Santa Anita

Santa Anita: Closer Looks for October 5, 2013

DRF Staff|Oct 04, 2013

Race 1

Battle Jet

Fairplex grad stretches out off that popular debut run while tackling winners for the initial time here; he's got some speed so expect he'll be gunning from the bell but there is other lick in here so he's going to have to work hard every step of the way; contender.

Tupelo Cush

Speedy gelding has had his stamina issues and gave it up willingly from the inside slot last out at Fairplex; he'll face pace pressure from both his inside and out in here and there's not a lot to suggest he'll go any better in the lawn here; have to back others.

Tribal Mystic

Last out Fairplex grad tries winners for the initial time in this spot; colt got away with easy splits in that low figure maiden score and will likely have to work a lot harder in here; siding against the repeat.

Tosheen

Took a good step forward to break his maiden second out on the Fairplex dirt and he shook off pace foes along the way; presence of other speed means he may again have a fight on his hands so it's encouraging to see he can handle it as well as footing similar to what he'll step over here; consider.

Luca

Cal bred tries open winners for the initial time after a visually impressive score first time both over dirt and in blinkers; maybe getting off the fence helps and she has proven that she can pass runners in the lane.

Cajun Hippie

Wired cheap claimers first out on the upstate fair circuit, but didn't impact in the ambitious stakes spot second time out; maybe he fits better herer and he's been working long on the Golden Gate Tapeta of late for this, but it doesn't figure to be easy to take this on the front end.

Heyyoucan

Improving gelding ran away from his foes while earning a field best number in his third career spin at Del Mar; he'll tackle winners here and doesn't have any experience on dirt, but he's had plenty of time to get over the big try and should get pace to run at in here; one to hold off.

Z Z Way

Offered little in his first with winners at Fairplex and now he'll go second off the freshening for an outfit that has had some recent luck with the move; maybe the outside slot helps put him in a good tracking spot here and the price should be right. By Steve Grabowski

Race 2

Miss Pippa

So was that not-so-hot 6th in that long DMR stakes Aug. 23 a function of the trip being too far, or that after a busy campaign she's on the downside of her form cycle?; well, maybe a bit of each, though she sure handled 10fs well at BHP this spring, and did so in a way to make you think the 11fs she tackled at DMR wouldn't be an issue; also, she's been going steadily since winter; good news, though, is she's not only back to a better distance but 4 strong Sept. works (including a bullet 1:12 Sept. 28) hint she's NOT running short on fuel; heck, maybe that DMR race was simply one of those days and if that's the case she can be scary here - though she does need to make up some ground on Customer Base.

Caraquista

Seemed on her way in Florida last fall/winter but things haven't gone well since; posted 3 dull outings last winter, was gone 5 months, came West and was no factor in a turf stakes at DMR Aug. 16; still, Bonde is a sharp guy and he doesn't win at his high percentage because he puts his horses in the wrong spots, so he still must feel pretty good about her to toss her into a tough spot like this; but geez, a significant turnaround is required if she's to have a say.

Charm the Maker

Freshening apparently did the trick; she came back after almost 6 months with a real nice main-track sprint at DMR and then a SW routing on the main track there; yes, she's 0 for 4 on turf but don't let that fool you - she's run pretty darn well on the sod, chasing the likes of Mizdirection, Lady of Shamrock and today's foe Customer Base - and she wasn't that far behind 'Baze on this course last fall, either.

Double Ante

Last year and even into this spring you would have viewed her as a big threat here; alas, after a couple months off this spring/summer she's come back with 2 not-so-hot outings; you could forgive the July 24 return as it was off the layoff, on synthetic, chasing some toughies but then what do you make of that dull turf try there Aug. 30, hmmmm?; and if anything this is a tougher spot; good news is her lone turf win came here and at this trip and a bullet 1:12.80 move Sept. 26 encourages, but note none of her usual pilots is aboard today, so read into that what you will.

