Keeneland
Keeneland: Closer Looks for April 25, 2014
Race 1
| Far Right |
| Recent blazing workout from the gate is hard to overlook; the colt's sire won a G2 stakes and 733K (offspring of Notional have scored in 11 out of 61 debuts); the dam involved was unraced and there are no winning siblings to highlight. |
| It'll Be Fine |
| Legitimate excuse to that initial defeat; his sire won 2 of 10 and 79K; the dam scored in 2 of 13 appearances banking 82K: this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; can atone for veteran connections. |
| Conquest Tsunami |
| Another newcomer with a strong, but limited, work tab; his sire won 6 of 15 races and 148K; descendants of Stormy Atlantic are 108 for 906 as far as winning their first test; the dam won 3 of 12 and 139K; sib to 20K earner Stormy Pacific. |
| Lost Kodiak |
| Progeny of multiple G1 winner Kodiak Kowboy, who won 1.66 million in total, have been successful in 4 of 37 initial races; the dam was zero for 8; among the winning siblings is 44K earner Nacho Earl. |
| Banksy |
| Exceptionally steady breeze pattern for this filly, among the first crop to race from Concord Point; that runner was a G2 winner who captured 669K; there are no winning siblings to mention; expert trainer at the helm. |
| Indygo by You |
| Respectable showing first time out, considering the difficult trip, when seeing the heels of Storm Off; his sire won 4 of 12 attempts and 444K while the dam was without a tally in 6 tries; winning siblings include 152K earner Tara From the Cape. |
| Grand Slam Larry |
| Vast improvement to the most recent blowout; his sire won multiple G1s and 971K (progeny of Grand Slam are 107 for 948 as far as being successful first time out); the dam won 2 of 14 and 24K; sib to 19K earner Silver Posse. |
| Lamontagne |
| Another filly from Wesley Ward to consider; this grey's sire won a G2 and 998K in total (offspring of Congrats have won their first start at a rate of approximately 12 percent); the dam was zero for 3 lifetime; this is her sole foal to compete. |
| Storm Off |
| Should have gained much education from that first placing when spotting the field many lengths at the break; his sire won 6 of 15 and 148K; the dam was zero for 2 in her career; winning sibs include 340K earner Golden Country; respect. - Jim Kachulis |
Race 2
| Squidalem |
| McPeek's first half drops in price while returning quickly to get another shot over this type of footing after running out of ground at a slightly longer trip last week; he draws inside which isn't ideal for a late runner but there does look to be a good amount of early lick signed on for this so expect to see him rolling on in the lane. |
| Cover Shoot |
| Gray brings his sprint lick to the table for the stretchout on his drop into the claiming ranks; multiple G1 SP route dam took the Alicibiades going long here as a baby and this one's sire was a G1 SW router; one of his 2 winning sibs did so going long; expecting this pace player will go better today. |
| Favorite Coach |
| Stretches out after tiring from his pace efforts when dropped in with claimers first time over the track; his prior route try wasn't bad and he may find these easier, but there's speed drawn inside of him so he's going to have to work hard from the bell if he wants the top. |
| Winter's Gift |
| Sophomore tries older for the initial time while making his local debut and his first spin over this type of footing; hard to argue with the way he's been working and he showed some ability going long on the Gulfstream green; expect he'll have a big say in the outcome here. |
| Napa Valley (BRZ) |
| Other half of the McPeek coupling gets the hood and a new pilot for his second crack at the local level; gelding offered a little late interest in his first start since the fall and maybe he's better with the try behind him, but a minor award figures to be his ceiling. |
| Pernicious |
| Leparoux opts to get aboard this shipper who showed up with little as the chalk in his Tampa turf finale against MSWs; gelding will try synthetic footing for the first time here, but he'll catch a softer bunch than he's been facing and he has shown a little bit of run on turf; consider. |
| Kiwi Notion |
| First part of the Miller entry tries 2 turns for the first time while dropping in for a tag after a decent try with MSWs in his local return; one of his sibs did win twice going long and that last out number does put him in the mix today; contender. |
| Jinx the Cat |
