Keeneland
Keeneland: DRF Plus closer looks for April 12, 2014
Race 1
| Bad Student |
| Held on well in his latest turf assignment but was helped by a very soft pace that day; the thing to focus on is this gelding's prior try at Keeneland while a maiden; he was caught extremely wide throughout in that performance yet ran a solid third; can turn back today with effectiveness. |
| Wingate Hall |
| Unfortunately, he was involved in a strong pace war in his first attempt against winners at Gulfstream, a deceptive effort; do not judge his ability by last season's local try at this distance where he failed to fire; he has improved with blinker addition. |
| Smoking Romance |
| Won at first asking and in game fashion; note the huge gap between the second and third-place finisher in that affair; meets a strong group for this class today but the son of Smoke Glacken cannot be dismissed in light of the trainer's fine win percentage. |
| Dig Alittle Deeper |
| Took a while to graduate but that was over the green; ran a sharp race in his second career start when attempting this distance and the recent workout activity suggests he can make this escalation; will be a square price for a change. |
| Kowboy Boots |
| Although he broke maiden around 2 turns, this one's true future may be in the sprint game; first start of the year was a respectable placing at today's distance; should be able to obtain a striking early position and he picks up Castellano who continues his red-hot winning streak. |
| Smartified |
| This colt has been facing some multiple winners of late but has never attempted 7 furlongs; latest half-mile breeze at Churchill was a stark improvement over previous a.m. drills; betting value will certainly be there; mixed signals indeed. |
| Silver Rocket Man |
| Basically a one-run closer, he was not far behind Bad Student in their last match-up over the lawn; the roadblock today for his chances is the fact that there is not much in the way of pace on view; this might restrict his rallying chances. |
| Wallyanna |
| Looks like a solid claim as he survived pace pressure when scoring less than a month ago over the turf; debut effort was respectable as well when losing by a diminishing margin to Smartified; cannot be discounted in what sums up as a truly wide-open test. - Jim Kachulis |
Race 2
| Anna Pavlova |
| Draws the fence for her local debut after being given a little extra time following the big regression at Turfway; filly's prior couple of tries at the level there were solid and the numbers she earned in them weren't bad; she hasn't shown much lick of late, though, and that won't help from this inside starting slot. |
| Core Destination |
| Didn't have much of a say in her first with winners and now she'll return to synthetic footing in her return from 3 months on the shelf; filly just missed here in the fall and the number she earned in her maiden dirt win says that she can step with most of these; with a tip pilot getting aboard she's worth a look. |
| Sandcastle |
| Switches surfaces for the turn back to sprint after a decent late running third place finish in a troubled Gulfstream turf try; mare doesn't have any experience over this type of footing and some of her better efforts have come going long; maybe for a minor share. |
| Ultimate Shopper |
| She looked like a world beater first time out at Belmont, earning a huge figure in that maiden score to boot, but she offered little resistance when returned to face winner for the initial time on the Aqueduct main track last fall; idle since, she's been working quite well of late for her first crack over this type of footing and her top pilot sticks with her; a repeat of either of the final numbers she's earned would make her a pretty tough customer but she'll take plenty of tote support. |
| Good So Far |
| Import makes her stateside debut for a barn that does nice work with this type; she's been working in Florida for her first crack of the year for a while now and she did run well first time out in France while tackling a synthetic surface; first time Lasix and the presence of Leparoux suggest she'll be ready to run some today. |
| Tap Twenty One |
| Returns to the scene of her maiden score at this time last year; filly did subsequently run well going long on the dirtbut neither the stakes try 2 back that sent her to the bench nor her sprint return at Gulfstream was very good; tough to like her on the win end today. |
| Keri This Day Lori |
| Mare was given a little extra time off the open lengths score over cheaper in her Turfway finale; she did break her maiden here so maybe the local return helps keep her going, but she'll need to show up a lot faster to threaten on the win end; have to side against the repeat. |
| Brief Reign |
| She's another who hasn't run particularly fast but at least she was in at this level when second on the turn back and surface switch last time; filly has solid tactical foot and she does draw an outside tracking post today; don't know that she proves a serious win threat, but she can get involved for a minor share at a decent price. - Steve Grabowski |
Race 3
| Twang |