Customer Base

Just a cut or 2 below the big girls and she's awfully reliable with versatility to boot; wasn't disgraced when 5th in the G2 Yellow Ribbon at DMR as she was beaten just 2 1/4 lengths, and prior to that she chased G1 SWs Tiz Flirtatious and Lady of Shamrock; doesn't face that type of opposition here so that class move may be just what the Dr. ordered to get her back on track.

Miss Empire

Has made a habit of outrunning her odds; comes off a very nice 2nd in the Sandy Blue at DMR at 26-1; that being said, that race came vs. peers (3yos) only whereas today she's not only facing elders but some real tough elders at that; been working along nicely since and it's encouraging a sharp guy like Miller opted to try her in a tough spot like this; but she likely needs to find a few more lengths to topple these.

Magic Union

Sire Dixie Union gets over 8% first time turf winners, over 9% overall turf winners, according to DRF sire stats; sire won 7 of 12 for $1.2 million, won G1 Haskell, G1 Malibu, was G2/G3 SW, never tried turf; dam won 3 of 14 for $98K, 2 of those wins on turf, also SP on turf; 1 of 3 sibs is winner First Friend (1 win, on turf, $12K); looked super in her West Coast debut blasting some good gals (including Ismene, who is in today's L.A. Woman here later today) and Sadler not only saw fit to plunk down $62,500 to claim her but brings her back WITHOUT a tag attached and with Bejarano staying aboard; worked smartly since and while it's first time turf, as noted above, she's bred for it; interesting. By Michael Hammersly

Race 3

Tama County

Major-wakeup call when placed on dirt going long off the extended layoff; cutting back in distance does not figure to help the late-running cause while a bounce chance off the more-than-year layoff return represents a career-best Beyer speed figure; the debut show runner posted a 76 Beyer in a next-out-SA-MSW score.

Trouble X Two

9%-winning fresh trainer sends him on dirt for the 1st time during career today; the 2-back winner repeated with an 81 Beyer taking a BHP-optional-claimer next out; exits a career-low Beyer so will be taking a wait and see approach for this.

Spirited Touch

High-percentage fresh and sprint-to-router trainer adds to the appeal; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 75 in a next-out DMR-20K-maiden claiming graduation; stamina has been lacking in recent losses but posted a career-best Beyer in Feb. at today's distance on SA dirt.

Riseseastsetswest

Faded in the only start sent this far of a distance during career; favored then troubled in latest-dirt debut sprinting; getting today's distance seems to be the biggest obstacle for success; his posted SA-dirt workouts for this are not very enticing.

Headlights On

1st start racing beyond 7F; sire went 7-for-16 in dirt routes (1.1M); removes blinkers seeking answers; been very best rallying in synthetic-surface sprints which this is not; the 3-back show runner Beyered 67 in a next-out SA-50K-maiden claiming score; new rider is his 4th in as many races which is not a good win angle.

Bud Matic

Career-best Beyer was without blinkers but the hood comes back on for this off the decisive loss vs. Tiz Futurity on dirt; owns the career-best speed figure on turf noting both 4th-place finishes occurred right here on SA dirt; is ranked a notch below the top contenders.

Sir Searsucker

1st dirt start today while he will be removing blinkers a 33%-win angle for the trainer since 2012; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 68 in a next-out BSR-20K-maiden claiming victory; likes to be forwardly placed and getting today's route distance appears to be a big obstacle.

Perfect Jersey

Tiz Futurity had his number 2 back as this one has beaten 3 rivals combined from the last 3 losses; 33 days to think about last for an 11%-winning fresh trainer; off the form guessing a turf sprint may be in order; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Trial Spin

Sire went 1-for-5 in dirt routes while the dam was 0-for-1 going long; his lone dirt start was a 20-length loss over the track; the 2-back winner and show finishers Beyered 90-76 in next-out DMR-MSW and optional-claiming wins; faded after stalking latest-sprint field while the added yardage for this is obviously a major hurdle to overcome.

