Santa Anita: Closer Looks for November 2, 2013

Race 1

South Sound

Have to respect the early speed that she brings with her and she figures to appreciate cutting back to a sprint distance after tiring badly in her first route attempt in her latest outing; judging from that four-furlong workout over this turf course on October 25, she's as sharp as can be for this.

Richies Party Girl

Like what she did the first time she had a chance to sprint over turf and her only other start in a turf sprint was against G3 competition in France; she's out of a G3 winning dam who won 9 of 30 turf starts for 271k, and this miss is a 1/2 to G3 winner Strategic Partner (3-17, 321k over turf).

Mr. Cactus

He's lightly raced and he's making his first start for a new barn after a claim, but he's going to need to be ready to produce a performance that is much stronger than anything he's do so far in order to contend; maiden facing winners.

Jedi Mind Trick

Sire is 0-for-20 with his turf starters and dam won 4 of 22 starts for 33k, including 0-for-1 over turf; he can prove to be a factor if he can reproduce the form he displayed over the synthetic surface at Del Mar in his turf debut.

Test Ride

Sire is 0-for-5 with his turf starters and stakes winning dam won 3 of 5 starts for 97k, and all o fher starts were over turf; this colt is a 1/2 to Annawon (3-27, 95k over turf); he was ambitiously spotted in his second start after an encouraging career debut, but this maiden finds himself in another tough spot for his first turf start.

Alpine Luck

Sire has won with 2 of 13 (15%) turf starters and dam won 4 of 18 starts for 165k, including 0-for-4 over turf; stakes winner has some appeal in his turf debut while wearing blinkers for the first time, and he's already shown us that he has a good deal of early zip.

Dothraki

This is a tough assignment after showing up with a much improved performance in his turf debut in his latest outing, and he chased today's rival Toowindytohaulrox in that race; he's another maiden faced with the difficult task of meeting up with winners.

Love In The Desert (GB)

She beat boys when breaking her maiden three starts ago and she ran well against solid company in a group event in her latest start; she's trained at regular intervals since arriving in America and this is a barn that does well with imports; note the success that Bejarano has had riding for this barn.

Toowindytohaulrox

The move to turf proved to be a key for this colt and it looks like he's trained well since that impressive maiden breaking score in early October; feel that he merits top contender status off of that performance and he projects to get a favorable tracking-type trip while racing in the clear throughout.

Race 2

Flashback

Looked to be the West's top Derby hope this past winter until surgery for a knee chip knocked him off the trail; obviously showed considerable talent in that 4-month span and he's been working splendidly for his return; could have found a better spot, too, as this race didn't come up tough at all; rail draw probably not to Baffert's liking but this guy appears to have margin for error - assuming he comes back the same horse.

Tour Guide

Lots of good work in 2012/early 2013 but after a SW at HOU came a layoff an dhe hasn't looked the same since; next 3 starts in the spring were ugly, then came another nearly 5 months off and he didn't do much first time on turf; at least you can say he needed the race, it was his first turf try, it was vs. some tough elders and there's no layoff since, so there is some cause for optimism but even if he gets back to his top form that may still not be enough to take this.

Zeewat

That 4th in the G2 Gallant Bob at PRX Sept. 21 was very nice; he bided his time, was wide and finished well to be beaten just 2 lengths; the 2nd horse (Clearly Now) came right back to beat elders in the G3 Bold Ruler at BEL last Saturday; has some versatility in terms of style, too, and at least his last 2 Beyers mean Flashback needs to come back at least close to what he was prior to the knee surgery.

Show Some Magic

After a decent 2nd in the G3 Sunland Park Derby March 24 things sorta went south; they even tried a couple turf tries in SoCal but that didn't amount to much; returned to New Mexico and seemed to find himself again with a 2nd in the Ruidoso TB Derby and a came sprint win at ZIA Sept. 30; that ZIA win earned him a smart Beyer (90) so at least that can put him in the hunt here, particularly if Flashback doesn't come back at full strength; also nice to see rider Gomez come in to keep the mount.

Anillo

Won 3 of last 5 and those wins came at CRC, GP and BSR so while it's his first time here odds are he'll handled this place; Beyers need a kick in the pants but at least you have a sharp horse who may be the speed of the speed here, and of course that's never a bad thing; been working splendidly since that easy BSR SW Sept. 8, maybe hinting that he's turning the corner; if that's the case, with his speed, well, it means Flashback likely has to go and get this guy.

Race 3

Purim's Dancer

Repeatedly proven on the hill, although have never been a big fan of the rail down the hill, this gal at least has the speed to gain decent position; 5/26 winner took a Grade 2 next out with a 98 Beyer; Proctor looking for that deja vu feeling as his student Broken Dreams won this race last year rallying from 5 back at the top of the lane; repeat well within the realm.

Sister Kate

In her best effort on grass, she only beat two to the wire; she may have not adored the rail last time but she was also getting a little late at crunch time; fit enough to drill several times since the last out, miss needs to pick it up to make an impact here.

Winding Way

Hard to be too happy about the turf debut but maybe she just hated the yielding course; the place horse in the A Gleam 3 back cashed next out in the $100K LA Woman here with a 95 Beyer; miss has much more speed than she recently showed and this rider was aloft for the last 2 wins; rates upset glance.

Let Faith Arise

Kafwain 7 for 136 with first-time turfers; sire took a Grade 2, earned over $700K, never turfed; G3 placed dam earned over $160K, never turfed; lone half si sto race took 3 sprints, never turfed; the fact she won her debut gives her a shot to fire fresh; place horse in last won 3 times since, the last in a $64K stakes at Stockton with an 89 Beyer; she has a nice style for the course.

Sky High Gal

This miss showed ability from Day One, she has won at a similar distance in Canada and she has been shooting nothing but bullets in the mornings here on the grass; the 6th finisher in last took an N1X next out, 7th finisher took a Grade 2 next out at Keeneland and the winner was 2nd beaten a half-length in a Grade 3 here; miss looks live.

Judy In Disguise (GB)

Shades off today, just like they were for her 2 stateside victories; if you figure she just needed the last, then you can make a case for a move forward; show horse in last cashed next out in a $62.5K optional with a 93 Beyer; what happened to the speed she flashed earlier in the year?; needs to pick it up.