| Understandably tired late after making a run to the top in his first try both going long and on the green; gelding returned to work ok on the Churchill dirt and the dam did drop a route winner; gets a capable journeyman pilot for his local debut. |
| Playball Tony |
| Debuts for a barn whose newcomers are usually better with racing but they are profitable right out of the box and this guy attracts Rosario; sire gets 14% first out winners from his offspring and both of the dam's wins came going long prior to dropping 2 route winners. |
| C'S Smart Strike |
| Sire is 0 for 19 with his newcomers and 2 of the dam's 3 wins came routing prior to dropping one foal who was winless from 3 sprint spins; works aren't much and the barn is mostly associated with jumpers, but it's interesting to see Rosie take the call. |
| Perky Kitten |
| A top pilot gets aboard for this sophomore's first crack with older as he's offered for a tag for the initial time in this spot; beaten last out chalk makes his return to this venue with a sharp Turfway breeze in tow; SP turfer gets the hood removed and that may help him relax a bit early from this outside slot; can't count him out. |
| Flummox |
| Miller's other half showed little in his 2 starts with peers at the MSW level; colt draws a tough post for the stretch back out, but he will get new blinkers while returning quickly to face older here and maybe that helps shake things up some; both sibs are sprint winners; looks to have his work cut out for him. - Steve Grabowski |
Race 5
| Mister Lucky Cat |
| Relatively lighty raced 6-year-old has a good deal of quality to his pedigree and he shows up for a barn and rider that win their share of races together; like to see what he did in his first two starts sprinting over turf and he may very well be ready for a sharp try while making his second start of the year. |
| Stormy Rocit |
| He closed out his 3-year-old year with a strong winning performance in a turf dash at Churchill Downs, and if his most recent workout is any indication, then he might be ready to give a good account of himself in his first start at age four; leaning toward others, but wouldn't consider him a shocker. |
| Joe Can Gallop |
| If you can excuse his most recent start, he merits a good deal of respect based on what he showed in his two starts sprinting over turf at Saratoga; he looks like he tuned up with a sharp five furlongs over the main track here on April 19. |
| Countercyclical |
| Sire wins with approximately 4% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this gelding is a 1/2 to stakes placed Dream of Athens (13-44, 225k, including 2 of 10 turf starts for 58k); his pedigree isn't exactly crying out for turf, but it's tough to ignore him when seeing those triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures he's recorded. |
| Heywoods |
| He's light on winning form after 33 starts and he's never run a race that is fast enough to suggest that he can be competitive against competition of this caliber; third-place finisher from latest won next out at CD on 11/6 going 6f vs. 10k claimers with an 80 Beyer. |
| Saint of Saints |
| Saint Anddan has been a poor influence as a turf sire but this stakes placed 5-year-old hasn't performed badly in his three turf starts, and it is interesting to see Leparoux accept the call; he has at least mild appeal in his first attempt in a turf sprint. |
| Tell All You Know |
| He's run very well in back-to-back starts since being introduced to the turf-sprint game, and he even earned a stakes placing in his most recent outing; he has the look of a top contender with an aggressive apprentice aboard. |
| Good Tickled |
| Flatter has been a below average influence as a turf sire, and even though this colt has done some decent work in his six turf attempts, this does appear to be a tough spot for him to be going after his first turf victory. |
| Laila Dundee |
| He has a little bit of early speed to employ, but he'd have to run a race that is much stronger than anything he's done to this point in time in order to have a say in the outcome; he has the look of an outsider. |
| Helm |
| Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who was a stakes winner racing overseas while winning 2 of 11 starts for 99k; runner up from latest won next out here on 10/25 going 7f vs. N2L alw. rivals with a 78 Beyer. - Brian Pochman |
Race 6
| Chic Soiree |