Tiz Futurity

Did not show a lot on SA dirt previously which is the main issue here but clearly wokeup on BSR dirt beating several of these in recent starts; rallied from last at longer in latest and clearly wants to travel at least this far or longer; hopes for a pace meltdown to rally well enough to earn diploma.

Cast a Vision

Best race was on grass at 10F; exits a grassy-key race fade defeated by both the runner-up and 6th-place finishers who Beyered 86-78 in next-out CD-SA-MSW graduations; last time seen on dirt was an SA-last-place finish; 0-for-37 turf-to-dirt trainer since 2012 is noted.

Major Affair

Clearly not a good sign that the 1st race off the claim represents a career-low speed figure; field-best Beyer was accomplished on SA dirt but at 7F; offered mild-late runs in some of his recent defeats; off last would have to wakeup in a big way to upset these.

Crawford the Crook

62-1 debut loss in a key race; the show finisher from last Beyered 90 in a BEL-MSW win; beat the 10th-place finisher a 71 Beyer BEL-35K-maiden-claiming next-out winner; sire went 2-for-4 in dirt routes (47K); is out of a 4-for-12 dirt-route dam (290K) who produced 86K-dirt router Para Usted (4-for-50).

Senor Snickers

Best Beyer and finish on turf but at shorter than this; widest drawn so is sure to lose ground for this; the 2-back winner and runner-up finishers posted 76-67 Beyers in next-out BSR-starter allowance and 25K-maiden-claiming wins; his only race sent today's distance was a last-place finish. By Art Gropper

Race 4

Huntsville

Multiple stakes placed gelding gave a solid account of himself in a G2 event three races back at Del Mar, but that was going 1 3/8m and he might prefer more ground to work with than today's one mile assignment offers; prefer to keep looking around in here.

Starspangled Heat

One of two multiple stakes placed runners signed on in this spot for the Abrams barn, and this gelding has been in good form since being returned from a layoff three starts back; looking at this as being a tough assignment for him, and it might be worth noting the presence of Nakatani aboard another in here, but a minor award doesn't appear to be out of the question.

Willyconker (IRE)

He's a G1 winner over this turf course and at today's distance, but that was early on in 2012, and his recent form hasn't been anywhere near as strong; note that he was claimed for 62.5k three starts back; winner from latest won next out at Wo on 9/15 going 1m over turf in a G1 with a 109 Beyer and was entered to run at Keeneland today.

No Jet Lag

He ran well when recording a victory in his first start in America in his latest outing but he's going to have to show up with a noticeably improved performance if he's planning on making any noise in this spot; looking toward others.

Obviously (IRE)

As usual, it looks like it's his race to lose, and after showing up with an effort that wasn't one of his sharper performances after a layoff in his latest outing, he figures to be ready for better this time around; if Endorsement fails to test him early on, he might set an easy early pace and have plenty left in the tank for the run through the lane.

He Be Fire N Ice

He's been very sharp in his turf starts since moving into this barn and he deserves a ton of credit for finishing just a half length behind today's rival Obviously in his latest outing; still not willing to give him the nod over Obviously, but he can't be counted out of the mix.

Barocci (JPN)

It looks like Nakatani might have had a couple of other options to consider in this one, but with Talamo committed to Obviously, C-Nak lands here; his career best Beyer Speed Figure was earned at today's distance when he was beaten by Obviously three starts ago; runner up from latest won next out at Del Mar on 8/24 going 1 3/8m in a G2 with a 93 Beyer.

Endorsement

It looks like it will be up to this runner to try to keep Obviously honest through the opening stages, but when seeing that this colt can settle in and run his race from just off the early pace, it might prove foolish to risk his race by trying to apply early pace pressure; note that his one turf start was a strong runner-up finish behind Indy Point.