Ultrasonic

Interloper has been consistent but has been far from a win machine; she showed renewed energy in the drill last Sunday; winner of the 7/26 race cashed next out in a $106K Deauville stakes, then was 4th beaten just under 2 lengths; she has been off slow at times and that must be addressed.

Minds Eyes

Miss has a nice turn of late foot and she was inching toward the winner late in last; show horse 8/7 took a $50K Pomona stakes next out, then ran out of the money; the winner 7/18 repeated in a $111K stakes, then was off the board; could easily be enticed into gimmick action.

Camryn Kate

She has been on a win/lose deal since the graduation party; game in last, note show horse was over 3 clear but we really don't know how much the effort last time took out of her; look for her late if at all.

Unusual Hottie

Nothing wrong with hitting the exacta in 11 of 16; freshened for this, guess somebody had to run third in the small field in last; 10th finisher 6/9 cashed next out in a $55K Santa Rosa stakes and place horse 6/9 took a $72K stakes in next; proven off the pine, surprise package.

A Time to Love

In the lone stakes attempt, she was probably just being asked to go too far; she showed some try last time and note she won in the second off the layoff run for the lone victory this year; could see her sitting a nice stalk and pounce trip; contention goes deep.

Qiaona

Connections have always been high on this miss; she tried a couple of stakes as a maiden and she has proved she can put wins together; miss has been value in the gimmicks a number of times and that is where her strength may lie once again.

Pontchatrain

Legit Proctor contenders bookend the field; Stevens got a chance to figure her out and he probably found out miss has a nice kick when able to settle; like the draw here, like the way she came away when asked in last; fit enough to post the 3 solid drills since the last race; look out.

Race 4

Artemis Agrotera

She looked very comfortable stalking the lone speed in her win over a troubled Sweet Reason in the Grade 1 Frizette and if she doesn't get bogged down on the rail she should get a nice trip from a similar position; she also appeared to be well within herself at the end and considering her breeding the slightly longer distance shouldn't be an issue; would like to have seen her come here a little sooner but she still looks like a serious threat to win this.

Rosalind

She has performed well over turf, Polytrack and dirt at Churchill so she should be fine here; she couldn't handle Untapable in the Grade 2 but she came back with a big race to finish second in the Grade 1 Alcibiades where she had a pretty wide trip; other than the winner it wasn't that strong of a field, though; Rosario is a plus but others look more attractive.

Designer Legs

She was undefeated through her first three starts but she had a hard time keeping up when she tried Grade 1 company in the Spinaway and Alcibiades; looking for excuses you could point to the Spinaway being contested over a sloppy track and the Alcibiades on Poly; nonetheless, we're going to pass.

Secret Compass

She took a big step forward when she tried two turns for the first time in the Grade 1 Chandelier and she should be able to use her good tactical speed to work out a decent trip here; the final time and Beyer Speed Figure came in pretty low, however, and she will need to take another step forward to keep up with some of the ones shipping in; home-track advantage is a big plus but she looks better underneath than on top.

Ria Antonia

Lone win came over Polytrack at Woodbine but she earned her career-best Beyer Speed Figure when she ran on dirt for the first time in the Frizettte; the bad news is she was no match for either Artemis Agrotera or Sweet Reason; the past five years Englehart has a 17% percent strike rate with horses wearing blinkers the first time but she is going to have to improve substantially to be a factor here.

Concave

Nice set of works following her third in the Del Mar Debutante where she would have finished closer if she didn't have to wait for room on the stretch turn; she's reunited with Gutierrez who was aboard for both of her wins including a score over She's a Tiger in the Sorrento; her connections have pulled off upsets in big races in the past and from the way she's been training she just might be ready for a huge effort; don't sell short.

Untapable

Nice job by Asmussen to have her ready to fire coming off a layoff when she stretched out to this distance in the Grade 2 Pocohantas; it was a good learning experience, too, as she was very rank early but eventually relaxed while being bogged down on the rail; half to $1.7 million Grade 1 winner Paddy O'Prado could have tons of upside potential and Napravnik sticks with her over Secret Compass; major player.

Scandalous Act

Homebred has been toying with Florida-breds at Calder but the only time she ran against open company she came up empty; she was pretty impressive winning her latest in her first route attempt but the horse she beat in her last two is still a maiden and She's a Tiger is going to be breathing all over her right from the start; looking elsewhere.

Sweet Reason

Half-sister to Grade 3 Florida Oaks winner Don't Forget Gil proved her romp in the slop in the Grade 1 Spinaway was legit when she managed to finish second in the Frizette despite a terrible beginning; she also had to wait for room on the turn and then went pretty wide while making a strong late move; not sure what to make of her slow work here but at least she's been here for a while and Gyarmati said she just wanted the talented filly to get a feel for going around two turns; there should be plenty of speed to set her up and could be tough to handle with a clean trip; the pick.

She's a Tiger

She is a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winning sprinter Smiling Tiger so there could be an issue with her getting the distance and it took her over 7 seconds to cover the final sixteenth in the Chandelier; she is also going to have to deal with speed drawn inside of her; hard not to like a horse that shows up every time she could have a hard time lasting the whole way in this spot; consider for the exotics.

Race 5

Dank (GB)

She's in peak form; she became a Group 2 winner in July and one start later dominated the Grade 1 Beverly D in her North American debut, defeating a field that included multiple Grade 1 winner Marketing Mix; the Beyer Figure of 107 that Dank earned at Arlington is the best career number in the BC Filly and Mare Turf; has been model of consistency over a variety of courses and while she is making her first start at a mile and a quarter, she seems to have stepped up her game with the addition of distance; sire was a Group 2 winner who finished third in past running of the BC Mile, while this one's winning dam produced Group 1 winner Sulk; gets stalking trip behind Laughing, Marketing Mix and others; choice.

Romantica (GB)

She became a Group 1 winner two starts ago in France, and will be returning to the mile and a quarter distance of that race for this afternoon's BC Filly and Mare Turf; dam won this race at 3 during a career in which she banked $1.8M; seems to be at her best at a mile and a quarter, and has recency on fellow European invader Dank; do note she is not racing on Lasix; leading contender.