| Hopes to stalk the other inside speed while saving ground; has been shelved since the Grade 2-stakes loss but clearly a good sign the connections felt strongly enough to go right into a classy event right off the maiden breaker; 24%-winning long layoff trainer also wins 38%-1st Lasix and 1st-time Johnny V doesn't hurt; this would be his 1st start on a synthetic surface (not the trainer's strong suit yielding just 10% winners since 2013); his latest KEE workout suggests he will like it here. |
| Ghostly Wonder |
| Projects to play catch me if you can today with Augsuta Road after posting a best-last-race Beyer speed figure; the long absence is cause for concern but has been working steadily for this for the 1.5F increase in distance; was a debut winner defeating the 4th and 5th-place finishers; they Beyered 92-62 in next-out HAW-AP-MSW wins. |
| Augusta Road |
| Visually impressive 3 weeks ago 1st-time out scoring at today's distance; seems Ghostly Wonder is the major danger for this one to get loose on the lead; a last-out TP runner won Wednesday and overall they have been good at the current-KEE meet; is the one to catch and beat. |
| Cash Conversion |
| Flattered in the graduation when the runner-up Beyered 59 then 74 in 2 next-out wins a PID-MSW event and a MNR-100K stakes; he was best when racing right on the lead but have 3 runners breaking inside of him with designs on making the front also; away since the 2nd-start 18-point Beyer improvement; adding 1.5F onto his 2-year-old starts is another cause for concern; view as a pace presence for part. |
| Manaus |
| 3-back field-best Beyer was accomplished on turf; the 4th, 8th and 11th-place finishers from last Beyered 89-86-77 in next-out GP-optional-claiming and 25K-claiming wins; turf-to-synthetic is an 0-for-8 move from the trainer since 2013; hasn't posted better than a 34 Beyer in 3 KEE-synthetic starts so would be a surprise. |
| Green Mask |
| Declining Beyers since his KEE-debut win defeating the runner-up finisher who posted a 56 speed figure in a next-out CD-MSW event; new trainer today off the last-place finish when defeated by the show runner who Beyered 81 in a next-out GP-optional-claiming win; gets needed class relief for the trip back to his preferred oval KEE. |
| Mendota |
| Projects for an ideal trip stalking a lot of inside speed; the runner-up and 6th-place finishers from last Beyered 92-73 in next-out GP-100K stakes and 25K-claiming wins; another absentee in this event; on Wednesday's KEE card each winner raced with at least 30 days or more idle; his KEE maiden breaker was rock solid. |
| Forfeit |
| Displayed ability on the KEE surface when edged in his career debut; it was against lesser than this but had to like the way he flew late especially today in an event today top heavy with gate speed; class is the concern while the 10-week absence suggests he will need one to see best form again; his stalking or closing style fits the profile of sprint winners at KEE early in the spring meet. - Art Gropper |
Race 4
| Purrfect Ride |
| Debut not bad considering the slow start, but she just ran around the course in last; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; may like it here. |
| Stellaris |
| Tons best of the rest and like the way she was inching toward the winner; dam just one for 17, a sprint; lone half sister lost twice; no reason she will not move forward. |
| Jazzy Genius |
| The synthetic efforts nothing to write home about and not thrilled with the loss for a tag two back; the sibling that won took 3 sprints; probably needs softer to shine. |
| Partyinslowmotion |
| This one appears to have more natural speed than stablemate; 2 for 14 dam was sprint only; one of 4 siblings won; that runner, Sutra, took 3 of 12, took a G1, banked over $350K, won routing; respect both from this barn. |
| Lady Margarita |
| Got a feel of the strip on the 5th as blinks and Lasix added to the equation; 8 for 21 dam won a number of stakes routing, banked over $800K; 2 of 3 siblings won, one cashed routing; expect better try on a glib surface. |
| Terrific Treasure |
| Street Cry 5 for 34 with debuters; sire won at 2, took multiple Grade 1s, could run all day, banked over $5 million; dam out of the money 4 times; this is her first to race; never simple to beat winners at first asking but Clement adapt at that move. |
| Twenty in One |
| Don't be too harsh about last as she may have just hated the off going; dam 2nd in best result; several multiple race winners in the family; several won routing including stakes placed near $400K earner Terrific Storm; not impossible task. |
| Trawee |
| Local debut solid considering she took the overland route; she got a boost when the place horse in last won next out and was also 2nd beaten a neck in the Grade 3 Honeybee; dam was unraced; the sibling that won Magic Mesa took 6 of 29, earned over $200K; got a feeling we have not seen the best of this one. |
| Gananoque |
| Decent try in the debut, she may have not adored the rail in last but at least she has route experience to draw from today; show horse in the bow graduated next out in a MSW with a 67 Beyer, lost next pair; dam 0 for 4; both siblings won including Indigo North, who cashed thrice, twice routing; could envision him in a nice stalk and pounce position; contention goes deep. |
| Ventoux |
| Wide, stumbled and at least she has an education now; dam was unraced; lone half bro The Absolute One took 4 of 9, earned over $100K, was sprint only; would be careful here. |
| Crissy Field |
