Keeneland: Closer Looks for October 5, 2013
Race 2
| Along Came Kitten |
| Sire 108-580 (19%) with 2yos; unplaced dam (2K, 0-4 at 2, 0-3 routes) has 0 winners from 2 runners (0-2 with 2yos, 0-1 with routers); dam 1/2 SW Tap Your Feet (125K, 2-6 route); barn 2-19 (11%, $2.64 ROI) past 5 years all 2yos; never got out of first gear vs. solid field on turf; must improve. |
| Azha |
| Sire 15% 2yos; sprint SW dam (190K, 1-2 at 2, 0-2 route) has 4 wnrs/6 rnrs (0-3 with 2yos, 2-2 routers); dam 1/2 G3 SW Destiny Dance (96K, 1-2 routes), SW Aurora (285K, 1-1 route), 2yo SW Yamanin Paradise (1.4M, Japan); barn 0-9 pst 5 yrs 2yos dirt-synth; cold on board and broke poorly; too early to give up on her, but needs major improvement. |
| Crack Your Whip |
| 1/2 SW Noble Charlotte (228K, 0-1 at 2) by 12% 2yo sire; SP dam (160K, 0-3 at 2, 2-14 route) has 2 wnrs/3 rnrs (0-2 with 2yos, 1-2 routers); dam 1/2 G3 SW Mythical Gem (161K, 0-1 at 2, 1-2 route), barn 1-4, $2.70 pst 5 yrs 2yo dirt-synth; waited when impeded by drifting rival stretch 9/15 and was 2nd best to chalk; should appreciate distance; interesting. |
| Spring Included |
| 1/2 G1 SP 2yo Pulsion (194K, 1-5 at 2, 2-12 route) by 15% 2yo sire; unraced dam has 4 wnrs/5 rnrs (2-5 with 2yos, 1-3 routers); dam 1/2 G3 SP router Throne (75K, 1-7 at 2); barn 15%, $0.89 pst 5 yrs dirt-synth (no 2yos); hooked in duel in key sprint 9/7 (5th-finisher returned to win with 78 Beyer) and may have it easier from pace perspective; can improve. |
| Prepared |
| Sire 13% 2yos; dam won route (44K) with 0 wnrs/2 rnrs (0-2 with 2yos, 0-1 router); dam full G3 SW Happy Hunting (281K, 4-9 route); barn 6-18, $2.65 pst 5 yrs 2nd-out 2yo synth; faced Tamazula (next-out 4th Arlington-Washington Lassie, 70 Beyer); broke slow and was outsprinted before passing tired; more distance helps; some exotics appeal. |
| Streethomealabama |
| Sire 31-212 (15%) 2yos; unraced dam has 0 wnrs/3 rnrs (0-3 with 2yos, 0-1 routers); family multiple G1 SW Excellent Meeting (1.4M, 4-8 at 2, 6-14 route); barn 2-12, $1.56 pst 5 yrs 2yos adding Lasix and going turf-synth; runner-up 9/22 returned to win with 67 Beyer; beaten less than 3L despite being hung 3-4 wide throughout; respect. |
| Stock Yard Hen |
| 5K shrt yrlng, 30K 2yo after 1F work 10.4; 1/2 G3 SW Buffalo Man (505K, 3-5 at 2, 2-6 route) by 12% 2yo sire; SW dam (278K, 2-5 at 2, 1-2 route) has 5 wnrs/7 rnrs (1-2 with 2yos, 1-3 routers); dam 1/2 G2 SW Commitisize (784K, 2-5 at 2, 2-6 route), barn 2-11, $1.00 pst 5 yrs 2yos turf-synth; far back early, lost chance when checked in traffic late; not out of it. |
| Fun Elusive |
| 75K yearling by 98-659 (15%) 2yo sire; 1st starter from sprint winner (34K); dam 1/2 multiple 2yo G1 SW Folklore (945K, 4-7 at 2, 1-1 route), G3 SP sprinter Delightful Quality (208K); barn 0-8 past 5 years 2yos dirt-synthetic; gave an even try at Churchill and may be close to moderate splits; prefer underneath. By Dan Illman |
Race 3
| Spot |
| 150K RNA yrlng; 1/2 SW Quiet All American (233K, 0-3 at 2, 3-7 sprint) by 15% 2yo sire; placed dam (14K, 0-3 at 2, 0-6 sprint) has 4 wnrs/7 rnrs (1-6 with 2yos, 4-6 sprinters); dam 1/2 G2 SW 2yo router Night In Reno (206K, 2-8 sprint); barn 22%, $1.57 pst 5 yrs turf-synth (1-5 with 2yos); exits good key race at AP and should be forwardly placed from rail. |
| Harbor Bound |
| 42K yearling by 74-534 (14%) 2yo sire; dam won sprint (77K, 2-3 sprint) with 2 winners from 3 runners (1-2 with 2yos, 2-3 with sprinters); 2nd dam multiple SW Barefoot Dyana (432K, 3-10 at 2, 1-6 sprint); barn 0-10 past 5 years 2yos dirt-synth; good learning debut as off slow and forced to wait in traffic on turn; finished evenly once clear; contender. |
| Coastline |
| Sire 20% 2yos; dam 2yo G3 SW router (271K, 2-3 at 2, 0-1 sprint) with 1 winner from 2 runners (0-2 with 2yos, 1-2 with sprinters); 2nd dam G1 turf SP Volunteer (Argentina, 0-1 at 2); barn 3-11 (27%, $1.24 ROI) past 5 years 2nd-out 2yos dirt-synth; beat gate as chalk but jock opted to track outside; ended up 4 wide on turn and was easily 2nd-best; respect |
| Ghost to Ghost |
