Keeneland
Keeneland: Closer Looks for October 18, 2013
Race 1
| Hope's Rose |
| Descends in claiming price today after showing some early speed in her debut; her sire was zero for 2 while the dam involved was solid indeed, winning 14 of 39 and 384K; winning siblings include 43K earner Jody's Case. |
| Game Set Love |
| She quit early in her last assignment but tries the claiming realm for the first time; her sire was a Group 1 winner who banked 1.91 million; the dam won 1 of 4 and 12K; sib to 45K earned Run Right At It. |
| Hong Kong Nights |
| Has shown a better first gear than several of these and note the Lasix introduction; she must avoid a prolonged battle with Erzulie Dantor today in order to end the drought; has breezed fairly well this month. |
| Littlebitcranky |
| Keeps earning minor checks but is difficult to recommend as the one to key on top; just missed the place in the latest performance but may not receive the needed pace set-up today; still may warrant some exotic wagering inclusion. |
| Erzulie Dantor |
| Down the tubes at 4 to 5 last month at Indiana but her latest half-mile workout suggests she is at the ready; has legitimate money chances and should offer a much more generous price on the board now. |
| Damascene |
| A fine try on the turf in August but the returning workout activity is limited; draws a comfortable middle post, however, and therefore the rider will be able to overlook some questionable pacesetters; possible. |
| Little Red Diamond |
| Gets in very light for this try and is racing for the lowest price tag of her career; turned in a decent effort in her only attempt at six furlongs but tries fifth different rider in as many starts; will have to upgrade significantly. |
| J P's Flashy Honey |
| Although off the board again in her last attempt, she was not far off swift early fractions in that affair; today's early pace should be a lot more ordinary and that will improve her money chances; picks up Rocco who has booted home some nice priced winners at the meet. |
| Memos Lolita |
| A distant fourth in her getaway race at Beulah, she did not show much enthusiasm in her sole start here during the spring meet; that defeat, however, was against far better stock than this; excellent odds are assured. |
| Alex's Gold |
| Interesting item based on her one performance at Keeneland where she was part of the pace picture; lands into a field today without much in the way of quality gate speed and that should work to her benefit; consider. |
| Sam's Roman Affair |
| Broke to the right from the outermost slot in her last route affair and lost all chance as a result; of great interest is the latest blowout which was accomplished in excellent time; perhaps that can enable her to turn things around suddenly. |
| Fleet Feet |
| Nothing before or since that fine rally on 8/11; she did not show much enthusiasm in her last performance at Churchill and today's outpost will likely compromise her chances further; cannot endorse at this time. |
Race 2
| Jump Jump |
| Pro has the two races to draw from as he makes his synthetic debut; the spotty race record is a concern and the show horse in the last win cashed in back-to-back $12.K optionals since; goes from one good barn to another and Amoss obviously has a good eye for a purchase to the tune of 36% in the last year or so. |
| Horned Frog |
| A win machine at 9 for 20; wide two back, he bobbled in last but at least he has the two races to draw from now; he won three in a row the last time he was in this league and with a clean start, it could be a whole new ballgame; this guy looks live. |
