Keeneland
Keeneland: DRF Plus closer looks for April 19, 2014
Race 1
| Iamdonewithmylawer |
| Made a nice run to get third money in his first start of the year while tackling this local 6 panel trip; move inside means he'll need to be more alert early and he does at times break quickly; he's had his chances and has earned plenty of minor awards, but on his best he certainly fits with these; consider. |
| Dr. Hal |
| Four year old has only run 4 times and he didn't break so well in his local return from the freshening and was pushed all the way before giving in late to finish behind some of these; expect he'll be tighter with that one behind him and a clean break would likely put him on the lead by himself today; looks like they'll have to run him down to win. |
| Silent Courage |
| Gets Lasix for the first time after again finishing off the board in career start number 11; 5 year old was well off some of the guys he'll catch in here last out and things don't look to go much better for him today; looms another long price. |
| Casa Creek |
| Gulfstream shipper tries synthetic footing for the first time while returning from a brief break after tiring late in his initial turf route spin at Gulfstream early last month; gelding handled dirt just fine last year and the green did agree with him last time so don't think he'll have much trouble with the new footing for a barn that's had recent luck from limited runners moving from turf to synthetic footing; contender. |
| Golden Story |
| Wasn't beaten all that much in either of his starts and now he'll get back to synthetic footing with a sharp local move from last week in tow; dam was a local G3 SP sprinter and she dropped a few multiple sprint winners so wouldn't be surprised to see this guy take a step forward at a decent price in his return to one turn racing. |
| War Tide |
| He's working sharply of late for his first local start, but he's looked terrible in his 3 tries so far; maybe the taste of the local water agrees with him and he does get a new pilot for this, but off what he's shown in the afternoon he's got a lot of improving to do. |
| Late Night Lu |
| He's finished second in each of his local sprint spins and overcame plenty of trouble to get there in his most recent one; gelding goes for an outfit that does have a win here and if he's able to get off to a better beginning maybe he finds himself a little closer early to what may be an uncontested front running foe; he's certainly had his share of chances, but his best would make him the one to hold off. - Steve Grabowski |
Race 2
| Princess Mariah |
| Massive-style change in last as she's been more of a speedster during career but broke last from the gate in most recent, made a huge move down the backstretch then flattened out in deep stretch; the winner 2-back repeated in a KEE-allowance with an 80 Beyer speed figure. |
| Ambitious |
| Would think the blinkers coming on would help her gate speed as she often breaks behind the field; the trainer was hot on turf here last week with 2 fresh wins with last-out GP runners; barn is 1-for-20 since 2013 with synthetic-surface starters. |
| Adventure At Sea |
| Gets the weight break with the apprentice up which gives an indication that she wants to be forwardly placed; she raced on the lead back in June at today's distance; the show, 6th and 7th-place finishers from last Beyered 82-69-67 in next-out AQU-FG-TAM-MSW wins. |
| Civility Pledge |
| Returns to a synthetic surface for the 1st time since the even-finishing career debut; the trainer's 1-for-14 turf-to-synthetic record since 2013 does not add to the appeal; is in a need of a wakeup call off the TAM-MSW losses; the runner-up finisher from last graduated next out in a TAM-MSW with a 68 Beyer. |
| Secret Jewel |
| The winner and 8th-place finishers from last Beyered 80-66 in next-out KEE-allowance and GP-30K-maiden-claiming wins; usually see Mott-trained runners improve with each start but she regressed her Beyer figure when going for the early lead; seemed much more at home rallying in the debut when chasing the winner who repeated in a BEL-88K stakes with an 83 Beyer. |
| First Romance |
| The long layoff is for a new trainer who began 2014 on a 1-for-29; lone synthetic-surface start was the debut-career low Beyer speed figure; the runner-up and 5th-place finishers from last Beyered 79-77 in next-out GP-MSW wins; working on synthetic like she will like it but will be taking a wait and see approach. |
| She Be Keene |
| 2 huge races on polytrack posting a career-best Beyer during the fall-KEE meet and in December at TP was on the wrong end off a 3-horse win photo finish when encountering a lot of trouble; the 3-back winner and show finisher Beyered 80-79 in next-out OP-MSW-allowance wins; the pick. |