Tiz Flirtatious

What a run she's been on this year, winning 4 of 5 starts including her first Grade 1 in the Rodeo Drive last out at SA; owns the local course with a 4-for-5 record here, and indicated the fine manner in which she is coming up to this race the other morning, with a six-furlong move in a bullet 1:11.80; based on the sharp work, suspect she could get a tracking trip behind Laughing and Marketing Mix.

Alterite (FR)

By a Group 1 winner, she became a Grade 1 winner in her North American debut in September, when she accounted for the Garden City at Bel; was favored last out in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Kee, and was just edged by Kitten's Dumplings, who she faces again in this spot; tests older rivals for the first time, but seems well-suited to the mile and a quarter trip and faced top-class rivals in France earlier this year in Treve and Flotilla.

Lady of Shamrock

She was a multiple Grade 1 winner last year at 3, and closed out her season with a fifth-place finish in this race; in more recent times, she removed blinkers last out after a one-start experiment in the equipment and finished a troubled fifth behind a few of these in the Rodeo Drive; the race was her first start in about six weeks and she can move forward for the start; knows local course well, as she is 4-for-7 at SA.

Marketing Mix

She put up a fight in this race a year ago, when she was edged by Zagora; was with the pace throughout that afternoon, and looking for more of the same from runner who could show the way or perhaps track Laughing; defeated males over a mile and a half three races back in the Grade 3 Sunset, and is proven class as a multiple Grade 1 winner of $1.9M; a concern is that she must again deal with Dank; win candidate, nonetheless.

Laughing (IRE)

The queen of the East Coast has rolled a perfect 5-year-old season so far, going 4-for-4; all of her wins have come in graded company, and she was flattered in a significant way following her Grade 1 Flower Bowl score last month when runner-up Tannery returned in her next start to take the Grade 1, $500K E.P. Taylor at WO; has used front-running tactics all season long, and suspect she will either set the tempo this afternoon or track runner to her inside, Marketing Mix; a question is the ground as this will be her first start at SA; by the same sire as Dank and is from the same mare as Comic Strip (renamed Viva Pataca), a multiple Group 1 winner in Hong Kong who banked $10M; win candidate.

Emollient

She's a special sort; of her five career wins, three have come in Grade 1 races, one of them at this mile and a quarter distance on turf; faced older rivals for the first time last out in the Spinster and rallied from farther back than usual for a clear win; makes rare appearance on the grass for this, but is proven at the trip and has worked well for the task, her latest move five furlongs in 59.80 seconds Oct. 26; looking for her to be closer to the pace than she was in her most recent start, in part for the move from a mile and an eighth to a mile and a quarter.

Qushchi (GB)

She was a victim of Laughing last out in the Flower Bowl, but did well to close for fourth as the winner controlled the pace throughout; since that race, runner-up Tannery has captured the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor at WO; this one's sire was Group 1-placed and dam was a stakes winner of $184K; distance actually feels a bit less than optimum for this one, who figures to be making her case in the later stages.

Kitten's Dumplings

She's been in the zone all season long, winning 4 of 8 starts including the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup over fellow rival Alterite; charts new territory this afternoon as she will be making her first start against older runners, her first beyond a mile and an eighth, and her first over the course at SA; countering the new variables is the breeder-owner team of Ken and Sarah Ramsey, who are closing books on spectacular 2013.

Race 6

Renee's Titan

A last-place finish and career-low Beyer speed figure posted the last time racing at 7F on a fast-main track; in her last SA dirt start in March she only beat 1 runner home chasing the winner who posted a 96 Beyer in her next-out G1-SA Oaks score; rallied from last to win a G3 over the track in January but not much form to speak of since.

Book Review

More than 10 weeks since edged at SAR noting her only race on SA dirt was a Grade 1 win at today's distance defeating the runner-up finisher who posted 105 then 103 Beyer speed figures in next-out DMR-allowance and G3 wins; she loves SAR with a career-best Beyer there so latest start was was not a surprise when just missing; consistent sort has not raced poorly in a sprint since August, 2012.

Starship Truffles

Upset G1 winner 3-back; her best races are when she breaks alertly and becomes part of the pace; positive weight breaks from runners who defeated her at SAR over the summer but not easy to back off latest fade at shorter vs. a lot lesser; 1st time on SA dirt today and projects as a pace presence for part.

Dance Card

Just defeated twice in career the 1st one to Book Review who is here then in last to the now 7-for-7 Cluster of Stars who captured a BEL-150K stakes next-out with a 101 Beyer; negative 4-pound weight swing from Dance to Brisol for this; she is 0-for-2 in sprints with her career-best Beyer at a quarter mile longer than this.

Teddy's Promise

Finished far back in this event as the pacesetter in 2012; scored right off an 84-day layoff and her best races have been a lot fresher than 4 weeks between starts; in a race lacking a ton of other gate speed she could be a dangerous force sitting just off Ismene before getting 1st run on the closers; best Beyer on a synthetic surface at 2F shorter than this; know her early then hopes to hang on late.

Ismene

Raced 6 of 9 on the lead she is the one to catch; have mixed reviews locally; in 2011 she went 2-for-2 on SA dirt but in her last race here in January faded badly at shorter with a career-low Beyer attached; latest on turf is a career-best speed figure; 2-back at longer she beat the show runner a next-out SA-optional-claiming winner wih an 84 Beyer; the show runner 3-back took a BSR-50K event next out with an 87 speed figure.

Summer Applause

Makes her 1st start at this short of a distance since December, 2011; exits a carer-best Beyer around 2 turns on a synthetic surface; the 3-back winner repeated in a SAR-G1 with a 105 speed figure; figures to spot these many lengths early before coming up with 1-big late run; mild workout on display for a 29%-winning sprint-to-route trainer.

Dance to Bristol

7-race win streak was snapped by the winner from last who made it 7-for-7 next-out in a BEL150K stakes (101 Beyer); she easily defeated the rest of the field that day; consistent sort is 18-for-19 in the exacta during career and a wet-race track which she received in last is not her best surface; worked sharply in Maryland for her 1st trip to SA dirt.