| Delago |
| Trainer is cagey enough to put them in spots where they can upset; only a brief threat in this league two back and note 4 of the 9 wins have come on the synthetic; he was all out to hold on last time and now has to go a 16th farther; lean toward watching here. |
| Lovesmelovesmenot |
| He's been around the wire this year, just has not been able to close the deal; 3 clear in last and note show horse was 7 clear; proven locally but he will need plenty of help up front; Kaddish exited the 9/16 race to win next out in a $5K claimer; another slice? |
| Brother Bird |
| Can't fault those that are a bit gun shy with 4 chalk flops in the last 5 races; last race came back live; the 5th finisher won in this league, 6th finisher took a $7500 seller next out, and the winner was 2nd a neck in a $5K starter; contender, far from a cinch. |
| Samson Road |
| Must prove he can win outside of conditioned claiming land; agile enough to overcome trouble for the lone win this year, he had to be off for 2012 for a pretty serious reason; look for him in the picture late if at all. |
| El Sombre |
| Over 3 times as many slices as wins makes him a tough on top only ticket; proven on the synthetic, but crushed the other time on this surface; could see him pushing the issue, just not sure he'll be around at the end. |
| Spartan King |
| The King comes to town at the top of his game; like the way he extended in the last 2 races and his tactical speed will give him first run on the deep closers; off the rail for this, threepeat well within the realm. |
| Because I Win |
| Don't be too harsh about last as few really want to go that far these days; like the improved energy in the drill 6 days ago; place horse in the last win cashed next out in a $16K N3L, then beat $25K claimers on 9/27; needs very best to turn it around. |
| Sgt. Major Ross |
| Not the easiest spot for just a double winner as there are several in here with war stories to tell; he's trained steadily for this but why did they stop on him off the facile 13-length win?; note he was also getting a little late in the best synthetic try two back. |
| Ridge City |
| Ambitiously placed last time and that may have taken a toll; he's been out of the money in the last 2 second off the layoff runs and with no speed, he can be his own worst enemy; 3 for 56 is just a touhg number to embrace. |
| Practice Tee |
| Making his synthetic debut at 7, runner could be compromised by the slot today; best when sent along, they set legit splits last time and he just could not keep up; in good hands as more experienced pilot hired; needs a turn around. |
Race 3
| Kitchen Police |
| From expert connections, this colt must be considered even from precarious rail slot; the colt's sire won multiple G2s and 1.04 million (progeny of Badge of Silver have won 23 out of 180 debuts); the dam lost her only start; winning siblings include 219K earner Wayward Sailor. |
| Gumper |
| Stayed within range in his maiden voyage until the half-way point despite a tardy getaway; his sire won multiple G2s and 751K while the dam won 1 of 12 and 27K; among the winning sibs is 169K earner Call Me Clash. |
| Dubaele |
| Game in defeat at Beulah but the race itself was only average in quality; tries the claiming world for the first time and did breeze well from the gate earlier this month; much better odds assured today. |
| Forfeit |