| Bitty Kitty |
| New trainer added Lasix 2 races ago improving her form nicely; was troubled in latest while 2 back just missed stalking on turf; the 2-back winner repeated with an 80 Beyer; she beat the 8th-place finisher from last a next-out GP-30K-maiden-claiming graduate with (66 Beyer). |
| Winning Scoop |
| The trainer's had a stellar-KEE season getting this one to compete on a synthetic surface for the 1st time today which is a winning angle for the barn; her best game has been to rally from far off the pace; in 10 KEE-synthetic races at today's distance from April 9-13 there was no clear cut bias as 3 won gate-to-wire and one winning-deep closer raced 11th at the 1st call. |
| Magnolia Lane |
| In a field lacking defined pace she could be the one playing catch me if you can; blinkers added for the 1st time in last helped produce better-gate speed; reunites with a hot-KEE rider while last-out GP runners are dangerous at KEE: the debut winner repeated in a TAM-59K event with an 80 Beyer; know her early but unsure about late. |
| Cat's Claw |
| Exits a field-best Beyer when rallying strongly on grass noting the trainer's superb 29%-win mark with turf-to-synthetic starters since 2013; Ambitious beat her on grass way back in the October unveiling but she's worked like she can turn the tables and will love this KEE-synthetic strip; seems the one to beat. |
| Stylish d'Oro |
| The trainer's 0-for-16 record with 61-180-day layoff runners since 2013 is a concern as is 1st time racing on a synthetic surface (barn is 0-for-11 since 2013); the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 70 in a next-out FG-MAW win; widest drawn so is sure to lose ground. - Art Gropper |
Race 3
| Tarpy's Surprise |
| Draws the fence for his first local spin on synthetic footing after earning a big number when just a length off the winner in his first crack at the level at Gulfstream; colt has been right there in each of his route spins and today's added half panel doesn't figure to pose him much of a problem; concern is the new surface as he's yet to as much as work over it as of this writing, but if he does handle it he's the one to beat. |
| Catbird Seat |
| Looks for her third straight score while entered to take on the boys in her return to synthetic footing; filly showed some nice late kick on the Tampa lawn and she will get in light for this one but it is clearly the toughest task she's faced to date; tough to knock an improving, in form runner who went ok in her lone local spin last year, but she'll need to keep getting better to have any type of say in the outcome today. |
| Zane |
| Beat a weaker set in his Gulfstream turf finale but did earn a field best number in the process; gelding overcame a slow clip to take that one and boasts an open lengths trip score here in the fall so we know he can handle the footing; contender. |
| Only in America |
| Beaten last out chalk will try synthetic footing for the first time in his local debut; he's shown he can fire from on the lead or off the pace and his local drills this month suggest that he can handle the new surface; with Leparoux getting aboard he looms a big threat. |
| Holiday Star |
| Turfer tries the local main track in his first start in 11 months; has been working regularly over synthetic footing at his Fair Hill training base and he's run ok fresh in the past, but it wouldn't be much of a surprise if he were to need his 4 year old debut; nice to see a top pilot take interest but the barn's return numbers aren't anything special. |
| Any Given Royal |
| He's another making his first start of the year in this spot; both of his wins have come over synthetic footing and he worked on the local lawn like he does have his legs under him for the comebacker but he hasn't run particularly well first time back from time off; maybe for a minor award. |
| Bellarmine |
| Barn has had a nice stand thus far and this guy did break his maiden over the track at this time last year; he hit the board in each of his 2 starts this year at Oaklawn and maybe now he's set to move forward; don't know that he'll move forward enough to threaten on the win end, but the price should be right to give him an exotics look. |
| Southern Parkway |
| Starts from the outside slot after running on too late in the last out placing on the rise to the level at Oaklawn in his first off this outfit's claim; he ran ok here in the fall so the return to this footing shouldn't bother him, but his style would appreciate some pace in front of him. - Steve Grabowski |
Race 4
| Barzini |