| She pressed the slow pace in the local out and still tired late; never thrilled to see runners give up clear leads as she did last time; backers can point to fact both siblings won routing; look for new pilot to send and try to steal it. - Brian Mulligan |
Race 5
| Rare |
| Rested since a game effort in defeat at Tampa; his debut race here last year was a striking effort especially since he got away slowly that day; appears to be a viable candidate here if breaking alertly from this often tricky post. |
| Boss Gone |
| New face was sired by multiple G1 pure sprinter Street Boss who banked 831K and whose offspring have won nearly 20 percent of their first races; the dam won 4 of 29 and 74K; winning siblings include 50K earner Summon the Rain. |
| For Goodness Sake |
| On the shelf since being claimed more than 2 months ago; he got into gear too late in that last showing behind a repeat winner; his sire won the Derby and 3.61 million overall; the dam won 1 of 10 and 26K: sib to 42K winner Skinny Legs N All. |
| Indian Guide |
| Fair rallies in both outings and he was doubly compromised in the November defeat; his sire won multiple G2s and 1.03 million while the dam was unraced; among the winning sibs is 329K winner Awesome Fire. |
| Sultry Cat |
| Beginner hails from multiple G3 victor Bernstein who amassed 173K (his descendants have won 50 out of 473 initial starts); the dam won 3 of 7 and 77K; among the winning sibs is 336K earner Bittel Road; steady work tab is on view. |
| Tribal Message |
| Decent showing in his 2013 finale at Turfway; did not fare well when beginning his career at this oval but the latest local workout is an improvement; may appreciate the cutback to this distance and will offer a square price on the board. |
| Nobadeer |
| Firster was sired by multiple G1 type First Samurai who notched 915K and whose progeny have won 10 percent of their first races; the dam did not compete; winning siblings include 91K earner Kimberly Jean. |
| Oil Strike |
| Sired by multiple G1 victor Bernardini who captured 3.06 million and whose offspring have won 11 percent of their first attempts; the dam was unraced and this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; the trainer has established a fine slate at the meet. |
| Alexndeed |
| Did not have a smooth trip under apprentice handling last month and reverts to the original rider now; the colt's sire won multiple G1s and 2.76 million; the dam scored in 5 of 15 appearances earning 216K; sib to 425K earner War Dancer. |
| One More Night |
| Earned only a minor check in an off-the-turfer last month but can focus now with the scheduled blinker addition and solid blowout of 3 days ago; started his career over this course and prompted the pace a long way in that try before tiring. |
| I've Had My Say |
| Wound up six-wide despite breaking from the rail in his maiden voyage; his sire won a G3 and 173K while the dam won 4 of 20 and 308K; among the winning siblings is 24K earner Fivefeethi Nrisen. |
| Vigorish |
| After aiming way too high in the G2 Risen Star, he showed some pace prompting ability in the last defeat; this turnback in distance can prove ideal if he is able to secure a clean, stalking journey from this outpost; worth some follow-up. - Jim Kachulis |
Race 6
| Strong Stipulation |
| Triple Crown nominee tries synthetic footing for the first time after taking a step back in his second route try; he was ok first time going long but he doesn't have much early foot and that could put him in a tough spot from here; a top New York based pilot does get aboard and this guy's dam was a 2 time turf winner as was one of his sibs, so maybe he takes to the new footing and comes running on late. |
| Match Up |
| Fresh colt ran well the first time they sent him long and he did have trouble over this footing in his local debut run; worked well over the track the other day and his dam was a G2 SW router and 375K earner so he has a right to have some ability; one to consider. |
| Hoochie Poochie |
| Outran his price while getting third money behind a couple of next out winners in his debut run over a tricky Kentucky Downs turf course; colt makes his first start in 7 months here and maybe he ends up needing a heat but he showed he has at least a little bit of ability and maybe his grass prowess transfers to this surface. |
| Galton |
| Adds shades for his return to the scene of his sprint debut back in the fall; twice beaten chalk in Fair Grounds off the turfers did run big going long over a wet track 2 back and he's working well of late over this footing for his return to the races; giving him the nod to break through and beat these home. |
| Wildlife Artist |
| Tries this type of footing for the first time in his return from the layoff; colt ran well in each of his turf starts and did work here to get acquainted with the local footing; barn doesn't do so well with its returnees so maybe we don't see his best until next time. |
| Stroll to Victory |
| He's another who has been on the lawn in each of his starts and his early trouble from a wide draw didn't afford him his best shot when returning at Gulfstream last time; his first 2 sod efforts in New York were excellent and both of his sibs to race are multiple winners; he's had a couple of drills to get acquainted here and if he takes to the footing should prove a big threat. |
| World Is Watching |