| 100K yrlng, 65K 2yo after 1F work 11.0; sire 18% 2yos; unplaced dam (3K, 0-2 sprint) has 2 winners from 4 runners (0-2 with 2yos, 2-3 with sprinters); dam 1/2 G1 route SW Eithan (Argentina, 76K, 1-1 at 2, 3-8 sprint); barn 7-23 (30%, $2.30 ROI) past 5 years 2yos turf-synthetic; gained fitness from debut over testing turf course; exotics player. |
| Polish Cowboy |
| Sire 14% 2yos; dam won route (35K, 0-1 at 2, 0-3 sprint) with 2 wnrs/3 rnrs (1-3 with 2yos, 2-2 sprinters); dam 1/2 G3 SW 2yo Mr. Sea Sanders (112K, 3-18 sprint), G3 SP Delightful Bet (101K, 1-8 sprint), 2yo G2 SW sprinter Old Tascosa (393K), SW Lights On (216K, 0-3 at 2, 3-18 sprint); barn 0-8 pst 5 yrs 2yos dirt-synth; hard to envision off dull debut. |
| Greyfell |
| 1/2 SP sprinter Arcade (46K by 15% 2yo sire; unraced dam has 3 wnrs/4 rnrs (0-2 with 2yos, 2-4 sprinters); dam 1/2 G3 SW sprinter Traverse City (495K, 0-2 at 2); barn 17%, $2.07 pst 5 yrs 2yos synth; got hot going to post 9/6 and set uncontested pace before yielding late to promising winner; earned good fig, should be close up and must be considered. |
| Storm Viper |
| 42K wnlng, 30K yrlng, 35K 2yo after 1F work 10.0; sire 240-1261 (19%) 2yos; 1st starter from route-placed dam (3K, 0-2 sprint); dam full G3 SW Leonnatus Anteas (600K, 3-3 at 2, 1-2 sprint); barn 4-21 (19%, $1.63 ROI) past 5 years 2yos synthetic sprints; chased the very promising Cool Cowboy (90 Beyer winner 9/14) both times AP; expect good speed. |
| Nate's Dynamite |
| Sire 61-440 (14%) 2yos; sprint winner (104K, 4-16 sprint) has 0 winners from 2 runners (0-2 with 2yos, 0-1 with sprinters); dam 1/2 multiple G2 SP Remand (127K, 1-1 at 2, 1-6 sprint); barn 1-1 (100%, $7.80 ROI) past 5 years turf-synthetic; Lasix may help, but he needs an improved effort. |
| Hadrian's Villa |
| 95K RNA yrlng; 1/2 SP Grand Sensation (386K, 0-1 at 2, 9-34 sprint), 2yo sprint SW Runstevierun (56K) by G2 SW (1.0M, 2-3 at 2, 0-1 sprint, 0-15 with 2yo FTS); dam G3 SP router (64K, 1-1 at 2, 2-6 sprint) with 5 wnrs/7 rnrs (2-5 with 2yos, 1 FTS winner, 5-6 sprinter); barn 1-25, $1.35 pst 5 yrs 2yo FTS synth MSW sprint |
| Springboard |
| 6.5K shrt yrlng, 20K yrlng; 1/2 SP Speargun (74K, 0-2 at 2, 1-12 sprint) by 15% 2yo sire; winning dam (68K, 1-6 sprint) has 3 wnrs/4 rnrs (0-3 with 2yos, 2-3 sprint); dam 1/2 G1 SW Pool Land (529K, 1-2 sprint), barn 23%, $1.89 pst 5 yrs turf-synth; jock gave an excellent ride to save ground after breaking from widest post; outpaced late, but can improve. |
| Conquest Afleet |
| 47K shrt yrlng, 75K yrlng, 95K RNA 2yo after 3F work 34.2, 170K 2yo after 2F work 21.1; sire 9% 2yo FTS; 1st starter from unraced dam; dam 1/2 G3 SP Back in Shape (268K, 0-1 at 2, 0-2 sprint); barn 13%, $1.35 pst 5 yrs 2yo FTS synth sprint MSW; 9/20 work matches Pool Play (6th Homecoming Classic Stakes 9/28 CD 73 Beyer) |
| Bern' James Bern |
| 23K yearling by 32-268 (11%) 2yo FTS sire; 1st starter from unplaced dam (0-1 sprint); dam 1/2 multiple turf SW With Patience (393K, 0-2 sprint), G3 SW Lovely Afternoon (150K, 2-6 at 2, 1-4 sprint); barn 14-90 (16%, $1.81 ROI) past 5 years 2yo FTS synthetic MSW sprint. By Dan Illman |
Race 4
| Lady Diva Ga Ga |
| Her KEE win was right on the lead but will have to outbreak La Song, Bully Girl and Chortle today then hold off the stalkers; the runner-up finisher from last posted a 94 Beyer speed figure in a next-out CD-Grade 3 stakes win; beat the 4th-place finisher from last a 99 Beyer CD-64K next-out stakes winner. |
| Queen's Award |
| Her co-field best Beyer was accomplished on today's KEE synthetic surface which was her last win which occurred 1 week short of 1 year ago; exits a dull effort off a 71-day layoff and is likley to improve off that effort; likely will be sitting far back saving ground then makes 1 run; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 90 in a next-out CD-optional claimer then 95 capturing a 95K-PRM stakes. |
| Drama Drama |
| Seeks her 1st-ever synthetic-surface exacta finish noting her career-best Beyer was on KEE synthetic at today's 7F distance; last time on synthetic she could not hold handle Queens's Award; the KEE workout for this was not very enticing for a 1-for-24 synthetic-surface trainer since 2012. |
| Eddington's Note |