| Lack of speed is a concern; he was shuffled last time but was still inching toward the winner late; place horse in the last win cashed next out in a $16K claimer with an 86 Beyer; respect everything from this barn. |
| Brat |
| Nice effort to get within a length of the lead last time before reality set in; tough beat at this demanding trip two back and he has more speed than he just flashed; if you figure he just needed last, then you can build a case for a move forward; last angle: note he graduated in a second off the layoff run. |
| Bailoutbobby |
| Even off a layoff, it can't be easy going from a mile and a quarter to 7 furlongs; colt could have just been overmatched in last; backers have to hope they go bonkers early and the race falls apart. |
| Stephen A |
| Colt took to the off going 2 back and may not have adored the rail in last; he will have to adapt to the surface on the fly but at least he got a feel of the strip on the 11th; colt was gone for an extended period; would be careful here. |
| Thunder Affair |
| A couple of regressions since the life and death win in December; he tracked a moderate pace in that last win and the splits should be quicker here; would have liked to have seen a local move; needs very best. |
| Strong Resolve |
| Only out of the money once locally; nice; gelding has shown the ability to pass horses and he may have just needed the last effort; show horse in the 2013 closer beat $25K FG claimers to kick off this year; respect. |
| Mr. Jeeves |
| The butler did it to close out last year; place horse in the last win is one for 4 since; he beat $16K N3L seller at OP last month; new game sprinting and he had to be off for over a year for a pretty serious reason; try to get a good look at him on the track. |
| Gran Chat |
| Gelding wanted no part of 9 furlongs in last; both wins came at a mile but he had the lead at the 7 furlong marker in both wins; probably from a bit off the pace if at all. |
| Expecting Cash |
| Connections thought enough of him to try the stakes after the claim; hung wide from marooned slot two back, and the way he extended in last suggests he'll take to this trip; he's run well at a number of different venues; repeat well witin the realm. |
| Jump for Kitten |
| Overmatched in last and it can't easy moving a horse up from 20% trainer Ward; place horse in the last win has won twice since but the last was against $6250 N3L foes; not thrilled with the local slate; has to hurry. |
| Shun |
| Toss the last 3 allowance efforts and the form brightens; like this draw in that rider does not have to gun early at all costs; considering the cut back, he could be left with a ton of work to do late. - Brian Mulligan |
Race 5
| Enchanting Lisa |
| Half-sister to Wise Dan (20-28, $6.4 million, including 12 of 13 over turf for $5.3 million) hasn't run a bad race to date and this looks like a good spot for her to try to clear the N1X allowance hurdle; like to see what she did in her most recent start over this turf course while wearing blinkers for the first time. |
| Flashy Gal |
| Stakes placed filly usually shows up and runs her race and she was last seen in a productive event; winner from latest won next out at AP on 8/9 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 30k OPC's with an 80 Beyer, and runner up won next out at Dmr on 8/25 going 1m over turf vs. 40k OPC's with an 86 Beyer; Bridgmohan has won with 2 of 3 mounts for this barn at the current meeting. |
| Magical Steps |
| This filly has a strong pedigree for turf and she showed enough in her first start in America to be taken seriously against these; this isn't a soft spot by any means, but not going to be surprised if she's making some noise through the lane. |
| Canny Nanny |
| This miss has done some nice work in her four starts over turf and she's out of a dam who won 2 of 9 turf starts for 90k; can't ignore the presence of Lezcano aboard another in here, but this miss deserves to be listed among the contenders, and Elliott has won with 4 of 16 mounts for this barn at the current meeting. |
| Ardingly (IRE) |
| It doesn't hurt her to have Leparoux aboard again, but she's going to need to show more than she has in her first two starts in America if she's to make any noise in this spot; looking toward others. |
| Rocktique |
| She was well backed when getting the job done in her career debut against 14 rivals, but her form has headed in the wrong direction since that time; she is getting Lasix for her first start in America, and she is out of a stakes winning dam who won 4 of 8 turf starts for 133k. |
| Concise (GB) |
