By Dave Litfin

BEST BET: Double Agent (5th race)


First Race


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1. S. S. Belle 2. Double Fling 3. Brooklyn Bobbie

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S. S. BELLE had a busy campaign as a 3-year-old, and has been freshened since getting cooked in a speed duel in her 12th and final start of 2006; probable lone speed has trained sharply for new trainer. DOUBLE FLING returned from a short layoff for a pair of in-the-money finishes in this condition, each time encountering some trouble; chances improve if the track is wet. BROOKLYN BOBBIE is lightly raced - usually a plus in these restricted claimers - and figures close based on a win vs. softer sprinters first time on the inner track; downgrade her chances if the track is wet.

Second Race


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1. Shea d'Lady 2. Laurentide Ice 3. What's Your Point

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SHEA D'LADY chased the sharp Baby Gray (who was winning her second straight) through the fastest half-mile fraction of the day when edged late for the runner-up spot most recently; may shake loose early, unless MAKE US HAPPY shows more early speed second time back from layoff. LAURENTIDE ICE, the field's only 3-year-old, was quite consistent finishing in the money all starts as a juvenile, including several stakes; might rate extra credit if the track is wet, based on big-figure debut on a good track at Saratoga. WHAT'S YOUR POINT ran a big race to blow by Shea d'Lady when the latter was caught up in a vicious speed duel Dec. 31; four-time winner on the inner track has regressed in each of two subsequent attempts.

Third Race


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1. Bank President 2. Tasteyville 3. Raceland

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BANK PRESIDENT caught a dull track at Laurel for the John B. Campbell Handicap, and faded late after taking a short lead in midstretch; game score first out in 2007 over Mayan King, a winner locally in this condition soon afterward. TASTEYVILLE won his first and second-level allowance conditions with vastly improved performances, then tried the Stymie and was deep-fried forcing a blistering pace to midstretch; may rebound with a ground-saving trip stalking stretchout CALLMETONY and RACELAND. The latter has won three of four since removing blinkers, and has trained well for this; needs fast footing.

Fourth Race


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1. Ghost Dancing 2. Unenchantedevening 3. Golden Operator

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GHOST DANCING was bumped and stumbled at the start, raced greenly inside in debut on a speed-favoring track; half-sister to three stakes-placed runners is likely to improve for deadly second-out barn. UNENCHANTEDEVENING also had some trouble at the start and raced greenly first time out, when second best to Dream Rush (winner of the Old Hat Stakes at Gulfstream this winter); mate BARBARA'S WILDCAT is a half to a sprint winner, and turned in a sharp workout soon after arrival from Florida. GOLDEN OPERATOR is a half to Spensive, a $312K earner who was a stakes winner, and second in the WinStar Derby.

Fifth Race


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1. Double Agent 2. Start At Five 3. Restless Mind

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DOUBLE AGENT runs his race each time out regardless of the footing, and another typical performance would make him very difficult to beat in this field; beaten favorite should get the job done in spite of wide draw. START AT FIVE is a 7-year-old who has had numerous chances ot get through this non-winners of two condition, but at least his Beyer figures are heading upward since brought back from a layoff; along for share. RESTLESS MIND is a 3-year-old coming out of open claiming sprints, and projects as part of the early pace with IN THE SERVICE.

Sixth Race


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1. Aflareandaprayer 2. McMagic 3. Dabbaas

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AFLAREANDAPRAYER sped clear early, responded when hooked and fought gamely to force 6-5 shot Spiriton to utmost in debut; must avoid a regression running back on two weeks' rest. MCMAGIC ran a Beyer that rivals the top pick first out last May, and has trained well on the inner track for first outing since troubled trip at Saratoga; pace-setting try on sloppy track indicates he has enough speed to maintain inside position if hustled early. DABBAAS is a half-brother to Excellent Band, who won four of five starts as a 2-year-old, including the Huntington Stakes. LETTHESUNSHINEIN is a half to four six-figure earners, looks to have some ability judging from fast gate work on Wednesday.

Seventh Race


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1. Love Abroad 2. Firemist 3. Jacks Express

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LOVE ABROAD made two moves in runner-up finish first time in blinkers, and two follow-up efforts were equally impressive in terms of Beyer figures; improved colt is capable of taking the early lead if no one else wants it. FIREMIST stretches out to two turns after returning from layoff with an even effort in a sprint, which is the same pattern that produced maiden win from post 10 on the inner track last winter; likely to move forward, handles wet. JACKS EXPRESS recorded this group's top figure by a fairly substantial margin second time out at this meet; may be cycling back to another good race after a pair of wide trips.