Judy the Beauty

Just one loss on a synthetic surface including the Groupie Doll upset in last; today receives a negative-4-pound weight swing from the defending champion while races back on dirt a surface where she has not won yet; in her May exacta finish on the main track she defeated the show runner a next-out CD-108K stakes winner with an 87 Beyer.

Great Hot (BRZ)

Career-best Beyer and last win occurred at longer than today's 7F distance but on SA dirt when loose on the lead a scenario that does not seem likely vs. this kind; she receives a negative 2-pound swing off the 2-length loss to Teddy's Promise; have her ranked a notch below the top contenders.

Groupie Doll

Field-best Beyer was drilled at today's distance on CD-fast dirt; won this race last year over the SA main track noting the runner-up finisher from that event scored next out in a GP-G3 with a 100 Beyer; should appreciate coming back to the main track today; was edged 3-back vs. the runner-up finisher who captured an IND-102K stakes next out with a 92 Beyer; receives a positive 4-pound weight swing from Judy the Beauty for this.

Sweet Lulu

Lone race at 7F on dirt was a favored-Grade 1 win and is now 3-for-3 in sprints; beat the 3-back show runner who Beyered 83 in her next-out BSR-50K stakes win; defeated the June show finisher who scored next out in a DMR allowance with an 86 speed figure; wish the dirt Beyers were stronger while breaking widest is sure to lose ground.

Race 7

Jeranimo

Never been a big fan of the rail at this distance because horses run the risk of getting shuffled; through 10/27 at this meet down on the hillside course only one of 23 starters won from the rail; hung out to dry from post 11 in the Pacific Classic two back, but he just never raised a gallop in last; back on the preferred surface, but not the preferred distance; he hasn't sprinted since a synthetic dash at Golden Gate in 2010 and he was fifth of 6 that day; the class is there off his Eddie Read victory but with his style, backers better hope rider has the trip gods on speed dial; Pender is 2 for 30 the last 5 years with runners going dirt to turf with a median payoff of over $18 and 4 ran second at odds between 2 and 39-1.

Rock Me Baby

Cal-bred has been close in state-bred land but is still without a stakes victory; gelding is proven on the course and he was caught in a box last time; his speed figured to be dulled last time coming out of the routes and runner has a shot to move forward here; only serious runners are in the money in 10 of 11 starts but this races is a certain far cry from beating up on $62.5K optional foes like he did in August; value will be there, but this runner has his work cut out.

Chips All In

Colt bobbled early in the Del Mar effort in July and may have lost best chance right there; beaten on the square in the $100K optional two back and the winner that day returned to run 4th in a Grade 1 at Keeneland and the show horse 8/22 returned to run out of the money in an $80K optional next out; he obviously likes this course and this is the first time he has strung together 4 starts in over a year; colt has put wins together in the past but not since 2011; his best asset could be his tactical speed as he should get first run on the Silky Sullivan types; must be left in the mix.

Reneesgotzip

Miller is one for 9 the last 5 years with synthetic to turf runners in a Graded stakes and another ran 3rd at 37-1; youngster ran her eyeballs out in defeat in this race last year, has won off a vacation repeatedly, but must prove she can win on this surface; her sire was third in the best result on grass; her dam took one sprint on dirt and never turfed and she is the first in the family to try grass; love the fact she has keen natural speed but can sit just off the pace and still perform; trainer has had a very good meet this fall and that with several slices to boot; California-based runners have won all 3 Turf Sprints run in Arcadia; 6 of her 7 wins came when she had the lead from the get go and the day she came from slightly off the pace, she tra

Caracortado

The extended layoff is a genuine concern but if you figure he just needed the race, one can make a case for a move forward; and he was inching toward the winner to boot; runner ended 2012 with a win on this course but against only 3 rivals and the place horse in that Jan. 8 effort has lost 7 times since; gelding could be a bit on the fragile side since the races are spaced and note he did regress a bit in the second off the layoff run in the Eddie Read 2 years ago; he has regressed in the Beyer department in 3 of the 4 times in his career in second off the layoff races; a repeat of that 101 Beyer the day he did win down the hill would put him in the thick of it at crunch time.

Boat Trip

Colt does not have to be 10th early on this time; note he graduated on this course when only 3 and a half off a sub :44 half; his best asset is his solid late foot and he will get legit splits to run into today; he ran well in his first Graded effort but this race is a whole new ballgame; he has been pretty consistent this year, but on this tricky course, a lot of things have to go just right; runner has the two races to draw from now but he could be biting off a bit more than he can chew at this points.

Tightend Touchdown

Consistent as the day is long, he got away with a very moderate half mile last time and still could not close the deal; maybe he just disliked the yielding course; the winner of last returned to run 4th in the Grade 3 Woodford; the show horse in last took a $126K restricted stakes at Laurel next out with an 87 Beyer; to be honest, for a runner that started his career in a $12.5K maiden claimer, he has been a major over achiever; this guy has run well fresh in the past but this distance could be pushing the envelope.

Handsome Mike

The good news is this guy graduated on the course; the bad news is he has only won twice since, once on the conventional dirt going 9 furlongs and the other over only 4 foes on the synthetic at Keeneland in a Grade 3; colt flashed some semblance of speed two back but threw in the towel quickly at boxcars last time when crushed by the Romans student; in his last victory, colt got away with a pretty soft :46 and small change half and the splits today will be much, much quicker; he s lost ground in the lane in the last 4 races and that just is not the recipe for success on this surface.

Capo Bastone

Street Boss 10 for 44 with first-time turfers; sire took a Grade 1, banked over $800K but never turfed; dam earned over $175K in a long career but was out of the money in both her turf starts; one of the 4 siblings that tried grass won and that runner, C.J. s Leelee took an N1X on turf with an 82 Beyer; runner has some try in him and he is coming to the race fresh; he nearly overcame the mishap at the break in the Derby Trial and is now out to prove the 28-1 shocker in the King s Bishop was no fluke; place horse in the August finale has not race back but Central Banker exited that race to run out of the money in an $80K optional at Keeneland; proven fresh, but it can be a huge learning curve on this course; would lean toward backing more experienced ru

Havelock

He can be his own worst enemy at times since he consistently concedes 6 to 10 lengths early on; it was a sporting gesture to try Group 1 foes in England but the experiment never panned out; he did hook a nice horse in the Newmarket finale; the winner that day ran 2nd of 14 next out in a Group 1, has won 4 of 17 in his career and has banked over $1.1 million; nice bit of training to have this guy set off the layoff in last and the way he rallied suggests he'll enjoy the added distance today; only 6-1 in this race in 2011, but he was a troubled 14th of 14; he always has had a nice turn of late foot and the pace will be legit for sure; note they went :21 to the first quarter in this race last year; look for him in the picture late if at all.