| Grade 1 stakes placed miss is the stronger of the two Motion-trained horses in here and she's being reunited with Rosario who was aboard for a couple of solid performances in her first two starts in America; going to look for her to be ready to give a good account of herself in her first start as a 4-year-old. |
| Breath |
| She reeled off three consecutive wins against lesser to begin her career, but she's seeking her first 1-2 finish over turf, and this looks like a tough test for her; she has the look of an outsider. |
| Fashion City |
| Not wild about Bernardini as a turf sire, but this miss is out of a dam who won 2 of 5 turf starts for 46k, and this filly didn't run poorly in her one turf try prior to this; that said, she's never run a race that is up to the level of the top contenders in here. |
| Abbey Street |
| She's by a top turf sire but she has just one win after 14 starts and 12 of those races have been over turf; she is making her first start for the Tagg barn today but this does look like a pretty tough bunch for her to be meeting up with. |
| Agawa |
| She showed a little something in her first few starts, and perhaps she'll be ready to get back on top of her game while making her second start back from a layoff and her second start as a 4-year-old; however, it will take her sharpest performance to date to beat this field. |
| Chat |
| 200k purchase has a strong pedigree for turf and she made it look easy against nine rivals in her career debut sprinting; the outside post isn't ideal, but she's a very interesting option to consider in this spot while getting Lasix for the first time, and her recent workouts look sharp. |
| Glorious Chant |
| She's another in here with a lot of turf in her pedigree, but she needs to see a scratch from the main body of this race to draw in, and she was beaten by a couple of these in her latest start; add in an outside post, and she appears to be up against it. |
| Indian Starlight |
| She's had some success from 13 starts over turf and she earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in her latest outing; third place finisher from latest won next out at GP on 4/13 going 7 1/2f over turf vs. 62k OPC's with an 83 Beyer. - Brian Pochman |
Race 6
| Mega Length |
| The time he was in the money was in a sprint; connections thought enough of him to try the stakes last year; local drills well spaced; respect these connections. |
| Moon Gun |
| Two regressions after decent debut, maybe he'll be more focused with the blinkers; 4th and 8th finishers in last won in this league next out and the winner repeated in the Tampa Bay Derby with a 95 Beyer; dam won at 2, earned nearly $50K going 1 for 6; all 3 siblings won; 2 won at 2 including double stakes winner and over $170K earner Southern Truth; needs a turn around. |
| Hot Hot Heat |
| Pushed wide in educational debut; 3 for 13 dam earned over $50K; several multiple race winners in the family; 3 banked over $250K including near $400K earner D'oro Diablo; got a feeling we have not seen the best of this one. |
| Kilo |
| Unraced Kitalpha 12 for 86 with debuters; stakes winning 3 for 15 dam banked nearly $125K; lone half sis lost 5 times; lean toward watching one. |
| Old Friend |
| Not For Love about 14% with debuters in a 715-runner survey; sire graduated sprinting in second start at 2, was SP, passed the N4X level; 1 for 2 dam earned about $35K; all 4 siblings won; top kin Archer Hill took debut at 2, lost next 8, banked $55K; Empire-bred may need own kind. |
| Bird Tap |
| He's been a bad actor at the gate so far; dam just one for 23; 6 of 9 siblings won; top sibling Ninth Client won at 2, took 8 of 72, banked nearly $250K; second time Lasix, with a clean start, it could be a whole new ballgame. |
| Thunder Moon |
| Don't be too harsh about debut as it's never easy to win long at first asking; SP 2 for 9 dam banked nearly $85K, did win at 2; this is her first to race; like the spacing of the recent drills. |
| Lori's Darling |
| Soph was at least inching toward the winner in last; note snappy move on the 2nd; may like it here. |
| Absolute Honour |
| Not much to go on after ordinary debut; Grade 2 placed 4 for 27 dam earned over $180K; this is her first to race; homebred must hurry. |
| Commandment |
| Only beaten a half in the lone sprint; probably from a bit off the pace if at all; things will have to break just right. |
| Seal Six |
| Would have expected him to show more speed in last but he bobbled and lost best chance; 5 for 33 dam earned nearly $70K; all 9 siblings won; the best was double juvenile winner, multiple Grade 1 winner and over $1.7 million earner Colonel John; best of 38 bullet in the holster; look out. |
| Buck Magic |