| Has a lot to prove in this spot off the outrun-throughout GP-grass unveiling; the trainer was off to a 1-for-18 start at the KEE-spring meet and is 0-for the last-15 with turf-to-synthetic-surface starters; KEE worktab suggests we will see improvement for this |
| Elysian |
| Most runners move forward 2nd-time out and if she does the rest may be racing for 2nd money posting a field-best Beyer speed figure in the career debut on KEE synthetic; the added furlong here is the lone issue; trainer yields a nice-27% win mark with synthetic-surface starters since 2013. |
| Bella's Flair |
| Her best races have been off prior freshenings so not concerned about the time off following a near-miss dirt finish; today marks her 1st start on a synthetic surface for a trainer with just 1 all-weather strip starter since 2013; likes to be forwardly placed but projects to stalk the speed today. |
| Perfect La Comete |
| October's-KEE MSW 4th-place finish looks better since the winner repeated in a LRL-OPC with a 66 Beyer; her races in 2014 have been far off her best form and the trainer is 0-for the last-12 with synthetic-surface starters; gets Lanerie to ride for the 1st time who seemingly had other options here. |
| Betterthandiamonds |
| Sire is 1-for-21 with 1st-time starters; is out of a stakes-placed dam (2-for-3, 26K) who produced 3 winners from 3 other foals to race including 112K-earner Whoopie I KI (5-for-28); capable-debut trainer with a solid worktab for 1st asking; hard to leave out. |
| Allusion |
| Sire is 29-for-341 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 4-for-17 dam (200K) who produced 4 winners from 4 other foals to race including G2-placed And Why Not (1-for-18, 262K); the trainer is not known for winning with 1sters while the barn's KEE success occurred on grass. |
| Tis Duet |
| Plenty of upside off the debut-show finish when given no chance by bettors at 37-1 odds; does not show a published workout ever on a synthetic surface which is the primary concern here; debut rider sided with Perfect La Comete. |
| She's Not Here |
| The runner-up and 4th-place finishers from last both Beyered 81 in next-out GP-MSW wins; projects to be a pace presence here however stamina has been missing during career while in last she did not finish; has plenty of other gate speed to contend with for this which leaves her ranked as a pace presence for part. |
| Peneleput |
| Sire is 91-for-837 with 1st-time starters; is out of a SW-dam (4-for-6, 115K) who produced 8 winners from 9 other foals to race including G3-SW Windrush (5-for-14, 219K); the 1-for-17 debut trainer since 2013 suggests we take a wait and see approach. |
| Slews Golden Rule |
| Claimed for this her 1st start on a synthetic surface; if the KEE workouts are any indication she figures to be set for a top effort right off the bench for a high-percentage fresh trainer; the winner from last finished 7th and 8th in her next 2 defeats vs. winners. |
| Boom Boom Vroom |
| Is drawn outside of the main speed while the added furlong here does not help the confidence level she will turn the tables on Elysian; the good news she owns an improving-Beyer pattern and needed last off the long layoff; the 2-back winner repeated in a GP-optional claimer with an 84 Beyer. - Art Gropper |
Race 7
| Miz Lee |
| She's run well from off the pace in back-to-back starts to begin her career and she may very well be ready to deliver her sharpest performance to date; she's out of a G3 stakes placed dam who won 4 of 21 starts for 173k; 4th finisher from latest, Scatcapade, won next out at GP on 4/18 going 1m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 70 Beyer. |
| Lelanda |
| Sire wins with approximately 6% of his turf starters and dam won 3 of 8 turf starts for 52k; this filly is a 1/2 to G2 stakes placed News Pending (1-10, 129k, including 1 of 4 turf starts for 34k); runner up from latest won next out at GP on 1/2 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 79 Beyer. |
| Anna Mia |
| Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; perhaps the move to turf can help this filly but this has to be considered a tough group of maidens for this miss to be meeting up with. |
| Wonder Upon a Star |
| Sire wins with approximately 9% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; this filly is a 1/2 to multiple G1 winner in Japan, Grass Wonder (6-11, $5.4 million) and multiple G1 winner Wonder Again (7-22 over turf for $1.4 million); her recent workouts leap off the page. |
| Borbaala (FR) |