Spring to the Sky

Any horse that can go :43 to the half must be respected; on the other end of the coin is the fact this runner has never won a Graded race and this is a far cry from winning an $80K stakes; not sure he was beating anybody in that last win either; the place horse 8/26 has lost twice since, the last in a $25K optional; note he was getting out 3 back, never a comfortable thing to view; this guy is a steady product when in his element, and he proved two back he could take the heat of a speed duel and still live to tell about it but this looks to be way too tough a placement for him today.

Mizdirection

Last year, classy mare was coming off a similar extended vacation, as she had not raced since running second in May but had trained up to the race with a classic work pattern of drilling every 6 or 7 day and one of the drills included a 7-furlong work on this course, very much like the move on the 18th; it s possible she did not care for the yielding course in New York and she just wins on this course by any means necessary, whether that will be coming from 10th of 14, wiring foes, or coming from mid-pack; it was in a return situation but she did win on the cut back in April; repeatedly proven off the layoff, should give a very good account of herself trying to defend the title.

Dimension (GB)

Proven sprinting across the pond, he broke his maiden off a layoff and note runner was 8th of 30 at Ascot and a winner over 14 in his York finale; he won t be intimidated by the big field; place horse in the Play King has lost twice since; place horse in the Woodbine Mile took the Grade 3 Knickerbocker next out at 9 furlongs on grass with a 100 Beyer; he also got beat by a pretty nice horse by a neck in July as that winner has won 12 of his 27 starts and has earned over $1.3 million; gelding doesn t duck anybody and that includes reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan and would figure him to appreciate the shorter journey of this race.

Unbridled's Note

Colt used the same stepping-stone last year before a solid second in this race and note the Beyer last time was higher than in last year's Eddie D.; toss the May finale as he could not stand up on the sealed sloppy strip; the show horse in the lone win this year won next out in a $42K stakes, then repeated in the Grade 2 Whittingham with a 96 Beyer; rider will have options with this runner as he can lead, track or come from pretty far back and still run big; he s a valid contender with slight improvement and is drawn where rider doesn t have to commit early but can see how the race is unfolding before asking his charge to pounce.

Race 8

Smarty's Echo

He's only run 3 times and his first start with winners in the Keeneland G1 was pretty good while failing to hold off the winner who returns in this spot as well; colt has been working like the effort didn't take a lot out of him, but he will be trying dirt for the initial time today; move to the fence can help if they are a little more aggressive with him early and the price does figure to be big.

Dance With Fate

Beaten chalk in the local prep for this ran well first time both going long and over dirt and has a right to improve; move towards the inside should again help him sit a ground saving trip and he likely finds himself chasing a front runner who nearly blew a big midstretch lead at a shorter trip last time; contender has the benefit of a solid race over the track.

Mexikoma

Takes a big jump up the class ladder after being purchased privately off a huge maiden score first time on the dirt at Delaware; the number he earned in victory certainly fits in here and he couldn't have been much more impressive but the waters get quite a bit deeper in this spot and he'll have to prove he's classy enough to step with these; prefer to side against the repeat.

New Year's Day

Stretchout did the trick for this son of a 2 time G2 route SW dam; barn's second runner in here has been working up a storm over the local main track for his first crack on dirt and his pedigree suggests he'll only get better as the distances increase; outfit won this race in 2008 with Midshipman and in 2002 with Vindication; he hasn't run as fast as the 2 outside drawn runners so maybe he offers some value; consider.

Bond Holder

Got solid fractions in front of him last time to break his maiden in the local G1 stake contested at today's trip; late runner enters this on the improve from a figure standpoint and he should get another honest clip up top today, but he's already run 5 times and some of main foes may have a little more upside to them; barn won this race in 2005 with Stevie Wonderboy; limiting his use to underneath in exotics.

Tap It Rich

Gray was pretty impressive in his unveiling, rallying from well out of it after the rough start to blow by them late a few weeks back; he's worked well of late for the big step up the ladder and he does have some pedigree to him as he's kin to G2 SW router and 728K earner Andriano so maybe with the initial experience behind him he fits at this level; with a better break he looms a big threat.

Cleburne

Colt is undefeated from 2 spins and he's been working well for his first local spin off the brief break; numbers he earned in victory weren't much, however, and he did get a pretty solid pace to rally into while taking the Churchill Downs stake prior to the time off; siding with others for the top spot today.

Conquest Titan

Pricey in training buy earlier in the year took all the money first time out in his lone dirt try thus far and showed pretty good early foot before backing out of it to finish behind a couple of next out winners; colt proved his worth off the break on synthetic footing in Canada but wasn't able to show his best behind some of these when subsquently stretched out at Keeneland; pedigree suggests he'll handle routing but he's going to have to prove it before we could take interest in him.

Rum Point

He'll be making his first start on dirt this afternoon after finishing behind some of today's foes in both of his starts with winners; colt is kin to a multiple route winner and he is working well over the local main track for this so maybe he deserves another shot going long second time in shades at what figures to be a long price.

We Miss Artie

Overcame a wide, troubled trip to take a G1 route stake over synthetic footing at Keeneland ;ast time and now he'll try dirt; Pletcher colt loses his pilot to the barn's other runner in here, but he'll get a top replacement and appears to be better suited to this 2 turn trip than his uncoupled mate; outfit won this race last year with Shanghai Bobby and 9n 2010 with Uncle Mo; he'll need to improve from a speed figure standpoint, but maybe that's possible on the move back to dirt.

Medal Count

Looked pretty good breaking his maiden first out going long on the Ellis Park main track but the number came back light; colt wasn't beaten much in the subsequent synthetic stakes try at Keeneland and he's been working ok since at Churchill Downs so maybe the return to dirt will help him keep moving forward; pace should be honest and the price big, but he'll need to improve.