| Connections shake things up with shades removed; only beaten a neck at this demanding distance; interesting. - Brian Mulligan |
Race 7
| Prettyhotprincess |
| Exploded too late to win latest on a wet-main track now the 68-day absence for retrurn to grass; her lone turf win was on wet footing and this will be start 1 on the KEE green which has been favoring front runners this meet and is expected to be firm today; the 2-back winner repeated in a TP-optional claimer with a 74 Beyer speed figure; others appeal more. |
| Allwewantforxmas |
| Thought maybe leaving Florida she wouldn't run into Believe in Charlie again but she's here after holding her off in last; she's lost her last 5 grass races but has raced well in defeat; 1st-time Lezcano riding an icy 1-for-29 to begin this KEE meet. |
| Point to the Wild |
| Back to grass with an impressive 4-for-4 exacta record on the green; both wins on wet footing when it's expected to be firm today; been an awesome 10K claim from the KEE fall meet; figures to try to save as much ground possible racing midpack then make one run |
| Believe in Charlie |
| Projects to race on or near the lead for a hot rider; exits a best-last-race Beyer on GP grass and has clearly transformed into a much-better runner since the October barn change; defeated the 2-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 84 in a next-out GP-optional claiming win; would be more concerned about the layoff if she didn't win at BEL fresh in October; the pick. |
| Saturday Nthe Park |
| Would certainly would a major-pace factor if she races here instead of on CT dirt tonight; her turf credentials show a Mile win on less-than-firm footing in her only career grass start; KEE turf has favored front runners this meet so that helps her cause as she always seems to break in the top flight. |
| Run a Risk |
| Exits the 2nd lowest Beyer of her career; is in need of a wakeup call; cuts back to her shortest-distance test since September, 2011; KEE-grass winner gets serious class relief off latest-graded stakes loss; began career at SAR at 5.5F finishing 3rd and 6th in respective-MSW losses. |
| To My Valentine (FR) |
| Lone poor race in the USA was on KEE grass but in a Mile-G3 event; she's raced well in defeat in 3 USA races off extended layoffs; a repeat performance of her 3-back SAR win at today's distance would make her a major factor; curious hot-KEE trainer goes to a new rider who has never ridden her while latest pilot sides with Run a Risk. |
| Queen's Award |
| Stakes winner with a deep rally on KEE grass last fall but this spring meet has favored front runners on this turf; her field's best Beyer was posted on KEE synthetic so wouldn't mind this moved to KEE polytrack; reunites with the stakes-winning KEE rider; needs a pace meltdown to score. |
| Sweet Cassiopeia |
| Saw a last-out PEN runner win 6 days ago on KEE grass; posted a light Beyer for her latest dirt start where the runner-up finisher Beyered 91 in a next-out LRL-100K stakes win; been rock solid on KEE grass including her stakes win one year ago here reuniting with the win rider for this; like Queen's Award she's a closer on a turf that has favored speed this meet. |
| Free as a Bird |
| Seeing win rider Leparoux on Ageless does not help the confidence level much; clearly turf sprinting is her best game and the added half furlong off latest midpack rally should help the cause; this is her 1st try on KEE grass for an 0-for-10 trainer this meet; the 3-back winner repeated in a BEL-98K stakes with a 92 Beyer. |
| Ageless |
| April 9 saw a last-out TAM turf winner at KEE; love that Leparoux shows up here when seemingly having other options; she was never better before the 84-day absence from a Beyer standpoint; removing blinkers has done her a world of good; beat the 2-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 78 in a next-out TAM-OPC win. - Art Gropper |
Race 8
| Norumbega |
| Shug hoping for that deja vu feeling as his student Successful Dan won this race last year with a 98 Beyer after coming off a 2nd in a Grade 3 at Prairie; distance specialist has hooked clear winners in the last pair; due to punch it in. |
| Stealcase |
| Proven on the synthetic and in Grade 3 company, runner has shown the ability to race close up and win or come from left field; place horse 11/8 won twice since, the last in a G3 at FG; comes here sharp and must be respected. |
| Nikki's Sandcastle |
| Lost all chance when forced to check in last; rider has won multiple stakes with this runner and long-fused charge was visually impressive the last time in town; needs a rebound run. |
| Joha |