| Away 76 days since the late-running win at shorter; she has never raced this far which is a concern; has been working steadily for the 1st-KEE attempt off the career-best Beyer; 26%-winning fresh trainer since 2012 adds to the appeal but would likely have to run another career-best Beyer to land a major share. |
| La Song |
| All 3 wins right on the lead but at 6F or less distance returning to KEE synthetic for the 1st time since a Grade 1 route loss; beat one runner fading badly the last time sent today's 7F distance; the KEE workout for this was right on the money; has to fend off Lady Diva Ga Ga, Bully Girl and Chortle then hold off the stalkers. |
| Amie's Dini |
| Races 1st time on a synthetic surface today trying to shake up the form; declining-Beyer pattern since the barn change but has been facing quick ones; the show runner from last Beyered 84 in her next-out PID-100K stakes win; has worked well on dirt for a 30%-winning jockey-trainer combo. |
| Ire |
| Figures for an ideal trip stalking the inside speedsters; defeated the 2-back show runner who Beyered 82 in a next-out FG-optional-claiming victory; 32%-winning long-layoff trainer adds to the appeal; the 3-back winner repeated with an 86 Beyer taking an FG-75K event; horse for the course graduated at today's distance on KEE synthetic. |
| Table Three Ten |
| Another who figures for a great trip stalking a slew of early-speed types signed on for this; defeated the show runner from last who Beyered 77 in a next-out PEN-optional-claiming score; the 2-back winner Beyered 84-80 in 2 next-out wins a PIM-50K stakes and optional-claimer. |
| Milania |
| Both wins at longer than today's 7F distance coming off the 102-day layoff she figures to need this race and is likely to prosper in longer route races; she is clearly best on synthetic surfaces which she returns to for this; the 3-back winner repeated in a PID-97 event with a 93 Beyer. |
| Chortle |
| Versatile sort is 1-for-1 at KEE posting a career-best Beyer here racing right on the lead at today's distance; she can win from off the pace or right on the lead however in recent races has been more of a stalker; figures to sit just off the inside speed for this before getting 1st run on the closers. |
| Bully Girl |
| Stretches back out beating 1 runner home in her only race at 7F or longer during career; went gate-to-wire over the runner-up finisher from last who Beyered 72 in her next-out MNR-starter alw. score; graduated at KEE on the lead facing-much lesser maiden claimers; view as a wide-pace presence chasing La Song and others to the front. |
| Yankee Union |
| Toss latest-grass loss out; her 6-3-2-1 fast-main track slate suggests that is her best surface but is back on synthetic where she is winless; stalker will lose ground breaking widest; did not show best form in 2 KEE defeats; graduated at today's distance on dirt. By Art Gropper |
Race 5
| Pirates Vow |
| He has a good deal of early speed to throw at these after breaking from the rail post, and have to respect the fact that he's won 15 of 36 career starts, including 9 of 19 over turf, but this is a tough spot for this Ill-bred to step up and take on graded stakes competition. |
| Tour Guide |
| Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam won once from seven starts for 44k, and she didn't make a turf start; this has to be considered an extremely tough spot for his turf debut; 3rd finisher from latest won next out at Mth on 6/9 going 5 1/2f over turf in a 63k stakes with a 96 Beyer. |
| Great Mills |
| Although he's yet to record a victory over this turf course, he's done some nice work here from four attempts, and he finished second in this event in 2012; winner from latest won next out at PID on 9/8 going 1m in a 250k stakes with a 94 Beyer and was entered in race 9 here today. |
| Console |
| He's a tough one to gauge based on his inconsistent form, but he can be very sharp on his best day; simply not willing to count him out of it and the 3rd finisher from his latest race returned to win next out at Lrl on 9/21 going 6f over turf in a 100k stakes with a 98 Beyer; he's a full to recent 2-y-o turf debut winner Due Diligence (74 Beyer). |
| Expecting Cash |