Diamond Bachelor

Tries dirt for the first time after making a name for himself in 3 turf starts on this circuit; 570K buy earlier in the year made 2 moves in defeat on the local lawn last time and he has returned to work quite well here for his initial dirt spin; barn hasn't had any recent luck on the surface switch but this guy's immediate male pedigree influences suggest he'll take to the new footing; starts from an outside drawn but remains interesting.

Havana

Morning line chalk has speed and enters this perfect from 2 starts after holding off one of the more impressive debut winners of the year in Belmont's G1 Champagne; they paid quite a bit for him in training back in March and he's definitely shown he's quick; a lot has been made of the fact he almost gave it up late last time in a one turn heat, but he did some dirty work on the front end in that one and it looks as if he'll be able to clear them early and control things on the stretchout to this 2 turn trip today; sire finished second in the G1 Belmont at 12 panels and the dam dropped 3 route winners so the added distance figures to be within his scope given the right trip; with the barn's top pilot getting back aboard they'll have to come and get him

Strong Mandate

Pulled a no-show in the G1 Champagne and now he'll get a new pilot for his first crack at 2 turns; colt has been working very well of late for this one and he was pretty good in each of his Saratoga victories; barn has won this race 5 times, most recently with Boston Harbor in 1996; he's handy enough to find a tracking spot from this outside draw and his 3 time G1 route SW dam dropped a few multiple route winners including G1 SP, G3 SW and 677K earner Newfoundland so the added ground should be right up his alley; can bounce back and contend here.

Race 9

Vagabond Shoes (IRE)

He's been on top of his game in recent starts but he's going to need to run the race of his life to beat this field, and he chased today's rival Indy Point to the finish in his latest outing over this turf course; certainly respect what he's been doing lately, but going to look toward others.

Teaks North

Multiple G1 winner might be able to stay involved in the running longer than expected if a slow early pace develops, but it looks like there's enough early speed in this race to prevent him from getting too comfortable through the opening stages; going to look for his number up on the board early on, but others figure to have more to offer through the final quarter mile.

Twilight Eclipse

Multiple graded stakes winner has been known to outrun his odds from time-to-time, but he's going to need to show up with an effort like the one that led to his big score at Gulfstream Park back in March to have a say in the outcome, and that level of performance certainly hasn't been the norm for him; note the presence of Castellano aboard Real Solution.

Little Mike

Guess who's back, the winner of this event in 2012 looked like a different horse in his first four starts of 2013, but he reminded everyone of the type of animal he is with a game victory in the Turf Classic at Belmont Park, and the most impressive thing about that win is that he appeared to move a little too soon and looked like he was in deep water inside the final furlong; count him out of it at your own risk.

Skyring

Simply don't get the feeling that he's capable of getting the better of a field of this caliber on his best day, and even though something similar could have been said about him prior to winning the G2 Dixie at Pimlico earlier in the year, this would be a monumental upset; viewing him as being an early pace factor only.

Tale of a Champion

He's another in here who would be an absolute surprise, and even though he deserves credit for being upset minded when getting the better of five rivals in a G2 two races back, it's going to take a much stronger performance than that to threaten the top contenders in here; note that he was beaten by a few of today's rivals in his latest outing.

The Fugue (GB)

Multiple G1 winner was a troubled third in the BC F&M turf in 2012, and after a couple of very strong performances in August and September, her connections are aiming even higher this year; runner up from her latest start is a multiple G1 winner who has won 7 of 15 starts for $1.5 million, and the third finisher is a G1 winner who has won 2 of 9 starts for $1.7 million.

Point of Entry

His only loss in his last eight starts was in this event in 2012, and he had significant early trouble in that race, and had he been able to get off the rail a little sooner, he still might have reeled in Little Mike; obviously there's concern with him training up to this race after suffering a hind-leg fracture in June, but he's one of the best American distance turf horses we've seen, and have to believe that if McGaughey says he's ready, he's ready; it was reported that the final quarter of his October 27 workout was in 22.75.

Indy Point (ARG)

He's been very impressive in two of his three starts since arriving in America, and when watching his one poor performance in the Arlington Million, Stevens was very cautious with him through the stretch, and Mandella said after the race that he banged up his feet a little bit and that he was able to get it to clear up quickly with some poultice, and this colt was clearly hitting on all cylinders in the John Henry Turf Classic; Stevens has won with 7 of 18 (39%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Big Blue Kitten

He's another in here carrying multiple G1 winning credentials with him, and outside of a race where he was shipped overseas to face G1 competition, he hasn't run a bad race; he's beaten a number of today's rivals in recent starts and he was nosed by Little Mike in his latest start after producing a pretty nice run along the rail through the stretch.

Magician (IRE)

He's the only 3-year-old in this race and his connections must think very highly of him to make this his first start since June; his first two starts of the year look like strong performances and he deserves extra credit when considering that he ran those races off of a long layoff and 15 days apart; like to see the addition of Lasix and the runner up from his latest start is a G1 winner who has won 5 of 8 starts for 579k.

Real Solution

One of two signed on in here for Ramsey and Brown, and have to respect the fact that his connections are calling upon Castellano for this; he's run some very nice races since arriving in America, but a case can be made for him having a little bit of hang in him, and his one win stateside was awarded via disqualification; tough to ignore these connections, but prefer to side with others for the top spot.

Race 10

Justin Phillip

One of the most consistent runners in this stellar field, he might have been best in his latest G1 test at Belmont if not for an extremely bumpy journey; he failed in this same race last year but encountered early traffic trouble in that one as well; a major drawback now: this rail slot may not be ideal for his running style; very difficult call in this wide-open affair.

The Lumber Guy

In last year's edition of this Sprint, he attacked to the outside flank of Trinniberg but was unable to get by in a brave attempt; he has raced only 4 times since and although clearly beaten by some of these same rivals in New York, he can be rounding to his top performance level now and be overlooked.

Gentlemen's Bet

He finished deceptively well in a much needed effort at Keeneland; pace-pressing type has shown good fighting speed (the ability to withstand intense duels or lightning fractions); picks up Castellano who is riding in world-class form; respect his chances especially since he will offer a square price for a change.