Polytechnicien

Have to respect the form that he displayed racing overseas, but that was back in 2010 and 2011, and his two starts in America haven't been strong enough to help give him the look of a contender against these; Stevens has won with 6 of 15 (40%) mounts for this barn in 2013. By Brian Pochman

Race 5

Snaps

Steady work tab for this newcomer, son of City Zip (a G1 sprinter who banked 818K); his offspring have scored in 80 out of 517 debuts; the dam won 5 of 10 attempts and 384K; among the winning siblings is 70K earner Sea Storm.

Magic Daddy

Game to capture the place behind a blowout winner in July; his sire won multiple G1s and 1.33 million overall; the dam involved was unraced and this is her only foal to compete; superior work tab of late makes him a legit contender.

Chief Lion

Set way too fast a pace in his second venture; the grey's sire won 424K including G1 success while the dam was without a tally in 2 attempts; winning siblings include 123K earner Kairos; capable of stealing this show.

Adamor

Beginner hails from G2 victor Doneraile Court who netted 361K and whose progeny have won nearly 10 percent of their initial races; the dam did not make it to the starting gate; there are no winning siblings to highlight.

Intoclassymischief

Caught up a duel in his maiden voyage, he faded to third; his sire won a G1 and 597K while the mom won 6 of 13 and 543K; winning siblings include 9K earner Dolcetto; must avoid an immediate pace war with Chief Lion and perhaps others.

Airfoil

Cuts back from a series of routes and although without an exacta finish to his name, he has been involved in some fast races; may move forward following the freshening and the latest work at five-eighths was fair; can surprise with a late burst.

Drover Crazy

A brave effort in his comeback race of August and he lost significant ground in that placing; will be aided if a duel develops to his inside and he should be able to work out a comfortable stalking trip; hard to leave out of your exotic wagering.

Forest Boy

Note the vast improvement to the latest a.m. drill; he achieved a personal best Beyer at the course and distance last season and despite the lengthy vacation, seems at the ready judging by the recent workout activity.

Well Lawyered

On the shelf since that commendable first run in the summer of 2012; his sire won multiple G1s and 2.79 million while the dam won 1 of 12 and 53K; among the winning siblings is 489K bankroller Drill, a G1 winner and pure sprinter.

Secretsatmidnight

Finished deceptively well despite a bumpy beginning in his first venture; his sire won the Breeders' Cup Sprint and 2.69 million; the dam won 3 of 9 appearances and 45K; this is her only foal to compete; solid workouts of late.

Exclude

Tries blinkers for the first time and although trounced in his debut race, that event turned out to be key; the colt's sire twice won the Breeders' Cup Classic and 6.42 million; the dam won 3 of 15 and 347K; sib to 50K earner E. T. Indy. By Jim Kachulis

Race 7

Ismene

This miss showed talent from Day One; shorter trip should be to her liking and note she was over 8 clear last time; a proven stakes commodity, love the recent drills and they are very fast for this stable; legit trouble 2 back; don't sell too short.

Sister Kate

Nothing wrong with winning a third of the starts and there seems to be plenty of speed here to help promote the kick; kin to over $1.6 million earner Brother Derek is proven off the bench, but it was going long; Golden Gate drills coming to the race ideally spaced; backers have to hope they go bonkers up front and the race falls apart.

Socialbug

Popular at the windows and she has not disappointed; she was getting a little tired in last but she still held it together; drilling like she is feeling pretty good about herself and the blood is there for her to be any kind as she is kin to BC Sprint winner, over $2.6 million earner Midnight Lute; can't fault those that shoot for the hat trick here.

Conkate

Reformed claimer overcame the trouble to get the black type at Pomona; she is looking at more speed this time and that Fairplex form doesn't always travel; 3 of her 5 wins have been local but she is facing some with proven credentials; must hustle.

Executiveprivilege

She never recovered after the poor start in the return; miss showed her class from the very first start and she has run some bang-up races locally; 4th finisher in last took the $94K CERF next out and is entered today at Keeneland in a stakes; monitor that result and adjust; winner of last repeated in a Grade 3 with a 103 Beyer; she looms the stalking component of the Baffert runners; should be right there with the A game.