| Newcomer tipped his hand that he could run some while working sharply from the local gate last month; his sire gets 10% winners from his first out runners and his dam was a 210K earning first out winner who took the Sunland Park Oaks when sent long; he's kin to 3 winners, 2 of whom won routing. |
| Butterfly Strike |
| Blinkers go on for the stretchout in his first synthetic spin after being given time after chasing a repeater first time out at Fair Grounds; sophomore worked well here last weekend and his filly sister, SW Smartyfly is a route winner and 354K earner so he may show a lot more today. |
| Identity Crisis |
| Gets Leparoux for his first local crack after catching slop in his Oaklawn route debut; colt did breeze well earlier in the week over this footing and he's kin to a route winner; barn is having a nice stand but they haven't done so well with second out runners. |
| Athens |
| Pricey yearling buy offered little in his 2 Gulfstream sprint starts, but he did catch the Florida Derby winner in that first try and the poor break did him in prior to the time off; dam dropped 3 route winners as well as 845K earner Pomeroy who took a couple of G1 sprints so there is some ability in the family. |
| Xaverian |
| Offered some run a little too late in his Gulfstream debut and subsequently found himself with too much to do in his local debut; he'll get another top pilot for the quick return in his synthetic debut and he is kin to a couple of multiple main track winners. |
| Posture |
| Drew the fence first out and found trouble in that Tampa turf heat but still managed to get within a length of the winner; he'll try new footing today and is stuck in an outside slot so he's got some hurdles to climb, but he has already shown he can run some so he can't be dismissed. - Steve Grabowski |
Race 7
| Laugh Track |
| Clearly one of the hottest barns to start the KEE meet as his runners love the synthetic footing; was primed in tough-GP dirt company noting the 6-4-2-0 record on all-weather ovals including a career-best Beyer speed figure the last time seen at KEE closing strongly at 6F; 1st-time Lezcano winning 24% for the barn since 2013; saves all the ground then makes one run; the one to beat. |
| Ol Army |
| Today is the shortest-distance test of career; coming off the November layoff likely will need a race and 2-turn racing; both previous synthetic-surface starts were at 1.5F longer than today's event but both far off his best form producing 7th-place finishes; will be taking a wait and see approach. |
| Dimension (GB) |
| Away since the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint; obviously turf has been his surface; the 7th and 12th-place finishers from last Beyered 98-94 in next-out SA-Grade 2 and BHP-98K stakes wins; his only synthetic-surface win was in an 11K event in England May, 2011, at 1 Mile; his last synthetic start was a huge race in defeat necked in a WO-G3 when defeating the show finisher who Beyered 100 in a next-out BEL-Grade 3-stakes win; contender. |
| Spring to the Sky |
| Defeated both the 5th and 8th-place finishers from last; they both Beyered 91 in next-out TAM-GP-optional-claiming wins; massive-class test here opting to make his synthetic-surface debut in a G3 off consecutive stakes losses; a tough call. |
| Undrafted |
| Reunites with win rider Johnny V; last-out GP runners through Wednesday had won 16 races at the current-KEE meet; the winner from last repeated in a GP-115K stakes with a 107 Beyer; debut winner on KEE synthetic; no disgrace as 9F was not his cup of tea in the Blue Grass here last year where he set the pace; projects to stalk Gunderson then get 1st run on the closers; the pick. |
| Quiet Force |
| 1 of the 3 Maker-trained uncoupled runners with Longhunter and Gunderson; figues to sit far back early then make one run; the trainer is superb 1st off the claim but this one headed right to graded stakes company 1st off the buy is an ambitious placement; 24%-winning synthetic barn is 36%-winning route-to-sprint since 2013; cuts back to his shortest distance test since his Feb. '13 unveiling. |
| Longhunter (GB) |
| Exits a field-best Beyer speed figure posting that huge number on wet turf; goes to KEE synthetic where his 3-0-0-0 leaps off the form at you; could not carry his speed vs. much lesser at KEE in 2013; hard to argue with this 31%-winning jockey-trainer combo since 2013 but has something to prove over the KEE track. |
| Gunderson |
| Try to catch me; the main knock is that he's never won this far and has not raced at least 7F since February, 2013; will be a speedy target for his uncoupled barnmates Quiet Force and Longhunter and the others; beat the 2-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 78 n a next-out TP-OPC win; reunites with the KEE-win rider for this; know him early but unsure about late. |
| Occasional View |
| 4-1 second choice on the morning-line Thursday in a 6.5F KEE optional claimer obviously a lot easier spot than this; wanted no parts of wet dirt in last posting the 2nd lowest Beyer of his career; the show finisher from last Beyered 90 in a next-out OP-OPC win. |
| Big Blue Spirit (GB) |
| Ambitiously placed for what would be his 1st-synthetic surface start for a trainer since 2013 who is 1-for-22 racing on all-weather ovals; the show finisher from last Beyered 81 in a next-out TAM-starter handicap win; stakes debut in a graded event today while he's still eligible for n2x or non-winners of 3 alw. events; others appeal more. |