| Tough to argue with a runner who sports a 3-for-3 mark sprinting over turf, but he's stepping up to take on a different caliber of horse today and he's going to need to be ready to take his game to another level if he's to have a say in the outcome. |
| Stormofthecentury |
| He proved that he can compete at this level with a sharp winning performance in his latest outing and like to see that he showed a new dimension by getting the job done from just off of the early pace; 3rd finisher from his latest race returned to win next out at Lrl on 9/21 going 6f over turf in a 100k stakes with a 98 Beyer. |
| Ancil |
| Stakes placed veteran appears to be going better than ever entering this race and he might actually appreciate turning back in distance for this; feel that he commands his share of respect in this spot and his only start over this turf course was a sharp winning performance. |
| Havelock |
| He won this event in 2011 and not going to put it past him to show up with a competitive performance against these, but this multiple graded stakes winner can be questioned while making his first start back in America after being shipped overseas; perhaps the assignment of Gomez is a sign that his connections feel that all sysytems are sitting on go. |
| Global Power |
| Not that his form sprinting over turf has been bad, but this multiple stakes winner appears to be more comfortable routing, and his connections also entered him in the Phoenix here on Friday; prefer to side with others. |
| Spring to the Sky |
| Not sure if this stakes winner is quite up to the level of the top contenders in here, but his form sprinting over turf has been solid, and like to see the way that he bounced back from a sub par performance in his latest outing; feel that a minor award might be the ceiling. By Brian Pochman |
Race 6
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Race 7
| Say (IRE) |
| It looks like she's done some very nice work racing overseas this year and she's out of a multiple G1 winning dam who won 8 of 29 turf starts for $2 million; this is a barn that is very capable of showing up with one that can get the job done and like to see the addition of Lasix for this. |
| Hungry Island |
| She finished behind today's rival Daisy Devine in this race in 2012 and this multiple graded stakes winning mare has shown the ability to deliver a very sharp performance when she feels up to one of her better efforts; she is a little light on winning form the past two years, but not willing to count her out of it. |
| Better Lucky |
| Feel that she's been a little bit lucky in recording her two turf victories, but at the same time it really isn't a knock on her, and her overall turf form has been plenty strong enough to give her a favorable look; Leparoux rides this turf course about as well as anyone and this filly usually employs her positional speed to sit a comfortable trip. |
| Daisy Devine |
| She's a G1 winner over this turf course and she finished second in this event in 2012; certainly not going to be shocked if she gives a good account of herself in this spot and have to respect the fact that she's won 10 of 21 career starts, including 7 of 12 over turf; plenty to be positive about in this direction. |
| Winding Way |
| Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and stakes winning dam won 3 of 17 starts for 216k, including 1 of 2 turf starts for 70k; respect the synthetic surface form on display here but this is a very tough spot for her first start beyond seven furlongs and her first start over turf. |
| Dayatthespa |
| She's another who can boast of G1 success over this turf course, and her runner-up finish to Laughing two starts ago keeps looking better and better; it might be of some concern with regard to how conservative Brown has been in managing her this year, but perhaps he was just hoping to have her peak in the fall; Velazquez, who is here to ride Wise Dan, takes over for Castellano who has a few lucrative mounts in New York today. |
| Miz Ida |
| It's really tough to knock anything this multiple graded stakes winner has done while winning 7 of 13 turf starts and she might be ready for one of her better performances while returning to Kentucky for her second start after a layoff; winner from latest won next out at Bel on 9/28 going 1 1/4m over turf in a G1 with a 96 Beyer. |