| Like this runner's workout pattern; his sire won multiple G1s and 698K; offspring of Langfuhr have scored in 10 percent of their initial starts; the dam won 1 of 6 and 6K; winning siblings include 81K earner Inscutable. |
| Danzig Gold |
| Doubles in price after coming up empty first time out; his sire won the G1 Travers and 2.53 million; the dam did not compete; winning siblings include 1.49 million earner Suteki Shinsukekun. |
| Fortune of War |
| Caught wide in his second venture, he should work out a more favorable journey here; his sire won a couple of G2s and 1.34 million; the dam won 1 of 22 and 13K; sib to 40K earner Cataguska. |
| Little Robbie D |
| Moderate works for this beginner, son of G1 victor Perfect Soul who netted a total of 1.52 million (his descendants have won 21 out of 256 initial attempts); the dam won 1 of 8 and 6K; sib to 177K bankroller Perfect Timber. |
| Blackout |
| Has shown a modicum of prompting ability and the son of champ sprinter Orientate will race with Lasix for the first time; gets in light and can move forward here in light of fair local breeze regimen. |
| Perfect Puma |
| Newcomer hails from G1 turf star Red Giant who annexed 1.09 million and whose progeny are 3 for 23 first time out; the dam was unraced; among the winning siblings is 51K earner Tirbracken Lily. |
| Marty the Monster |
| Rallied belatedly in his first run behind a blowout winner, a fair effort; his sire won a G3 and 530K while the dam won 5 of 27 and 87K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; recent workout activity is average. |
| Go Go Sugar |
| The latest workout from the gate was promising; his sire won a G1 and 455K (descendants of Daaher have won 4 of 10 initial starts); the dam won 10 of 34 and 781K; sib to G1 victor Sermon of Love who earned 290K. |
| Peekaboo Vision |
| Quit early in his only attempt but a sloppy track might have been the reason; his sire won a G2 and 1.43 million; the dam won 2 of 16 and 73K; this is her only foal to make it to the races; can upgrade at this lower level. |
Race 5
| Awesome Sky |
| Full G3 SP Sky Dreamer (176K, 1-4 at 2, won debut, 0-2 sprint) by 35-214 (16%) 2yo FTS sire; unraced dam has 2 winners from 2 runners (1-1 with 2yos, FTS winner, 1-2 with sprinters); dam 1/2 G1 route SP Dr. Pleasure (402K, 1-3 at 2, won debut, 1-3 sprint); barn 17-129 (13%, $1.35 ROI) past 5 years 2yo FTS MSW synthetic sprint; interesting. |
| Bro Rodrigeaux |
| 60K RNA yrlng; sire 18% 2yos; 1st starter from sprint winner (64K, 1-1 at 2); 2nd dam 2yo SW sprinter Yasou Kayla (52K); barn 1-33, $0.40 pst 5 yrs 2yos dirt/synth (1-5 with 2nd-out 2yos); hopped to left lead late after game 4th in hot race (winner returned to finish 2nd G1 Champagne, 2nd- and 3rd-finishers came back to graduate with 85 and 77 Beyers); contender. |
| Night League |
| Sire 198-1065 (19%) 2yos; dam placed sprint (14K) with 1 wnr/2 rnrs (0-1 with 2yos); dam 1/2 G3 SW French Satin (165K, 2-4 at 2, 2-7 sprint), multiple G1 route SW Lion Heart ($1.3M, 3-3 at 2, 2-2 sprint), G3 route SW Connemara (205K, 2-2 at 2); barn 28%, $1.71 pst 5 yrs 2yo dirt/synth (3-8 with 2nd-out 2yo); even try after tracking pace inside; expecting more speed; factor. |
| Match Up |
| Sire 38-336 (11%) 2yo FTS; dam 2yo G3 SW (375K, 3-6 at 2, 3-11 sprint) with 0 winners from 1 runner (0-1 with sprinters); 2nd dam 2yo sprint SW Round Robin (86K, 2-5 at 2, 2-10 sprint); barn 1-15 (7%, $3.53 ROI) past 5 years 2yos synthetic (1-9 FTS). |
| Malibu Heir |