Majestic Stride

Beat only 4 rivals in a recent allowance test, his best tally, and the most recent half-mile drill is certainly strong; he lacks any experience against this caliber, however, so his chances appear slim; seems out of his element and will be rated as one of the rank outsiders.

Sum of the Parts

This is an intriguing item as he is following the identical pattern as 2012 going into this test; he showed excellent gate speed in last year's Sprint when hounded from the opening bell by Trinniberg, just missing the show in the process; scored in the G3 Phoenix but got away with a relatively soft half-mile fraction; dangerous if somehow able to dissuade Private Zone, one of the main pace fears today; that battle should prove the key to the outcome.

Bahamian Squall

He is one of several in the field exiting the classy G1 Vosburgh where he made no impact while racing on a wide path; spots valuable experience over this course to some of the major contenders but his latest workout at five-eighths at Gulfstream was top-notch; will need a dream trip to upend the pacesetters.

Private Zone

Pure speedball held on for dear life in the last pair but has rare, tremendous acceleration right out of the gate; in his last appearance at Santa Anita, he ran one of his best career races when getting into a 5-length gap duel only to be run down in the final yards by a clear path rallier; exacta recommendation.

Fast Bullet

Yet another runner who participated in last year's Sprint, he was making only his third career start that day yet showed commendable speed to stay within range for a major part of the running; has progressed nicely since that day and the last effort at Saratoga can be dismissed because of the unfamiliar sloppy surface; steady work tab of late.

Secret Circle

Sports a perfect lifetime exacta record, a superior workout over the course, and an excellent comeback race (although against far weaker company); today's post position is particularly favorable as he seems more than capable of tracking the inside front-runners; perfect scenario would be Private Zone and Sum of the Parts negating each other; playable.

Wine Police

Unlike most of this line-up, he has never reached the 100 Beyer plateau and is hard to recommend on that basis alone; sole performance over this course was dull and he did not race in all of 2012; last trio of efforts were respectable but not against this quality; bound to lose significant ground today.

Trinniberg

Can history repeat? It often does when you are looking the other way; defending Sprint champion has been shut out this year but was brave in defeat behind Bahamian Squall at Calder; failed to show his true colors in his latest run when unable to gain the early advantage (that effort followed a 3-month layoff); Maragh, who has been riding lights out in New York, gets the call.

Laugh Track

Outstanding effort in the G3 Phoenix when unable to inhale Sum of the Parts who got away unchallenged; it was a personal best and note he has won from the outermost post in the past; improving colt will fly under the betting radar and would certainly benefit if the aforementioned bitter speed duel develops; consider if outside sweepers have done exceptionally well on the card.

Race 11

No Jet Lag

Avg. winning Beyer for this race about 110; things went south badly for him in England this year but he's come to the U.S. and has a new lease on life; first win at DMR was nice enough but it was that big win in the G2 City of Hope Mile here that put him on the map and earned him this shot; that being said, he never even hinted at this kind of talent in England so can this 3yo go from relatively obscurity to making a huge splash in a race that boasts defending champ and HOY Wise Dan and a top-class Euro in Olympic Glory, hmmmm?

Silentio

Darn near won the G1 Kilroe Mile on this course March 2, finishing a nose behind Suggestive Boy, at the time SoCal's top turf miler; then tried Wise Dan to no avail in the G1 Maker's Mark but that was in 'Dan's backyard and this guy ended up on the lead, neither of which helped; well, now we're in THIS guy's sandbox and he surely won't be on the lead with the likes of Obviously and 'Max signed up here; freshened since a fine G2 DMR Mile try (3rd, beaten less than a length) and he's been working splendidly.

Silver Max

Flashed big ability last year but things got off to a rocky start this year; well, that's all forgotten now as he's won 4 of his last 5 including taking down the game's biggest scalp when he beat HOY Wise Dan in the off-the-turf G1 Shadwell Turf at KEE Oct. 5; surface switch shouldn t have hindered Dan, either, as he's been big on that footing; no, this guy just ran them off their feet as he led all the way; comes here in peak form, with turf and distance right up his alley; but, and there's always a but, he's yet to do much in the passing lane (in fact all 11 wins have come wire-to-wire), so what's he to do about that other speedster (Obviously) in the stall to his immediate right who may be quicker?

Obviously (IRE)

Excellent 3rd in this last year, beaten just 2 lengths by Wise Dan and Ky. Derby winner Animal Kingdom; trouble is, he went into last year's edition riding high, having won his prior 3 in dazzling fashion; that isn't the case this year; oh, he looked super at BHP earlier this spring but his G2 DMR Mile win, while nice, didn't make jaws drop and then he hit the brakes in the lane in the G2 City of Hope Mile here Oct. 5; figures to go, go, go from the bell today as speed is his main weapon, but he and Max have the same concern: each other early; can either survive that expected early battle and still have enough to deal with 'Dan and anyone else who comes rolling late?

Olympic Glory (IRE)

Originally stablemate Toronado, generally considered the better of the 2, was to come here but Hannon opted to bring this guy instead; hey, this is no mere pinchhitter, either; this guy is a G1 SW playing this game in England; can absolutely blast home, though that may present a problem here; the tighter configuration of this course means a likely more bunched-up field, meaning if he's way back turning for home he's going to need all the breaks in terms of traffic to get through unobstructed; let's face it, he can't sit back, have traffic issues and expect to beat a horse like Wise Dan, but if things break his way, well, look out.

Bright Thought

Turned into a monster on turf here this past winter with 3 romping wins including a then-world record for 1 1/2 miles in the G2 San Luis Rey; to show his versatility the first of those 3 big turf wins came at this distance on this course, so he handles this game just fine, thank you; however, after the San Luis Rey March 16 he suffered broken splint bone which required surgery and hasn t been seen since; that makes for a very long layoff and while he has handled a mile he hasn't faced anything like what he faces here; that strong work all came with speed, but the presence of Obviously and Silver Max, who both figure quicker, likely mean no easy lead, though he has won from off the pace; still, the hurdles are significant.