Teddy's Promise

Freshened by patient barn, she is repeatedly proven off the vacation and key off her game win in the Grade 2 here to kick off the year and she easily fits the bill; she has won half of her starts here and one could envision a nice stalk and rally journey; drawn right and must be left in the mix.

Great Hot (BRZ)

Proven at the trip, connections tried the boys in last but she just could not keep up; miss was inching toward the winner in her last sprint attempt; note the lone win was just against 4 rivals this year; value should be there, but she will likely come from pretty far back if at all. By Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Good Party

Draws the fence for her first start since early spring when unable to go with a stakes field of her peers; she broke her maiden sprinting here to begin her career and she does boast some solid drills for her return; there's a good amount of lick in here and she has proven she can fire off drills; price should be right.

Cotton's Point

Turns back to the trip of her maiden score 2 back at Del Mar and switches to the pilot aboard that day; lack of lick doesn't help from an inside slot, but the barn does do well with runners trying a shorter trip and the pace in front of her does look to be lively.

Oscillator

Took a good step forward on the figure scale when second at Del Mar in her first start in over 7 months and she's had some time to get over the effort; filly has been working well in the interim for another crack at the level and she likes the local footing; contender.

Madoffwiththemoney

Exits a popular Fairplex score while making her first start off this barn's claim and her initial try on a conventional dirt surface; she's quick enough to be involved from the outset and did prove last time that she doesn't need the lead to fire; not thrilled to see them willing to lose her for less than they paid 2 starts back, but she's one to consider.

Hidethegoodstuff

Sophomore has been idle for over 5 months since coming up empty after a rough start in the Hollywood stake last spring; she has sped and did break her maiden here last winter, but she'll find others who are quick early in this spot and that won't help her last first time back.

Sassy Suances

Speedy mare was rolling early at Fairplex last time but didn't have enough left to fend off the winner who returns here as well; expect she'll again be gunning, but with other speed in the heat things could get crowded on the lead and that could make things tough for her late.

Key Vista

Earned a big number in taking her synthetic debut in style at Hollywood 10 months again and hasn't been sighted since; she'll have both dirt and winners to deal with for the initial time today, but she's been working of late as if she's ready to roll and the Baffert barn fires first time back; she'll have to run hard from the bell, but if she handles the footing and runs back to her debut could prove tough to run down.

Midnight Lady

Loses Bejarano following a sharp score over cheaper at Del Mar; she's had time to get over the try, is improving on the figure scale and she does figure to get plenty of pace in front of her here; price should be right, but she'll need to keep getting better to get in the mix here.

Peppy Bolly

Won going away the last time she set foot over her preferred main track and should appreciate the return to it here; barn does well with its fresh runners and this gal should get plenty of pace in front of her here; giving her the upset nod.

Melanistic

She's offered for the optional tag after backing up from her pace efforts on the turn back at Fairplex; she did earn a career best number first off the claim here in late winter, but she looks to be a different runner now and will have her work cut out for her in this spot.

Only Josie Knows

Turns back for the surface switch after backing out of it from an outside draw on the green; lone dirt spin was nothing special but she's been working here like she's ready to break through over the stuff for a barn that does well on the surface switch.

Yawannagokid

Broke her maiden at Del Mar after sitting a ground saving spot in her return from time off; sophomore will tackle winners for the first time here and she did get beaten by a couple of today's foes in her debut run over the local main track; she has been working well of late, though, and maybe she'll have more to offer now that she's turned the corner.

Freewayracer

Outside drawn mare has had a couple of months off since failing to impact at the level at Del Mar; she's shown some early interest, but the lack of stamina she showed in those last couple of starts won't help her much from out here and the return to dirt doesn't look to benefit her either; passing. By Steve Grabowski

Race 9

Gonna Fly Now

Yeesh, what a tough race; 4yo couldn't handle a few of these in prior tries but was by no means embarrassed and maybe today will get a better race-shape; after all, he needs a hot, contested pace and there's a ton of speed signed up to give it to him; and while he's a closer it's not as if he has to come from miles out of it; Beyer improvement at DMR shows he fits.