| 60K 2yo after 1F work 10.3; sire 198-1065 (19%) 2yos; 1st starter from G3 sprint SW (304K, 5-19 sprint); dam 1/2 multiple SW Red Chili Pepper (Japan); barn 6-17 (35%, $3.08 ROI) past 5 years 2yos dirt/synthetic; no chance debut after poor start; 2nd-best to good-looking firster after pace try 9/30; expect speed from this exotics threat. |
| Baby Titan |
| 90K RNA wnlng, 70K yrlng, 200K 2yo after 1F work 10.1; 1st-crop sire 3-18 (17%) 2yo FTS; dam won sprint (18K) with 2 wnrs/3 rnrs (0-3 with 2yos, 2-3 sprinters); dam 1/2 SW Mighty Martha (103K, 2-3 at 2, won debut, 2-2 sprint); barn 27%, $1.08 pst 5 yrs 2yo FTS MSW synth sprint; 10/13 KEE Clocker notes he "finished well, much better than Easy Chair"; capable |
| Mendota |
| 30K shrt yrlng, 50K yrlng; sire 16% 2yos; SW dam (117K, 2-5 at 2, 1-3 sprint) has 1 winner from 3 runners (1-2 with 2yos, 0-3 with sprinters); dam 1/2 G1 turf SW Lucifer's Stone (405K, 1-4 at 2); barn 2-27 (7%, $1.13 ROI) past 5 years 2yos synth (1-7 with 2nd-out 2yos); took cash for debut, but was no match for 90-Beyer winner; 3rd-finisher ran 2nd here 10/11 (68 Beyer) |
| Royale Sky |
| 50K RNA short yearling, 85K yearling; sire 16-127 (13%) 2yo FTS; multiple SW dam (76K, 0-4 at 2, 1-10 sprint) has 3 winners from 4 runners (1-2 with 2yos, 3-4 with sprinters); female family 2yo G2 sprint SW Boone's Mill (400K, 2-5 at 2, won debut, 7-13 sprint); barn 3-41 (7%, $0.89 ROI) past 5 years 2yo FTS MSW synthetic sprint. |
| Captain Midnight |
| 1/2 multiple SW Saratoga's Magic (381K, 1-6 at 2, 3-17 sprint) by 1st-crop sire (1-40 with 2yos); dam won sprint (88K, 1-2 at 2) with 7 wnrs/9 rnrs (2-5 with 2yos, 5-8 sprint); barn 2-14, $1.25 pst 5 yrs 2yo synth (2-4 with 2nd-out 2yo); chased Brays Secret (next-out 58-Beyer grad, 3rd 9/26 stake); 10/9 KEE Clocker notes he "was nicely under control"; hind shoes off. |
| Jaz N Tap |
| Sire 7-76 (9%) 2yos; 1st starter from unraced dam; 3rd dam multiple SW Glorious View (137K, 1-6 sprint); barn 0-11 past 5 years 2nd-out 2yos synthetic sprint; faced decent field 4/7 (winner took ALW 90 Beyer 10/13; runner-up won G3 at AP 9/7) |
| Wingate Hall |
| Sire 14% 2yos; unraced dam has 1 wnr/2 rnrs (1-2 with 2yos, 0-2 sprinters); dam 1/2 SP 2yo sprinter Blushing Ogygian (48K, 2-7 at 2, 2-12 sprint), turf SP Tiny Decision (58K, 1-1 at 2, 2-5 sprint); barn 2-13 (15%, $2.27 ROI) past 5 years 2yos dirt/synthetic (2-5 off 31-60 day layoff); exits slower division of 2yo MSW 9/13 (3rd-finisher graduated IND 58 Beyer 10/14). |
| Q Two |
| 1/2 G3 turf SW Bright Abundance (379K, 1-3 at 2, 0-1 sprint), turf SW Gift of Song (90K, 0-2 sprint) by 10% 2yo sire; dam won turf (France, 11K) with 5 wnrs/7 rnrs (3-4 with 2yos, 1-6 sprinters); family 2yo sprint SW Debbie's Band (142K); barn 3-21, $2.75 pst 5 yrs 2nd-out 2yo dirt/synth; broke well, but was outsprinted; rallied nicely thru traffic; may want more distance. |
Race 6
| Rumblefortheroses |
| 1/2 G3 turf SW Tajaaweed (314K, 1-2 at 2) by 18% 2yo sire; unplaced dam (2K, 0-1 sprint) has 3 wnrs/7 rnrs (2-4 with 2yos, 1-3 sprint); dam 1/2 G3 sprint SW Mr. Greeley (474K, 2-6 at 2); barn 21%, $2.14 pst 5 yrs 2yo turf/synth; pressed winner and dug in gamely despite being green; 10/14 KEE Clocker notes he was outworked by Reach for a Kitten; vet scratch 10/6; capable. |
| Brilliant Dan |
| By 1st-crop sire (multiple G1 SW, $2.9M, 0-1 sprint, 4-25 with 2yos); multiple G3 SW dam (263K, 2-3 at 2) has 1 winner from 3 runners (0-1 with 2yos, 0-2 with sprinters); dam 1/2 SP Smithy's Last (South Africa); barn 3-16 (19%, $1.62 ROI) past 5 years turf/synthetic (0-1 with 2yos); had some trouble in slow maiden race at KD; must do more. |