He Be Fire N Ice

Really come into his own in recent months; gone from a state-bred SW to being twice G2 SP, both in races just like this against the West's top milers; Beyers continue to trend north, too; all that being said, the specter of defending champ and HOY Wise Dan and bigshot Euro Olympic Glory make this an incredibly difficult spot; but hey, at least he comes here on top of his game and in fact is seemingly getting better, and if No Jet Lag and Obviously are possible contenders here - and they are - then doesn't it follow that this guy who has been right alongside those 2 is as well?; darn tootin' it does, and he's the type who figures to get ignored at the windows.

Wise Dan

Defending champ and HOY may have had his bubble of invincibility punctured when 2nd in the off-the-turf- G1 Shadwell Turf Mile at KEE Oct. 5 but it's not as if he ran poorly; in fact, on the far turn it looked as though he would reel in Silver Max and stay perfect; alas, 'Max just kept running so it wasn't a case of this guy losing as much as it was a case of 'Max winning; in fact, there s reason to believe 'Dan is as good or better this year; he was monstrous winning the G1 Woodbine Mile Sept. 15, the same race he prepped in for this run last year; his tactical speed remains in tact and you can make the case this year's edition of this race isn't as strong as last year's so he may not need to be as good as the 2012 version to defend.

Cristoforo Colombo

Biting off an awful lot; still, he's a Euro with some ability as he s a SW; yet to make a dent in 3 G1s, however, so you do worry a bit as to whether he has the necessary oomph to be a player with this caliber; good news is he hinted at ample ability in June 2012 when a good 3rd in the G2 Coventry where the winner was Dawn Approach (G1 SW) and runner-up was today s foe Olympic Glory (who only beat this guy by a neck); still, we've seen O'Brien come to this race armed with significantly more power and even on those occasions couldn't get the top prize.

Za Approval

Trainer Clement originally said after this guy won the G3 Knickerbocker at BEL Oct. 12 that they would likely target the G2 Citation at BHP later this month; however, the realization this guy loves firm footing brought about a change of heart; 5yo was a fine 2nd in the G1 Shoemaker Mile at BHP June 29 and ran 2nd to 'Dan in the G1 Woodbine Mile, so he's got quality; of course, it's one thing to beat Plainview and Howe Great as he did in the Knickerbocker and quite something else to try to topple 'Dan and co. but they know he loves the firm ground and is in the best form of his life so you surely can't blame 'em for taking a shot, particularly when you really have just the 2 standouts in a race where traffic can be a great equalizer.

Race 12

Last Gunfighter

Was overmatched in latest when no match for similar rivals; not a good sign the 1st time racing at today's-classic distance; the workouts for this do not leap off the form at you but races for a high-percentage-fresh trainer off the 5-week layoff; reunites with the G3-win rider off his lowest Beyer speed figure since January; a tough call.

Paynter

His best Beyer was posted in a synthetic-surface sprint following a lengthy layoff but has not been able to run back to that effort since; his only race going this far was his 2012 BEL Stakes photo-finish loss to Union Rags; debut win was on SA dirt but finished 4th in the SA Derby.

Planteur (IRE)

1st time on dirt off a dull effort which makes him an outsider vs. proven runners on the SA-main track; 1st-Lasix for this 1st-time Import who scored at today's distance 2-back while 3-back beat the show runner a next-out 55K alw. winner.

Moreno

Been a new runner since blinkers were added after starting career 0-for-9; speedster is clearly a big challenge to older rivals Fort Larned and Game On Dude to make the lead; gets a weight break from those 2 and he's been in front 5 times in a row; nosed in the Travers at today's distance but is 0-for-5 on SA dirt; view as a pace presence for part.

Declaration of War

Plenty of credetials including 6 straight Group 1 starts; sheds weight with 1st Lasix after a career-best Racing Post Rating; figures to stalk a hot pace then get 1st run on the closers; the 2-back winner made it 4 in a row next-out in a 400K event; obviously the dirt oval is a major issue but looks like a dangerous rival if can handle it.

Mucho Macho Man

His 2-SA dirt races have been outstanding including latest romp 1st-time Stevens which was his 1st win since July, 2012; what a great stretch duel he had with Fort Larned in the '12 Classic and gets pace help today with Game On Dude and Moreno likely pressing the defending champion; there is a lot to like here.

Fort Larned

Lone-SA dirt start is a co-field-best Beyer; has taken a much different route more lightly raced to get here then last year's upset victory gate-to-wire when Game On Dude did not break well; he went all the way around with Mucho Macho Man in 2012; prepped for this vs. much easier and would have to think he will be pressed hard by Game on Dude and Moreno for the lead then hopes to hang on late.

Palace Malice

Kentucky Derby pacesetter has been a lot more effective stalking; BEL-Stakes winner was a prominent figure throughout in latest Grade 1 first time testing older rivals; 1st-time Johnny V for Pletcher a 30%-jockey-trainer combo; career-best Beyer was with 7 weeks between races with a shorter break of 5 weeks for this.

Game On Dude

Has been on a mission since breaking poorly in last year's Classic; after tracking the top pair in 2012 had zero run in deep stretch; has won 6 straight since then with 3 G1's including wins over the 2 and 3-back runner-up finishers both next-out G2-stakes winners (106-101 Beyers); figures to press Fort Larned and Moreno for the front; his March win at today's distance over the track is a co-field-best Beyer.

Will Take Charge

Has simply been a new runner since the blinkers were removed; 6 weeks off for a trainer winning at just 7% since 2012 with similar-fresh starters; has been working well for his 1st SA start and 1st time facing older rivals; the Travers win clearly suggests that today's classic distance is well within his scope.

Ron the Greek

2012-G1 SW at today's distance over the track posted a $44 shocker his best Beyer since a sloppy-track victory to begin 2013; was a complete non-factor in last year's edition however this race will liekly feature a lot hotter pace especially if Game On Dude breaks fast which helps his late kick; off last hard to count out in the exotics.

Flat Out

Got up for the show money in last year's Classic but the top 2 put on a show from start to finish while he did not make any impact; comes off his lowest Beyer since March when a dull favorite; has not been able to come up big in a Grade 1 in over one year when catching a wet track; off latest and from this wide draw have him ranked a notch below the top contenders.