| Amazonas (IRE) |
| Say does appear to be the stronger of the two imports in here, but this filly certainly adds intrigue to this event, and not going to suggest that she can't show up with a competitive performance while getting Lasix for the first time; that said, others entice more. By Brian Pochman |
Race 8
| Intense Holiday |
| Picked up his game in 1st start around 2 turns, rating on uncontested lead before motoring home over next-out 66-Beyer grad Afleet Accompli; likely will rate here with speed to his outside, but should save valuable ground into the 1st turn; Pletcher is only 2-26 (8%, $0.39 ROI) over the past 5 years with 2yos going dirt-synth; prefer on bottom of exotics. |
| Kendall's Boy |
| Working nicely at Spa, but had misfortune to face highly-touted Havana; regrouped to win in slow time; according to 9/30 KEE Clocker, he "started 2-3L back of Information Age and Speightshill, rallied to be almost even, and was stronger on gallop out"; may have to go fast to get lead; very curious to see how he's bet and how he does; prefer underneath. |
| School On a Hill |
| Purchased by shrewd connections following rallying AP win, but never got involved when facing impressive filly My Conquestadory in the Summer (she runs Friday); Catalano put Lasix on 2yo Animal Kingdom at KEE in 2010 and the colt responded by improving 17 Beyer points; should get an excellent setup with lots of speed in the race; exotics appeal. |
| Laddie Boy |
| This guy carved out some legitimate fractions in the Grade 3 Iroquois and understandably tired when the real racing began; that was a pretty tough spot as he was stretching out 3.5 furlongs fresh off a maiden win at Indiana Downs; know him in the early portion of the race, but there are distance, surface and class questions to address. |
| Rum Point |
| Graduated gate-to-wire over DMR poly, but that race was slower than a maiden special for Cal-bred juvenile fillies on the same card; faltered when tested in the G1 Del Mar Futurity and it will be interesting to see if the new blinkers enhance his good speed vs. some fast ones; dam was a pure sprinter on turf in France so distance could be an issue |
| Solitary Ranger |
| He's quick and pretty talented; battled 9-1 shot Lotsa Mischief into the ground (that one finished last) through testing fractions only to continue onward to an easy victory; continues to work bullets in the morning, but may have to save some of that speed with other pace rivals looming large; tries 2 turns for the 1st time; not out of it. |
| General Jack |
| He's done little wrong in 2 starts on turf; beat Bashert in debut and that one returned to win his next 2 including a Grade 2; pulled early at CBY, but soon settled behind the leader on backstretch; seemed very green late, switching leads several times but was striding out nicely at the end; that race gave him valuable 2-turn experience; capable. |
| Pontos |
| Appreciated stretching his legs around two turns, but not sure he beat much at DEL (3rd-finisher returned to win 30K MCL with 57 Beyer and was recently running for 20K); unlikely to make the easy lead he obtained last time and is stepping way up in class; in very tough. |
| Conquest Titan |
| Faced 2 next-out winners CD (Dunkin Bend has won 2 in a row including G3 Sapling); caught eye with facile Swynford score; came to hand while setting pace, opened up and finished under hand ride; interesting to see what trip he gets as he's quick, but others may have designs on front; dam 1/2 to 10F turf winner so there's stamina in pedigree; respect. |
| Arctic Slope |
| Made debut in live Spa turf heat and was one of 3 next-out winners to emerge from the race (Bashart took the graded With Anticipation); rallied off moderate fractions at Churchill Downs and may have the right off-the-pace running style for this race; distance and surface shouldn't be an issue; needs Beyer boost, however, to take down all the marbles. |
| Ready for Action |