| Piquant |
| Stakes debut in a Grade 3; finished 5th-beaten 11 lengths in his only KEE start facing MSW company October, 2011, that was his last start on a synthetic surface until today; obviously he's been much better on dirt since then earning over 200K on the main track; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 96 in a next-out PRX-alw. win. |
| Carving |
| Debut winner on DMR synthetic is also a SW racing over an all-weather strip at 8.5F; long absence since his career-low Beyer when favored then finishing last in an EMD-dirt stakes; obviously the connections feel good enough about him to be here in a G3 right off the long layoff; the worktab suggests we take a wait and see approach. - Art Gropper |
Race 8
| Channel Marker |
| All of his recent starts sprinting over turf have been strong performances and like to see that he got the job done in his only start over this turf course prior to this; the rail post at this trip can be tricky, but with some racing luck, he can find himself in the hunt through the final furlong. |
| Something Extra |
| Multiple graded stakes winner just missed in this event last year when nosed out by today's rival Havelock, but he's being returned from a much longer layoff this time, and he produced a performance that was well below par for him when last seen; runner up from latest won next out at PID on 8/18 going 1m vs. alw. rivals with a 91 Beyer. |
| Shrinking Violet |
| Stakes winning miss has won five of seven over turf and she's been a very sharp winner in her two most recent races sprinting over turf in Florida; however, this Ward owned/trained filly finds herself in against boys while stepping back up into the graded stakes ranks. |
| Tour Guide |
| Minor stakes winner has earned all of his wins racing over dirt and he's never run a race that is fast enough to suggest that he can be competitive against competition of this caliber; winner from latest won next out at OP on 3/8 going 6f in a 100k stakes with a 101 Beyer. |
| Marchman |
| He's a stakes winner on turf and it's interesting to see how sharp he's been in his two starts sprinting over turf; he was beaten by a couple of today's rivals in his latest outing, but feel that he's eligble to be ready for an even sharper try while making his third start of 2014. |
| Havelock |
| Multiple graded stakes winner is back to defend his title in this event, and note that he won this race last year off of a near identical layoff; this barn can have one ready to run off of a long layoff and it looks like this veteran has been training well for his first start of the year; plus, he attracts the services of a rider who rides this course as well as anyone. |
| Animal Style |
| Obviously he's going to need to produce the performance of his life to get the job done against these, but a number of his starts sprinting over turf have been very sharp performances, and he shows up for Ramsey and Maker; Napravnik has won with 16 of 59 (27%) mounts for this barn in 2014. |
| Go Blue Or Go Home |
| Grade 3 winner displayed strong form sprinting as a 4-year-old, but he might be slightly sharper racing over a synthetic surface than he is over turf, and he will need a top try if he's planning on beating this tough bunch in his 5-year-old racing debut. |
| Hogy |
| He's another in here with the ability to jump up with a very sharp run on his best day, and not only has he won 11 of 21 lifetime, but he's four-for-six over turf; he didn't disgrace himself in this event last year, and note how well he's run the last two times he's been seen sprinting on grass. |
| Positive Side |
| He deserves a lot of credit for the way that he was able to outrun his odds in his latest start, and even though the turn back in distance might have been the key, he wasn't a match for today's rival Gantry in that race; it isn't unreasonable to make him prove that he can come right back with that level of performance. |
| Ancil |
| He's by a sire that is well known for producing turf sprinters and this speedy gelding is capable of putting together a strong 5 1/2f over turf on his best day; one of his better efforts was over this turf course and he might be primed for a top try while making his second start back from a layoff. |
| No Silent |
| Don't like to see all of the runner-up finishes he's settled for along the way, but he does have some solid form sprinting over turf on his card to consider, and perhaps the assignment of Castellano is a sign that his connections feel that he's set for a top try. |
| Gantry |
| Grade 2 winner has proven that he can run his race over any surface and he was an easy winner when beating a couple of today's rival over the Fair Grounds turf in his latest start; maybe the outside post in a field this size will cause some problems for him, but he has to be respected as a top contender. - Brian Pochman |
Race 9
| Saturday Nthe Park |
| This is a nice filly; reformed claimer has been in the money in 13 of 16 but this race is a far cry from getting beat in a $59K stakes; she has some semblance of speed but may have to use it in spades to flee the fence; she has to find a way to turn the tables on Cozze Up Lady among others. |
| Apropos |