| It looks like she did very well when outrunning her odds in her career debut against 17 rivals as a 2-year-old in France, and it doesn't hurt to see that a few of her workouts in preparation for this appear sharp; she commands respect in her first start in America while going out for a barn that has been live at this meeting. |
| Hard Night's Day |
| She tired late in her career debut, but that was certainly a useful effort, and this miss is a 1/2 to Don't Cry for Me (2-5, 35k over turf); there's a chance that the early pace will be slow to develop and that would help her chances considerably. |
| Sequiota |
| Sharp turf barn had this miss ready for better in her first start over grass at second asking and this filly is out of a stakes winning dam who won 4 of 8 turf starts for 105k; viewing it as a positive indicator that Proctor seeks out the services of Lezcano for this. |
| Fashion Fund (GB) |
| She's multiple stakes placed racing overseas and she'll appreciate getting back in with maidens for her first start in America; she shows up for a sharp turf barn with the addition of Lasix, and McGaughey sees fit to call upon John V. |
| Lil' Misstalksalot |
| Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and dam won once from 10 starts for 25k, including 0-for-3 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to Sayler's Creek (4-14, 100k, including 2 of 5 turf starts for 37k); tough to back her after what she showed in her debut, especially against a strong looking field of maidens like this. |
| Humor Section |
| It would have been nice to have seen her attract more wagering support in her career debut at Tampa, but she might be ready for better now that she has a race behind her; she's out of a multiple G1 winning dam who won 12 of 47 starts for $1.1 million, including 3 of 23 turf starts for 308k, and this miss is a 1/2 to G1 winner Last Full Measure (4-11 293k, including 2 of 9 turf starts for 80k). |
| Out to Sea |
| Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was winless from four starts, and she didn't make a turf start; runner up from latest won next out at Kee on 4/17 going 6f vs. 40k MCL's with a 69 Beyer; not wild about what she's shown so far, but this barn has been hitting at a high percentage with turf starters. |
| Taylor Lane |
| She can improve while making her second start routing, and in a race that looks like it will have a comfortable early pace, she has some early speed, and this will be her first start wearing blinkers; note that her most recent workout looks improved. |
| Tonto's Sister |
| Sire wins with approximately 8% of his first-time starters and with approximately 10% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; she needs to see a scratch to draw in and it's tough to give her the nod over the other firster in here; she's a 1/2 to stakes placed Tonto Fontenot (5-28, 175k, including 2 of 17 turf starts for 88k). |
| Netti Sioux |
| She's run well in both of her turf starts, especially when considering that she ran those races in August of her 2-year-old year; she gets Lasix for the first time in her 3-year-old racing debut and it looks like they tightened the screws in her latest workout. - Brian Pochman |
Race 8
| Rare Penny |
| She graduated following a freshening so not the worst thing to take some time off racing for a 22%-win trainer with fresh starters since 2013; the obvious concern is this will be her 1st start on a synthetic surface; seems that 7F is probably a good distance to see her uncorck a midpack rally. |
| Chosen |
| 4%-winning synthetic-surface trainer since 2013 does not add to the appeal; projects to own the best gate speed in this event but has Kitty Wine to fend off early then the closers in deep stretch; clearly her Beyer speed figures are in need of a serious boost but still projects to be a major-pace presence stretching out off the 5.5F defeats. |
| Sweet Shirley Mae |
| The trainer's 26%-win mark with synthetic starters since 2013 suggests she will continue her recent-good form knocking on the door for turf and dirt wins; she could have used the added furlong for last when necked for the win rallying from last defeating the show finisher who Beyered 78 in a next-out CRC-optional-claiming victory; exotics possibility. |
| Similu (GB) |
| Broke slowly 7 wide in last now gets an added half furlong to show off her late kick while 2nd time off the long layoff has every chance to improve for this especially with a more-alert beginning; the 2-back winner repeated in a BEL-90K stakes with an 80 Beyer; KEE-7F-win rider stays; the pick. |