| Has shown a willingness to rally from off the pace in sprints, but the distance is still somewhat of a question as the dam did most of her damage going short; wheels back on short notice for excellent barn, but takes a big class hike and the Beyers pale in comparison to those of the main contenders; taking a wait-and-see approach for now. |
| We Miss Artie |
| Tracked easy pace on 8/11 before surging by turning for home; only 1 of the 6 next-out runners from that race cracked the trifecta (65K maiden claimer); willing to give him a mulligan for the With Anticipation as he was hung outside and that may have sapped his kick; expecting him to be off the pace this afternoon; minor award could be his ceiling. |
| Smarty's Echo |
| Needed the length of the stretch to catch loose pacesetter Greyfell (entered in today's 3rd) after tracking that one from the inside on backstretch; earned nice Beyer, but he looked green in the stretch racing on his left lead; may sit a stalking trip behind a solid pace, but must avoid a wide trip from tough outside post; interesting. |
| Tiznowforamerica |
| Talented colt gets acid test as he stretches out 3F in 1st start vs. winners and on polytrack; ran well in very key heat (4 next-out winners) before speed-popping in mud 9/2; speed has been his game and he is stuck way outside with fast ones inside; dam mostly a sprinter, but he may get stamina from Tiznow; not out of it, but demand value. |
| Medal Count |
| Looked pretty good overcoming some adversity to win his maiden at Ellis Park, but it doesn't appear he beat the strongest field in the world and the race came back pretty slow; 360K yearling has upside potential and would get the right pace setup if he started here, but the leap up in company may simply be too much of a mountain to climb. |
| Oogeley Eye |
| Received a nice education when rallying along the rail, but was no match for Kendall's Boy; according to the Keeneland Clocker Report for 9/28, he "went well, in company with Eirigh and was slightly better at the finish"; cross-entered in a maiden race on Friday and would fit much better in that spot. By Dan Illman |
Race 9
| Winning Prize (ARG) |
| He ran well in his first start in America in his latest outing and his connections are showing a lot of confidence in him by signing him up for this; however, he might have to worry about getting hooked up with Silver Max and Handsome Mike early on; runner up from latest won next out at SA on 9/27 going 6 1/2f over turf in a G3 with a 98 Beyer. |
| Turallure |
| Like to see the effort that this G1 winner showed up with after a layoff two starts ago, but that performance still wasn't up to the level of performance that he was once capable of, and it would have been nice to have seen him build off of that performance in his latest outing; he's the other Lopresti-trained runner in here. |
| Skyring |
| He deserves a lot of credit for the upset that he recorded in the Dixie back in May, a race that saw him get the better of today's rival Willcox Inn, but he needs to get back to that level of performance to have a chance at getting himself into the mix in this spot, and his two most recent starts haven't been encouraging. |
| Hogy |
| All six of his turf starts have been sprinting, but he's run well enough in his synthetic surface starts at today's distance to help give him some appeal in his first start in a turf route; not putting him at the top of the list, but he's worth considering underneath in the exotics while going out for a barn that has been very live lately. |
| Summer Front |
| Been a big fan of this horse since his career debut and feel that his Beyer Speed Figures don't tell the story on how talented he truly is; he's capable of producing a sensational final quarter mile on his best day and he's been known to do it without having his rider having to ask for much; Wise Dan is probably too tough of a mountian to climb, but like him best of the rest in here. |
| Willcox Inn |
| Not going to put it past this multiple graded stakes winner to sneak his way into the mix against these, and he finished second to Wise Dan in this event last year, but still prefer to look toward horses like Summer Front and Silver Max before this one. |
| Handsome Mike |