| She got that stakes win out of the way last time, now tackles proven Graded runners; she has a nice stalk and pounce style but will be hard pressed to clear if she demands the top; best of 47 bullet locked and loaded; valid excuse when off slow in the only poor try; sharp and dangerous. |
| Heir Kitty |
| Proven in a Grade 1 at this demanding distance, the 1/25 place horse cashed next out in a Grade 2 and then was 2nd beaten less than 2 in a G1; she fired last time but Judy got first run and that was that; backers have to hope that a duel occurs and she finds a seems to rally into in time. |
| Judy the Beauty |
| Classy and dangerous right back; she beat the smallish field in last and the show horse last time had never won a Graded race; beaten by the champ to close out 2013 and anything close to a repeat in that race could mean the rest are looking at minor awards. |
| Wildcat Lily |
| Valid trouble when she stumbled in last; right there in Grade 1 company repeatedly, miss blew out sharply in Floriday on the 2nd so she comes here on her toes; would have liked to have seen a run over the surface; will have to adapt to the synthetic on the fly. |
| Better Lucky |
| Repeatedly proven fresh but as she is back to square one kicking season off in the sprint; it is not the easiest of spots; her speed may have been dulled a bit on grass; would figure her to be in the picture late if at all. |
| Byrama (GB) |
| Only beaten a neck in this very race last year and it was a tough beat as she ran into the roadblock; revenge is a dish best served cold; tough beat in last and the winner repeated in another $75K stakes; 8th finisher in last took a $58.5 NC allowance next out; look for rider to take a little hold, try to save ground, make the one run. |
| Cozze Up Lady |
| This mare has solid turn of late foot; she conceded the double digits in the last pair and just reeled them all in; in good hands, like the series of drills since the last effort; half of her wins have come on the synthetic; probably needs to improve to make it 4 in a row. |
| Eden Prairie |
| Very tough beat the last time in town when just unable to hold it together; she could catch similar splits this time; repeatedly proven off the vacation; you won't see many faster works than the one she recorded last Sunday; another player in a good betting race. - Brian Mulligan |
Race 10
| Kitten's Point |
| Have to respect the way she's improved her game in her recent starts and she was nosed out by the defending champion of this event in her latest outing while earning a career best Beyer Speed Figure; Augustin-homebred figures to be making some late noise. |
| Stephanie's Kitten |
| Multiple G1 winner took her game to another level in her three starts as a 4-year-old and now she's making her first start for one of the sharpest turf outfits in the country; winner from latest won next out at Sar on 8/24 going 1 1/16m over turf in a G2 with a 97 Beyer. |
| Emotional Kitten |
| Another daughter of Kitten's Joy to look at in here and it appears that her best effort isn't quite up to the level of the top contenders in this one; perhaps she can sneak her way into a spot underneath in the exotics if things fall the right way for her, but going to look in another direction for the top spot. |
| Abaco |
| This barn has really been getting the job done with turf starters in graded stakes races, but this mare was soundly defeated in this event in 2013, and it might be worth noting the presence of Castellano aboard another in here; looking toward others. |
| Class Included |
| Multiple stakes winner has been in good form since moving into this barn but she has to prove that she can handle competition of this caliber; tough to argue with what she's done from 25 career starts, but this is the first time that she's been entered in a G1 on turf. |
| Fitful Skies (IRE) |
| The only time she's produced a poor performance was in her career debut and she came up just a little bit short of securing a G1 win in her first start in America when last seen; she's making her first start for the McLaughlin barn, and that turf workout on March 14 kind of jumps off the page; must consider. |
| Cloud Scapes |
| She improved her game in her three most recent starts at Tampa and she enters this race off of back-to-back G3 victories, but she's going to need to take her game to another level to get the better of this bunch; Garcia is 2-for-3 riding for this barn at the current stand. |
| Discreet Marq |
| It's the rare day when she doesn't show up with a solid account of herself, and can't ignore the improvement she's shown since moving into this barn last year; she's proven that she can handle any type of turf course and this is a top turf barn that can have one ready for a sharp run off of a layoff like this. |
| Hard Not to Like |
| She loses the services of Velazquez to another in here, and after nearly equaling her career best Beyer Speed Figure in her latest outing as an odds-on favorite, she finds herself faced with a very tough step up in class for this; not counting her out of a spot underneath in the exotics, but the top spot might be out of her reach. |
| Centre Court |
| She's repeating the same pattern that led to a victory in this event last year and there isn't any reason to believe that she won't be tough to deal with as she gets ready to defend her title; not only does Leparoux know how to get the most out of this miss, but he's particularly dangerous over the Kenneland turf. - Brian Pochman |