Declassify

2 starts this spring, 2 monster wins; both were laughers and note both got big Beyers (101, 104); the first one came on this track, too, so you know he handles this place and it was his debut so he can fire fresh; cost $450K so they're not looking for an allowance horse here; after that big BHP win he was targeted for the G1 King's Bishop but things didn't work out; still, he's been working splendidly and of course Baffert is well known for his off-the-bench prowess; all that being said, this ain't no N1X like he ran in last time and while he's mighty quick early he's facing some of the quickest boys in the game so the hurdles are not insignificant.

Centralinteligence

Just love the way he powered home to win the G1 Triple Bend at BHP June 29; he may get a similar nice set-up today as he prefers to stalk or sit and then finish; this has been the plan all along, too, for Ellis, who said after the Triple Bend that this guy would get a rest, target this race and then hopefully the G1 BC Sprint; still, there are 2 concerns - first, while he handles this shorter game could be he's better going 7fs, and, while he's 2 for 3 here note all 4 triple-digit Beyers came on BHP's synthetic track so while he's run well here he may be better at BHP.

Distinctiv Passion

Bonde said he's one of the quickest horses he's had; 3yo can flat sizzle and he lost that turf sprint stakes win at DMR Aug. 14 when he reportedly saw the infield TV screen, shied and interfered with others; still, there's no doubt he ran well and some good work here last winter show he's just as good on this ground; big issue today is that while he can sizzle, so can a few others in here so can he win the pace battle and have enough left to win the war?; it's not out of reach, and there's the other possibility he's the speed of the speed and may suddenly find himself clear turning for home.

Trinniberg

Last year's champion sprinter and he did it using his speed; still, after a 4-for-8 run in 2012 he's yet to win in 3 starts this year; in his defense, 1 of those came in Dubai (he's not the first U.S. horse to run well there) and start No. 2 came in the slop at CD (he's now 0 for 5 on wet ground to that isn't his game); start No. 3, however, in a G2 at CRC saw him show more of the old pizzazz - had the speed to press the issue, loomed a big threat but couldn't finsih with the talented Bahamian Squall; that shows he may be rounding back to form and in fact his pattern looks a bit similar to how Mucho Macho Man went into last week's G1 Awesome Again here - and you saw what happened there, right?

Roman Threat

3 superb effort so start his career in 2012 as he got triple-digit Beyers in all 3; trouble is, then came over 16 months on the bench and his return at DMR, while not bad, didn't exactly get the pulse racing, did it; Bejarano was up for that, and for his 2 prior wins but ends up on Goldencents today instead; at least it's nice he has a race under his belt and you have to love that not only has he worked superbly since but that Baffert opted to put him in here, when he already had Declassify and knew who else he'd be running into.

Points Offthebench

No way to knock a horse who has 5 wins and 1 2nd in his last 6 starts; just gamely beat Goldencents in the G1 Crosby at DMR July 28 and he did so with a trip that may serve him well again here, stalking and finishing; don't assume he's just a synthetic guy either - note 2 wins in 3 starts here and in the loss he got a 100 Beyer, so he handles this place; working in solid fashion and his tactical speed means he can sit just off the duelers and be plenty scary turning for home.

Goldencents

Triple Crown venture didn't go so well but then O'Neill let him regroup and brought him back sprinting and the colt has been splendidly; sure, he lost those 2 sprints but was a smart 2nd in each; plenty of speed in his arsenal to be sure, but that good G1 Crosby run shows he can sit and and pass hoses and that could be absolutely critical for this; very nice also to see Bejarano takes the call and that bullet 1:11.40 move here Sept. 27 says he's feeling pretty spry. By Michael Hammersly

Race 10

Pretty Storm

Primal Storm 1 for 9 with first-time turfers; sire took debut at 2, won almost $140K, never turfed; 2 of dam's 5 wins came on grass as she banked over $200K; 2 siblings won grass including double turf winner and over $300K earner Roman Invader; must come out running to flee fence.