| Flashy Gal |
| Cuts back to the shortest-distance test of career; long layoff with her pre-rest form being far off her best; the winner, runner-up and 5th-place finishers from last Beyered 86-80-77 in next-out AP-DMR-optional-claiming and AP allowance wins; would probably say take a wait and see approach but her note the trainer is 31% turf-to-synthetic winners since 2013 and her last-KEE workout suggests she will love it here. |
| Delilahjane |
| Defeated the runner-up and show finishers from last; they both Beyered 71 taking KEE-HAW-MSW wins next out; faces not only winners today but sharp-in-form runners and starters dropping from much-tougher events; the trainer has not had a synthetic starter since at least 2013. |
| Keening |
| Exits a best-last-race speed figure in a key race; the 5th and 7th-place finishers from last Beyered 89-82 in next-out GP-75K stakes and KEE- alw. wins; reunites with Johnny V always a good sign and her lone KEE race was a sensational effort in a nose loss; scary if ready; seems the one to beat. |
| Artie R R |
| Although her 1st start at KEE was an exacta finish the Beyer came back very low for that effort; her win was at longer so needs a well-timed ride to make a dent here; would have to improve her numbers dramatically to make any exotics impact. |
| Kitty Wine |
| On the lead in 3 in a row all at longer distances; she figures to fly early but may have to sit behind Chosen early on for this?; her lone win was gate-to-wire at longer; field-best Beyer was accomplished on GP turf; today is her 1st start on a synthetic surface for a trainer 0-for-13 since 2013 with turf-to-synthetic runners; the 3-back winner repeated in a BEL-85K stakes with a 90 Beyer. |
| Tap Twenty One |
| Posted a career-best Beyer right off the 52-day layoff when screaming out for more distance and gets an additional half furlong to get up in time today; the 2-back winner repeated in an AQU-OPC with an 83 Beyer; keeps 7F-KEE win rider Garcia; the widest post she had previously was 9 which was a winner; contender. - Art Gropper |
Race 9
| Old Time Hockey |
| Tough veteran appears to be in good form entering this race and this doesn't look like a bad spot to take a shot at another graded stakes score with him; it's the rare day when he doesn't give a good account of himself, so at the very least, he merits consideration underneath in the exotics. |
| Optimizer |
| Multiple graded stakes winner might find himself involved in a comfortable early pace, and if he brings his 'A' game to the table, he can keep himself in the hunt throughout; the time off he's needed between recent starts is a concern, but not willing to count him out of it. |
| Unitarian |
| He did well in recording back-to-back victories at Gulfstream Park over the winter, but simply feel that his best effort isn't up to the level of the top contenders in here; that said, it is tough to ignore these connections and Castellano has won with 40 of 109 (37%) mounts for this barn in 2014. |
| Hangover Kid |
| Grade 1 stakes placed runner can dial up a pretty sharp run on his best day and it is interesting to see Servis ship him here for this while enlisting the services of Leparoux; he'll need his best effort to date to win this, but he appears to be very well meant. |
| Temeraine |
| He's a G3 winner at today's distance and this 5-year-old has developed a nice level of consistency to his game; he's one of two signed on in here for the Proctor barn and it's probably worth noting the presence of Lezcano aboard this one. |
| Suntracer |
| Multiple stakes winner hasn't recorded a victory since October 2012, 11 starts ago, but he's run well in marathon turf events, and he sports a win over the Keeneland turf course; not going to count him out of the mix while going out for a capable turf barn. |
| Rapscallion |
| He figures to be involved in the running through the opening stages, but this has to be considered a tough assignment for his first start against graded stakes competition; respect the fact that he hails from a top turf barn, but going to side with others. |
| Tattenham |
| His most recent start was his sharpest performance to date and the runner up from that race returned to win next out here on 4/17 going 1 1/2m over turf vs. N2X alw. rivals with a 93 Beyer; Rosario has won with 12 of 53 (23%) mounts for this barn in 2014. |
| Royal Bench (IRE) |