Race 11
| Asserting Bear |
| Canadian bred made up some ground late off the freshening in his return to synthetic footing in Turfway's G3 Spiral; he earned some of his better numbers on the all weather surface at Woodbine last fall and he's one who certainly appears to like this 9 panel trip; sophomores do have a way of taking big steps forward this time of year and this colt did breeze well the other day for his first local start; he'll have to prove he's this good but the price will be right. |
| Extrasexyhippzster |
| He ran well while earning solid numbers in 2 prior one turn stakes heats before offering little from a wide spot in the G3 Gotham in New York; he doesn't appear to face any foes as tough as the 2 New York breds who battled to the wire in his initial 2 turn try and he's been working like he loves the new footing he'll tackle today; if he gets off to a better beginning he could find himself in a solid ground saving spot in here, but his SW dam was strictly a sprinter and today's 9 panel trip will be the longest he's tried so far. |
| Pablo Del Monte |
| Aired as no one's secret in his debut here a year ago and following half a year on the bench was still able to carry his speed on the stretchout at the fall meeting; his subsequent starts weren't much but they did come in on different surfaces that he'll tackle here and maybe this is just the ground he prefers; while he's by a sire who ran all day in top company overseas, he looks to have inherited more of his dam's sprint tendencies and even though he's been able to settle at longer trips he hasn't been able to make much headway late; don't know that the added ground well help him move forward, even over this surface. |
| Harry's Holiday |
| Just missed after breaking from a tough outside slot when stretched out a bit to this trip in the Spiral last month; colt has improved quite a bit since moving to synthetic footing and adding shades; he'll retain Rosie but he does return just 3 weeks off the big last out try and he'll face an even tougher task in this spot for a barn that hasn't gotten off to a great start at the stand. |
| Bobby's Kitten |
| Morning line chalk exits a facile score against an overmatched bunch in his first start of the year; he's got a right to move forward off the effort for a sharp barn that does well second time back from the break; G1 SP turfer will try synthetic footing for the first time in here and that's no small hurdle to clear; he has been working well on the green since the comebacker, though, and turf success often bodes well for the transition to this type of footing, but we'd need to see a price offered in order to endorse him and that doesn't appear likely to happen today; still, he has to remain on the list of contenders today. |
| Coltimus Prime |
| This guy was very good on synthetic footing in Canada last year, missing just a neck in a stakes heat that came back with a solid number; his return try wasn't much, but it came over a dirt surface in Florida that some just don't care for and he did return from that try to work well; speed seems to be his game and there's not a whole bunch of that commodity in here so maybe this lightly raced colt is able to find a spot up top early and get back on track at a price. |
| Casiguapo |
| Blew out sharply over the track the other day for his local debut after being given some time off a weak Gulfstream sprint return in his first start in shades; he kept some good company last year and was even able to get second money in his initial 2 turn event last fall; a solid journeyman pilot will get aboard for his synthetic debut, but just don't think this guy will be set to take the needed step forward to have any type of say in the outcome at this extended trip. |
| Dance With Fate |
| West coast shipper makes his first local start off the plane after prepping for this on the Santa Anita dirt; he broke his maiden on a synthetic surface at Del Mar and was right there at the finish of the G3 El Camino Real Derby over Tapeta footing in Northern California before getting a brief respite; he fired fresh from off the pace in his first start of the year and off his last is worth serious consideration in here. |
| Big Bazinga |
| Wasn't beaten all that much in the Spiral in his return to synthetic footing last time; gelding has little trouble with the trip and maybe getting off the fence for his local debut actually helps his style; he did work well last weekend for this engagement and his new pilot has already seen the winner's circle at the local stand; using him underneath in exotics. |
| So Lonesome |
| Adds the hood for his first on synthetic footing after proving little match for G3 turfers in his first start of the year in Florida; New York bred offered some promise last summer and he did overcome a slow clip to score first time on the lawn in a restricted stake before hitting the bench; barn shows a lot of faith in him to enter him in this G1 heat, but he worked well last week for this and does have a right to move forward second time back from the break. |
| Coastline |