Madame Heat

Unusual Heat about about 13% with first-time grass runners in a 351-horse study; sire won juvenile debut going short in Europe, earned over 140 grand, all on grass; dam took one dirt sprint; a couple of full sibs won on grass including near $350K earner Mr. Chairman; needs a turn around.

Blameitonthecat

Cowtown Cat 4 for 19 with first-time turfers; Grade 2 winning sire took 4 of 16, banked over $550K, never turfed; dam won twice, lost only try on turf; both sibs won, one tried turf to no avail; tries tougher crew.

Senza Fina

City Zip about 17% with juvenile firsters in a 323-horse sample, and about 15% with first-time turf runners in a 310-runner grid; sire won 5 times at 2 including G1 Hopeful, 3rd in best turf out; stakes winning dam never turfed; one sib won on grass and top kin Hanalei Bay banked over $200K; she looks fit enough.

Bosserette

Started awkwardly and it got worse from there; the race came back fine as the show horse was 2nd a neck in next, place horse won at this level and the winner repeated in the Shepard at Pomona with a 69 Beyer; Street Boss 9 for 40 with first-time turfers; sire didn't run at 2, won debut at 3 with banked over $800K, never turfed; winning dam out of the money in only turf out; 2 sibs tried grass but failed; must hurry.

Alison Marie

Bernstein about 13% with first-time turfers in a 323-runner sample; sire earned about $175K, raced exclusively on grass; dam 0 for 5; 3 of 4 sibs won and one cashed once on turf; maybe blinks will help.

Cal Gal

Tapit about 9% with first-time turfers in a 291-runner sample; sire; sire was unbeaten in 2 juvenile starts, banked over $550K taking 3 of 6, was never on turf; all 3 of dam's wins came on turf; this is her first to race; bullet in pocket as bug hired.

Sierra Electrica

Her grass experience should be a benefit today; backers can point to kin, double turf winner and $280K earner El Martillo; rates long look in all the slots.

Loufoque

Malibu Moon about 14% with juvenile firsters in a 703-horse sample, and about 10% with first-time turf runners in a 418-runner grid; sire graduated in second start at 2 at 5 furlongs on dirt for only win in 2-race career; dam took a route, never turfed; kin Persistently took a G1, earned over $500K, lost only turf out; respect homebred.

Exotic Behavior

Her grass race was her best; dam took 3 sprints, lost only turf out; one sibling tried grass to no avail but kin Bustin Stones took a G1 and banked almost $500K; must pick it up.

Sushi Empire

Empire Maker about 10% with first-time turfers in a 249-runner sample; sire took debut at 2, won Belmont on way to near $2 million wallet, never turfed; dam won on grass once; lone half bro 2nd in only out; should be in first flight.

Savings Account

Medaglia d'Oro has won with about 9% of his first-time turfers in a 265-horse sample; sire was 2nd in only juvenile, went on to earn over $5.7 million, was dirt only; 3 for 11 dam cashed on turf once; this is her first to race; nice move on 25th.

Nazareth

Bluegrass Cat about 13% with juvenile firsters in a 251-horse sample, and about 6% with first-time turf runners in a 154-runner grid; sire won thrice at 2, took G1 Haskell, was 2nd in the Derby and Belmont, never turfed; 2 for 13 dam turf only; lone kin Sweets Galore took 5 routes, was 2nd in best turf moment; may need one.

Sergeant O'Rourke

Forestry about 10% with juvenile firsters in a 564-horse sample, and about 11% with first-time turf runners in a 341-runner grid; sire did not race at 2, graduated at 7 furlongs in second start, earned almost $600K, never tried grass; dam 0 for 2; lone half sis won once on dirt; slow move 8 days ago. By Brian Mulligan

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