| Steadied in the 2014 opener but he should have his sea legs under him by now; it's possible this distance could be pushing the envelope; note he was getting late in his last score; tactical speed will give him first run on the deep closers. |
| Hattaash |
| Gelding has won his share in his career; forced to alter course in last and he was rewarded when the stewards got involved; Francois exited last race to cash in a $75K optional with a 95 Beyer; may need softer to shine. |
| Winning Cause |
| Three of his 4 wins have been local and key off the 10/26 race and he's a player here; 11/16 winner repeated in a $100K stakes, then was 10th in the Donn; already a Grade 3 winner on the strip; must be left in the mix. |
| Red Rifle |
| Colt has natural speed but doesn't need the lead to win; he has more speed than he flashed in last when beating the short field; the GP finale was ultra live as 5 exited that race to win next out; this is the speed component of the Pletchers; another threat in a good betting race. |
| Farhaan |
| Both of the inner strip wins came against small fields; he has more speed than he has flashed recently; note he was close up to a legit pace in that October finale; probably needs to improve to turn the hat trick. |
| Frac Daddy |
| Only one poor race since he got off of the Triple Crown trail last year and he was wide that day; love the spacing of the return drills and note he was 6 clear in last; must figure out a way to reel in Rifle among others. |
| Newsdad |
| Runner tends to go wide but that happens when a charge has limited speed; he loves this layout and with his style, the post shouldn't hurt him that much; look for rider to take a little hold, try to get over and save ground, settle, then make the one run; the class is there. - Brian Mulligan |
Race 9
| Mr Speaker |
| If this Grade 3 winner can transfer his turf form to the synthetic surface he'll be tough to deal with, and can't ignore what he did over the main track here in a workout on April 6; like the see that he's shown the ability to adapt to any early pace scenario and he just missed in a tough spot in his latest start while making his first start with Lasix; it's a plus to see that the McGaughey barn has been live at this meeting. |
| Solitary Ranger |
| He's a Grade 3 winner over the synthetic surface at Arlington Park and he was sharp in his first two starts as a 3-year-old before throwing in a dud in his latest outing; he's run well in two of his three starts over the main track here, and he figures to try to take it right at this field from the bell after breaking from an inside post. |
| Dynamic Impact |
| Like to see the improvement he's shown in his first two starts as a 3-year-old and the runner up from his latest race returned to win next out at OP on 3/27 going 1 1/16m vs. MSW rivals with a 91 Beyer; note that he ran well in a near-miss performance in his one start over the main track here. |
| Poker Player |
| He was a visually impressive winner in recording a Grade 3 win in his only start over this surface and he's clearly capable of much better than what he showed in his latest start at Turfway Park; really like the idea of scrapping blinkers, and going to look for him to be putting in a bold stretch bid. |
| Z Lucky |
| He's another late running option to consider in here but he's making his synthetic surface racing debut today, and outside of a decent effort in his first attempt against winners three starts back, his form hasn't been all that encouraging; he looks like more of an outsider. |
| Divine Oath |
| One of three lined up in here for the Pletcher barn and it looks like Castellano had his choice of the three and lands here; he's been impressive in his first two starts and he might actually appreciate getting more distance to work with; obviously this is his toughest test to date, but he has the look of a key contender; 4th finisher from latest, Chart Topper, won next out at GP on 3/30 going 7 1/2f over turf vs. 75k OPC's with an 86 Beyer. |
| Ami's Holiday |
| He's another in here who carries a Grade 3 winning credential with him, and after showing strong form as a 2-year-old, it's not unreasonable to look for him to be ready to take a step forward in his 3-year-old racing debut; it certainly looks like they tightened the screws in his most recent workout. |
| Ride Away |
| Maybe the move to synthetic will agree with him, and it's interesting to see him attract the services of Leparoux, but he has to step up with an improved performance if he's planning on threatening the top contenders in this one; feel that he is a little bit of an X-factor, but others entice more. |
| Morning Calm |