| Came up a little short late when missing the whole thing by just a head in the Sprial and the guy who split him and the winner returns in this spot as well; gray broke his maiden over the local main track second time out last fall and the hot pilot will stick with him for this; like the fact he's able to secure a spot just off the front runners early and maybe now he's set to get the 9 panel trip; with a sharp local move in from last week on his tab he's a contender in a wide open heat. |
| Vinceremos |
| Pletcher colt tries synthetic footing for the first time off a couple of sharp stakes efforts at Tampa Bay Downs; it took them a while to get this 340K in training buy to the races last year, but he clearly has ability and the stretchout to 2 turns has certainly agreed with him; ability to handle the new footing is a question he needs to answer and he'll have to do it from an outside draw, but he looms the one they'll have to beat. |
| Medal Count |
| Came shooting up the fence to take the off the turf Transylvania on Opening Day of this stand and returns quickly for this G1 shot; he's certainly on the improve from a figure standpoint, but he'll go from the rail to an outside draw which means there won't be any shortcuts for him to take advantage of this time and he'll pick up some weight for this one as well; outfit looks to strike while the iron is hot, but don't know that he'll have the same punch he did last time while returning in just over a week. |
| Gala Award |
| They paid quite a hefty sum for this guy as a yearling and he became a G3 SW turfer in just his third career start; though he's kin to G2 SW turf router My Best Brother, his pedigree suggests he'd be better on the main track than the lawn as another of his brothers is G1 SW and 700K earner Stormello; draw is tough but if he takes to this footing he's another with a solid shot. |
| Divine Oath |
| AE will start from a very difficult post were he to draw in to make his stakes debut here; he's done all that's been asked of him on the lawn and will now look to get his feet wet over synthetic footing; tough to knock an undefeated colt but he'll get his biggest test yet if a scratch allows him to go. - Steve Grabowski |
Race 12
| Marine Patrol |
| Stakes placed colt has run well in five of six turf starts, and not only did he gets the job done in his only start over this turf course, but he's being reunited with Bridgmohan who has been aboard for a couple of his better efforts. |
| Klisz |
| He's capable of making some noise in here if he shows up with one of his better performances, but his recent form hasn't been his best, and he must improve over what he's been doing lately in order to have a say in the outcome. |
| Vindication Now |
| He earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in a winning performance in his latest outing at Sam Houston, but he finds himself facing much tougher competition this time around, and he's going to need an even sharper performance to beat these. |
| Alvear |
| He's run well in three of his last five starts while recording a couple of victories but this has to be considered a tough spot for him to meet up with N2X allowance competition for the first time; Landeros has won with 4 of 15 (27%) mounts for this barn in 2014. |
| Bravodino |
| He has a strong turf pedigree and he nearly earned a G2 victory racing in France; he's a 1/2 to G1 winner overseas, Kris Kin (3-7, $1.6 million) and like to see him getting Lasix for the first time while making his first start in America for a barn that does well with imports. |
| Perfect Timber |
| He's obviously capable of better than what he showed in his latest outing and he nearly became a G1 winner on turf two races back at Woodbine; Fipke-homebred looks like he's been working well in preparation for his return to action and like to see John V. aboard again. |
| Mills |
| His overall turf form has been quite good and that was a strong group of 62k OPC's he faced at Gulfstream Park in his latest outing; he owns a victory over this turf course and feel that he's eligible to be ready to run a good one while making the third start of his current form cycle. |
| Brilliant Comet |
| Sire wins with approximately 6% of his turf starters and dam won once from 11 starts for 17k, including 0-for-3 over turf; there is a long layoff in play, but have to respect what she showed in his first two career starts as a 3-year-old; Elliott has won with 3 of 7 (43%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting. |
| Al's Uncle |
| His career best Beyer Speed Figure was earned racing over the synthetic surface at Arlington Park and he hasn't shown enough in his eight turf starts to suggest that he can get over on the top contenders in here; he looks like more of an outsider. |
| Avie's Quality |
| He's out of a G1 winning dam who won 5 of 21 turf starts for 482k and this colt is a 1/2 to stakes winner Avie's Tale (5-28, 210k, including 3 of 19 turf starts for 125k); his one turf start was solid, and his overall form has been decent, but this has to be considered a tough spot for him to be going after his first turf victory. |
| North Star Boy (IRE) |
| Stakes placed gelding has run well since arriving in America last year and he's been facing some tough competition in his recent starts; he's proven that he can run well when fresh and this barn does some of their better work when returning horses from this type of a layoff. - Brian Pochman |