| Rous |
| 1/2 multiple G2 SP Exterior (345K, 0-1 at 2) by 10% 2yo sire; dam won route (44K, 0-2 at 2, 0-1 sprint) with 5 wnrs/12 rnrs (0-11 with 2yos, 0-3 sprinters); dam 1/2 multiple turf SP Ofanto (195K), multiple SW Private Line (111K, 1-1 at 2); barn 4-12, $2.16 pst 5 yrs 2yos dirt/synth; no shot when off slow in fast race over speed track; Mott better 2nd-out than with firsters. |
| Cloud Catcher |
| 30K weanling, 57K yearling; sire 136-1073 (13%) 2yos; unraced dam has 4 winners from 7 runners (1-3 with 2yos, 3-6 with sprinters); female family multiple G1 route SW Pleasant Tap ($2.6M, 1-5 at 2, 5-10 sprint); barn 0-11 past 5 years 2yos dirt/synthetic; expecting a bit more speed after quick half-mile breeze. |
| Tall Boy |
| 1/2 SP router Irsaal (123K, 1-4 at 2) by 18% 2yo sire; dam won route (37K) with 1 wnr/2 rnrs (1-2 with 2yos, 0-1 sprinters); dam 1/2 multiple G1 route SW Saint Liam (4.4M, 0-1 sprint), G3 SW Congressionalhonor (112K, 0-2 sprint); G2 route SW Quiet Giant (405K); barn 0-15 pst 5 yrs 2yo dirt/synth off 31-60 day layoff; hooked up in hot pace 8/28; may try rating tactics here. |
| Valdina's Will |
| 50K yrlng, 110K 2yo after 2F work 21.2; 1/2 G2 turf SP Blushing Bear (51K) by 15% 2yo sire; unraced dam has 3 wnrs/4 rnrs (1-2 with 2yos, 1-2 sprinters); family multiple G1 turf SW Sky Classic ($3.3M, 0-1 at 2, 0-1 sprint); barn 23%, $1.83 pst 5 yrs turf/synth (1-3 with 2yos); earned competitive number after solid speed try; respect. |
| Camp Meeting |
| 50K weanling, 40K yearling; sire 12-133 (9%) 2yo FTS; 1st starter from route winner (26K, 0-3 sprint); dam 1/2 SP Biblionico (74K, 1-3 at 2, 3-17 sprint); barn 0-10 past 5 years synthetic; 8/31 work matches Legend Forever (1st FTS MSW 59 Beyer 9/29 CD); 9/15 work matches Go to Work (FTS WED. R1). |
| Long Station |
| 30K short yearling, 85K yearling; sire 231-1274 (18%) 2yos; 1st starter from sprint winner (47K, 1-7 at 2, 1-9 sprint); female family multiple G1 SW Excellent Meeting (1.4M, 4-8 at 2, 2-5 sprint); barn 8-45 (18%, $1.18 ROI) past 5 years 2yos dirt/synthetic (1-2 route/sprint); attacked 3w final turn 9/21 and almost held off dead closer in good effort; contender. |
| General a Rod |
| 100K yearling, 72K yearling; sire 17-141 (12%) 2yo FTS; dam won sprint (51K, 1-6 sprint) with 1 winner from 1 runner (1-1 with 2yo, 0-1 with sprinter); dam 1/2 G3 SP Angel On Watch (140K, 1-2 at 2, won debut, 2-6 sprint); barn 2-28 (7%, $0.99 ROI) past 5 years 2yo FTS MSW synthetic sprint. |
| Bonesprings |
| Sire 12% 2yos; dam G3 route SW (244K, 0-5 at 2, 0-7 sprint) with 0 wnrs/3 rnrs (0-2 with 2yos, 0-3 sprinters); dam 1/2 SP 2yo Preamble (84K, 0-6 at 2, 1-17 sprint), SW Secondary School (149K, 3-5 sprint); barn 2-13 (15%, $2.27 ROI) past 5 years 2yos dirt/synthetic (0-8 with 2nd-out 2yos); barn better 2nd-out, but colt may need distance/more experience. |
| Ararat |
| 20K yrlng; sire 26-213 (12%) 2yos; unplaced dam (0-2 at 2) has 1 winner from 4 runners (1-3 with 2yos, 1-2 sprinters); 2nd dam multiple G2 sprint SW J J'sdream ($1.0M, 3-5 at 2, 13-33 sprint); barn 1-18 (6%, $2.32 ROI) past 5 years 2yos dirt/synth (0-5 with 2nd-out 2yos); top 2 finishers returned to win (67, 63 Beyers); perhaps a pace factor. |
| Little Curlin |
| 275K RNA yrlng, 145K RNA 2yo after 1F work 10.4; 1/2 G3 SW Via Villagio (321K, 1-6 at 2, 1-5 sprint) by 9% 2yo FTS sire; dam G2 turf SW (319K, 1-3 at 2) has 3 wnrs/4 rnrs (1-2 with 2yos, 2-4 sprint); barn 15%, $1.89 pst 5 yrs 2yo FTS MSW synth sprint; 10/12 KEE Clocker notes "good work, in front of Be Warned, tired bit and both were together at wire"; consider. |