| He deserves a lot of credit for the performance he put together to record a win over the Gulfstream Park turf course in his career debut, but he was beaten by today's rival Mr. Speaker in his latest start, and he's going to need to take his game to another level to get the better of this bunch. |
| Supermonic |
| He kind of snuck past bettors a little bit when recording a sharp win in his synthetic surface racing debut in his latest start and his connections see fit to come right back with him on short rest; maybe he does love the surface, but can't ignore the presence of Castellano aboard Divine Oath for Pletcher in this spot. |
| Global Strike |
| He's the third Pletcher-trained colt to look at in here and he's already run well over both turf and dirt early on in his career; feel that he has a chance to improve in his synthetic surface racing debut, but it's tough to ignore the fact that Castellano has been his regular rider and opts to pilot Divine Oath in this one. - Brian Pochman |
Race 10
| A Giant Lure |
| Tries synthetic footing for the first time while making her local debut for an outfit that's had an excellent year thus far; filly's interim drills were just easy breezes and there's a capable journeyman pilot getting aboard; catches a pretty soft bunch so if she has any ability it should come out here. |
| Giant Diamond |
| Takes what's termed the biggest drop in the game after another weak try, this time on synthetic footing at Turfway; she was bred to be a lot better than she's shown and maybe the new shades help bring out some more in her in this poor gathering but she's still got something to prove here. |
| Pulpiletta |
| Sire gets about 12% first out winners from his offspring and the unraced dam dropped a limited turf winners from 2 foals to race; works aren't much and don't know a lot about the barn, but a top pilot sees enough to take the call so we'll follow the tote on this gal. |
| Tohaveandtohold |
| Sire hits with 7% of his newcomers and she's the first foal to race out of a dam who was winless from 12 tries; barn hasn't had a great stand but excels with its newcomers and this gal's owners look to win everything around here so with Rosario getting aboard, have to think she's live. |
| Jester and Me |
| Barn's second runner in here drops from MSWs to go for a cheap tag in just her third career start but she will be trying older foes today; her lone synthetic try wasn't very good and the interim morning moves are nothing special, but Leparoux does get aboard and that will attract some attention; dam's 2 other foals are multiple winners and 6 figure earners. |
| True Kinection |
| Field's most experienced runner tries older and new footing after lasting for third money in a 6 horse gathering in her Tampa finale; though she doesn't catch a very tough bunch, she doesn't give the indication that she really wants to route and may just be better when turned back; maybe for a share. |
| American Beauty |
| Gets a weight break with the bug named and now she'll add shades for her first crack on synthetic footing; she hasn't done much in any of her starts and now she'll also look to face older rivals; tough to make a solid case for her winning this. |
| Equal Parts |
| Offered little in her 2 starts and now she'll make her first start in half a year; lone synthetic move for her surface debut wasn't much and the barn hasn't had any luck with its recent returnees; have to look elsewhere for the winner. |
| Wonderful Miss Bea |
| Wasn't beaten all that much when stretched out for her local return in her second start of the year; filly wasn't bad going long at Turfway this winter and she returns relatively quickly so the outfit feels she's going pretty well now; looks like the one they'll have to beat. |
| Athenian Beauty |
| Tries older for the first time on the stretchout to 2 turns while returning to a venue at which she didn't fare so well first out last fall; she earned a decent sprint number at Oaklawn this winter but hasn't been able to get back to it; though she's kin to a route winner, her sibs have been more effective sprinting. |
| Cassie's Harbor |
| Encountered some trouble late in a slow sprint heat at Turfway in which she wasn't beaten much at the wire after showing some solid kick; sire's side of the pedigree suggests she should get better with distance and though the last out number came back pretty light, she's only run twice and is capable of moving forward quickly. |
| Joanie's Kitten |
| Debuted against MSWs on the Fair Grounds lawn and after breaking from a tough outside slot, did very little running; she'll again draw outside while trying new footing for the first time but she did work ok over it last week and the barn boasts a couple of recent second out winners. - Steve Grabowski |