| He's a G2 winner racing overseas and he's one of two in here that can boast of more than $1 million in career earnings; however, his form in America hasn't been all that strong and this is a tough test for his first start since November. |
| Tricky Hat (CHI) |
| He's a stakes winner going 1 1/2m on grass and his recent form has been sharp enough to list him among the contenders in here; McGaughey has been very strong in graded stakes races over turf the past couple of years, and he looks like he has a live one signed on for this. |
| Amen Kitten |
| His lack of early speed is always a concern, but he's two races removed from a G1 stakes placing, and if his latest effort is what we can expect going forward, there isn't any reason why he can't have a say in the outcome. |
| Eagle Poise |
| He's one of two signed on in here for the Motion barn and there's a chance that Rapscallion will provide at least a little bit of early pace for this late running type; the 1 1/2m distance doesn't faze him at all and he carries a G3 winning credential with him. |
| Forte Dei Marmi (GB) |
| Grade 1 winner has won 10 of 33 turf starts and he boasts more than $1 million in career earnings; marathon turf events are his specialty and it wouldn't be any surprise to see him give this group a run for the top prize while making his second start back from a layoff. |
| War Dancer |
| Feel that he's a very interesting option to consider in this event while making only his second start over turf since turning four, and he gives every indication that today's 1 1/2m distance is right up his alley; like what he did over turf as a 3-year-old, especially that G2 score, and Garcia has been aboard for all three of his wins. - Brian Pochman |
Race 10
| The Tizzler |
| She got a feel of the surface and is in for double her purchase price; dam was unraced; lone half bro lost 12 times; has right to run much better. |
| Dreaming of Kitten |
| She may not have cared for the rail in the debut but was keen to run early in the 2014 opener; dam was 0 for 5; this is her first to race; rider has had good success for this outfit and you must respect everything Maker sends out. |
| Contessa B. |
| Good Reward about 13% with debuters in a 104-runner sample; sire won at 2, took Grade 1 HOL Derby routing, banked over a million; 2 for 21 dam earned nearly $100K, won routing once; lone half bro was out of the money in only start; she does look fit enough. |
| Reality Star |
| Took money when in for a tag last time but lost contact early and was finished; place horse in last graduated next out in a maiden $25K seller with a 57 Beyer; look for her to be more involved early since she is fresh. |
| Princess Kalley |
| Steadied in the debut and note the move last time when she went from 9th to a length and a quarter off the pace; 1 for 23 dam took a sprint; lone half bro lost 12 times, was 2nd once; backers have to hope the drop shakes her up. |
| Shakesperian Dream |
| Miss appears to have found her level; backers can point to the fact that once sibling won long on turf; should be right on the wire when the smoke clears. |
| Let It Slam |
| Over 3 clear in a decent effort; dam lost only start; all 3 siblings won routing, top earner banked just over $50K; trainer has spotted them solidly all year; would not want to jump on too short a number. |
| Ju Ju Judy |
| Decent return effort considering she was hooked wide; backers can hang their hat on fact kin Pured It took 3 routes; she doesn't have to be 7th early on this time; another slice? |
| Fiona Cat |
| A. P. Warrior 7 for 98 with debuters; G2 winning sire took debut at 2, won 4 of 13, banked nearly $550K, was successful routing; 2 for 9 dam was sprint only; both siblings won thrice, they were sprint only, one earned nearly $50K; the drills are well spaced. |
| Poppy's Dream |
| Slight drop can't hurt; dam out of the money twice; lone half bro Sporting Holiday cashed thrice, won routing once, banked over $130K; off slow, wide twice; she's due for a trip. |
| Here's Decash |
| She pushed the slow pace, just had nothing left; she has not been all that sharp since they put wraps on her; at least she has the 2 races to draw from now; would be careful here. |
| Beacon Inthe Night |
| Bob and John about 9% with debuters in a 121-runner sample; sire cashed at 2, took G1 Wood, banked nearly a million, was route only; dam lost 12 times; lone full bro to win Aviation Show won 4 times, won routing once, banked nearly $100K; she could be compromised by the slot. - Brian Mulligan |