| His only victory over turf was in a six and a half furlong maiden event racing down the hill at Santa Anita and this has to be considered an extremely difficult spot for him to be going after his second turf win; respect the fact that he carries multiple graded stakes winning credentials with him, but he has the look of an outsider. |
| Coalport |
| Multiple stakes winner has been on top of his game lately, but this is a much tougher test he's facing today, and the horse that has finished second behind him in his two most recent races owns a race record of 25-3-13-0; Hill has won with 42 of 131 (32%) mounts for this barn in 2013. |
| Silver Max |
| Like to see the way that he's been able to rediscover his best form in his two most recent races after a couple of starts over dirt, and his fine route speed always helps give him plenty of appeal; as long as he can avoid an early pace dispute, this multiple graded stakes winner can keep himself involved in the running throughout. |
| Wise Dan |
| His only loss over turf was in this event in 2011 but it's just tough to look past him whenever and wherever he shows up; as far as turf milers go, he's up there with Miesque, Lure, and Goldikova; his exceptional positional speed can help him manage a comfortable trip after breaking from the outside post; Velazquez is a head shy of being a perfect 9-for-9 with him. By Brian Pochman |
Race 10
| Carolyn M. |
| Goes for the hat trick today and has moved through her conditions nicely but there is a curious statistic from the opening week of the last Keeneland meet: in sprints, horses breaking from the rail were only 1 for 34. |
| Mucho Sueno |
| No chance last time against much better stock, especially considering the difficult post position; has important prior experience over this course (a respectable third while caught on a wide path); could prove to be the right value play in open race. |
| Do Dat Blues |
| Back to six furlongs which is this mare's best game; she was a pace presence until the final furlong in her only attempt at this oval; has enough early speed and experience to be a prominent factor once again. |
| On the Same Page |
| Game in defeat 2 months ago at Indiana; although still eligible for n3l competition, her stalking style fits this race and the Beyer achieved 3 back suggests she can make an impact if working out a clean trip. |
| Brilliant Autumn |
| Drops to the right class and, more importantly, she is the only runner in the field with a local victory (that was her maiden breaker which was achieved in good time); most recent workout suggests she may be able to recapture that performance level. |
| Grand Distraction |
| Has been shut out of the exacta in all prior visits here; the mare has some prompting speed though in her favor and was racing at an unfamiliar distance in her last attempt; intrigued by the latest half-mile breeze which showed significant improvement. |
| Silver Arch |
| She is a consistent check earner for sure and exits an above average race at Presque Isle where she was a clear-cut second despite losing much ground; must add 4 pounds for this assignment but is worth some inclusion in exotic wagers nonetheless. |
| Magical Cat |
| A mile was beyond her scope in that effort in May; although her overall Beyer matter seems light in comparison to the major contenders today, she has breezing steadily over the course and can make an impact on top effort. |
| Ballistic Sue |
| This seven-time winner fits with this caliber; if able to clear the inside speed without a problem, she will prove very dangerous; had all kinds of trouble in her last assignment at Saratoga and can return instant dividends now for top-notch connections. |
| Grilledham'ncheese |
| Veteran racemare has winning ways but came up empty in her sole appearance over this course which was long ago; has the important luxury of either setting or pressing the pace and looks like a true contender despite this wide point of departure. |
| Guava Girl |
| Beaten favorite could not handle the extension to 7 furlongs recently; she earned a personal best in her last attempt at today's distance but seems destined now for a demanding, wide run unless there are some key late scratches; difficult call. By Jim Kachulis |