Race 7
| Regally Ready |
| He's never been this far and the lone sibling won once, a sprint; a winning chalk in the BC Turf Sprint, but that was 2 years ago and he just got rolling too late in last; would not be shocked if he shows more speed on the stretch out; needs a turn around. |
| Seruni |
| Only beaten a neck in a similar spot in the lone effort on this grass; nice; sent along in last but runner may be better off settling and tracking; 4th finisher in last took a classified allowance next out and Wise Dan repeated in the Grade 2 Fourstardave; respect. |
| Tidal Volume |
| The win at this distance was in a N1X at Indiana when he drew off by nearly 6 with an 86 Beyer; life fact he won in the second off the layoff run in July; expect much better effort today. |
| Trend |
| Five taxing races in a row; 13 seconds and only 3 wins is a genuine concern; you kind of get the feeling he'll be in the hunt from the get go, but if he is looked in the eye, he could be very vulnerable; you also don't quite know how much 3 tough beats may have taken out of him. |
| Turallure |
| Runner probably lost his best chance when the race came off the grass last time; back class is there, he's a Grade 1 winner and was beaten a nostril in the BC Mile but that was 2 years ago; clever trainer tinkers with blinkers; due to hit paydirt. |
| Street Serenade |
| He's been consistent this year but has yet to finish first; the stewards were involved when runner was carried out in July; 9/2 place horse cashed next out here a week ago in an N3X spot with an 89 Beyer; far too sharp not to take seriously. |
| Bim Bam |
| Been a long time between drinks; the last win came in June of 2010 by a head in a $55K Calder stakes; he's failed in some small fields and was out of the money in the other attempt on this course; not thrilled with chances. |
| Pure Tactics |
| Runner has been expertly managed; proven locally, the 9/22 drill screams off the pace and could see him sitting a nice stalk and pounce trip; note he won for this rider last year; legit player. |
| Rogue Romance |
| The fact he won off the layoff last year gives him a right to fire fresh; drilling solidly, he doesn't have to be 11 back this time and could even be on the muscle fresh; would still not want to embrace to short a number here. |
| Mr. Vegas |
| This Empire-bred is a Grade 3 winner in open company; he may not have cared for the good surface two back and the winner of last repeated in a $75K Hawthorne stakes; he has the 3 races to draw from now and his tactical speed will give him a puncher's chance. |
| Nates Mineshaft |
| Connections took a shot in the Arlington Million but that doesn't look like the greatest of decisions in retrospect; pushed along last time, runner had nothing left when the real racing began; he boasts back class off the G3 win last year and the tough beat in the Foster; will at least muddle the pace. |
| Stormy Going |
| Gelding pushed the issue last time when wide, but he sure gave up the ghost when it counted; apparently not much of a work horse, his style is no secret and would expect new pilot to send hard and hope for the best; not sure the race sets up all that great for him. |
| Rockefeller (BRZ) |
| It took him awhile to figure it out, but he's been solid since; the concern is he's been solid in the minor leagues; not sure he was beating anybody 8/30 as the place horse that day was out of the money next out in a $17.5K seller; passing. |