swing at this class level and trip. |
| Viva Rafaela (BRZ) |
| a G2 SW in her native Brazil in 2012; came to the U.S. last sumemr and things were spotty at first but then came a nice win at GP Nov. 11; she was then dull Jan. 11 before 2 fine efforts when 3rd in the G3 The Very One (11fs) Feb. 15 and 2nd in the G3 Orchid (at this trip) March 29; speed to be in it from the start and those last 2 hint she's now acclimated to her new surroundings and it appears they've found the distance and level that work for her. |
| Freedom Reigns (IRE) |
| Ran on well for 3rd on this course April 11; the way she finished hints this longer trip should be no problem, and that April 11 run also shows she handles this place; note, too, a nice 2nd going 11fs, the farthest she's ever been, at DMR last summer; still, you have to go back quite a ways to find her last win (July 2012) but she now has 2 races under her belt after a lengthy vacation and another forward move can certainly put her in the mix. |
| Angel Terrace |
| Won the G3 Valley View on this course in Oct. 2012 and was a nice 3rd (not far behind Left a Message in 2nd) in the Dowager at this trip here Oct. 20, so she handles this place; that being said, she hasn't been seen since the Dowager so that's a lengthy vacation; at least she's proven fresh and Sheppard, of course, can get 'em ready off the bench with the best of them; also nice to see Leparoux take the call; still, while she's HANDLED this trip it may not necessary be her forte and she's facing some gals who DO consider this game their forte; her 3 wins have come at 5 1/2 and 1 1/16 miles (2). |
| Romantica (GB) |
| Surely the one to beat; that 2nd to champion Dank in the G1 BC F&M Turf at SA last fall was terrific and she'd already shown major quality before that in France as she was a G1 SW there; hasn't run since but it's Mr. Mott, so you know she'll be ready; note, too, she won a French G3 a year ago off longer layoff so she can fire fresh; Dank's big run in Dubai in her comeback run (3rd in the G1 Sheema Classic) makes this gal's BC run look even better, and makes her look that much tougher. |
| Caroline Thomas |
| Wasn't disgraced in the G3 Orchid at GP March 29 when 4th; that was her first try at this 1 1/2-mile trip and she plugged along well; that being said, today's for Viva Rafaela still beat her fairly easily and there are other tough stayers to deal with, particularly likely chalk Romantica so this spot may actually be tougher than the Orchid; has worked well since. |
| Aigue Marine (GB) |
| Came from France with proven form like Romantica, but she wasn't working in the deepest waters like Romantica; been a bit of a hit-or-miss gal in the States so far but on her best day she's proven this trip and level work quite nicely; no factor in the G3 Orchid as the favoreite March 29 but the race-shape worked very much against her as she sat back while the speed went slow and played keep-away all the way around; Rosario was up for her last 2 but ends up on Romantica today, though that should hardly strike anyone as an upset; nice gal but now we're talking nearly 14 months since her lone U.S. win. |
| Inimitable Romanee |
| Funny, she kept getting close vs. NY-breds but couldn't quite break through; but then tries open foes in the G3 Long Island at this trip Nov. 9 and voila!; she jumps up and posts a 28-1 upset; then to show that no fluke she goes to GP and beats a bunch of these in the G3 The Very One at 10-1; finally got respect at the windows int he G3 Orchid March 29 but she was never a factor at any point that day; nice to see Motion isn't giving up on her, that there's no drop, no layoff and no change of trip; still, she'll need to return to her The Very One performance level if she's to have any say here - and if Romantica shows up with her 'A' game that probably still won't be good enough for anything better than 2nd; but believers will like her odds a lot better. - Michael Hammersly |