Eighth Race


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1. Sister Desiree 2. Michele the Great 3. Bare Dancer

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SISTER DESIREE forced the pace from a tough post, put in a prolonged challenge for lead and just missed when blinkers came off on Gulfstream turf; freshened up, ships north for leading connections. MICHELE THE GREAT has won two of three starts since stretching out to two turns, with a nice upward-moving line of figures - though latest might be discounted somewhat due to racing unchallenged on a clear lead on speed-favoring strip; tough if able to pair up with another race of that quality. BARE DANCER went evenly for third in the Busher, on a day that produced six front-running winners; came from far back to win a minor stake at Laurel two back, needs some help up front.

Ninth Race


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1. Raise the Weight 2. One Sweet Thing 3. Citi On Fire

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RAISE THE WEIGHT finished strongly to miss in a three-way photo first time out in nearly 11 months, and was beaten only a neck by a repeater on this track last winter; severe trouble as the choice prior to the layoff. ONE SWEET THING ran her three best races in sprints to begin career; should benefit from the turnback, after fading in two route attempts. CITI ON FIRE (good debut sire, three recent works at six furlongs) and WICKED QUEEN (two recent five-furlong works, including a bullet from the gate) are newcomers who must be respected if money shows.

Turfway by Battaglia

1ST RACE
MR. POPEYE (7) ran well last time out against a tougher field. He should be in a good spot on or close to the lead and rates the edge here. PA KETTLE (1) drops in class after two solid races and is the one to beat. STORM TALE (8) didn’t show much last time but was running well against similar before that one and is a threat.

2ND RACE
TRITON (7) drops in class after a nice second place finish against tougher. He likes to sit just off the pace, but there’s not much speed in this one and he could find himself on the lead today. He looks like a solid bet to get the win under Prescott. CELLARS GRANGE (10) didn’t fire in his last but looks like the one to beat if he returns to his previous form. GREEN BOY (1) has a chance.

3RD RACE
EVALEE’S ELEGY (9) comes off a nice win and is capable of a repeat win for Feebeck and Outzs. RAPID PROSPECTOR (4) figures to make the lead and is the one to catch. DARLIN JAMIE (5) is a definite threat.

4TH RACE
CRASHING SANDSTORM (1) looked good winning last out on the front end but is capable of rallying from off the pace today. Give her a slight edge in what looks like a well matched claiming test. EIGHT AND TWO (6) likes the Polytrack. She’s won two of her five starts here and just missed at Keeneland. She will be running at the end and is the one to beat. CRIMSON DANCER (2) had won three in a row before being moved up last time out and is a definite contender.

5TH RACE
ANOTHER ANGEL HOME (5) ships back to Turfway after winning last time out at Beulah. He runs well over the Polytrack and rates a slight edge. BIG K (6) will be running at the end in a race that figures to have a solid pace. He is capable of winning with his best effort. GATO BOB (7) drops in class after a long layoff. Watch the board on this one.

6TH RACE
SOLITARY AL (1) was running well at this level at Fair Grounds and has the speed to be on or near the lead from the inside post. He should be able to get his maiden win under Mena. PATTERN OF VICTORY (7) drops in for a tag for the first time and is the one to beat at this level. CHALK EYED CAT (6) has a chance.

7TH RACE
NEW AWAKENING (7) drops in class and switches to sprinting after a few disappointing efforts around two turns. He figures to be laying just off the pace today and is the choice for the win. GREAT ALBERT (1) also makes the move from a route to a sprint but will have to overcome the tough rail post today. POUND FOR POUND (8) has won two in a row coming into today and has to be considered.

8TH RACE
PROVE YOURSELF (5) might have needed his last after having been off since October. He’s won over the surface, shouldn’t mind the shorter distance today, and he gets in light with Quinonez. Give him the edge here. WEST TO DURANGO (1) had a rough trip last out at Gulfstream and is in much easier today. He is definitely the one to beat. BROAD SPECTRUM (7) moves up in class after an impressive maiden score.

9TH RACE
JEZEBEL JENNY (7) comes off an even effort and could spring the mild upset in a well matched claiming test. LA CORUNA (2) drops in class and makes her Polytrack debut. If she handles the surface she will be tough. CHECK IN CHECK OUT (9) has a chance.

Gulfstream Park

BEST BET: American Senor (5th race)

First Race:
1. Dancin Dusty 2. Legacy's Honor 3. Wise Tod

DANCIN DUSTY returns to level of bang up, dead against the bias second on Jan. 7 and
perhaps too fast for these with repeat of that performance. LEGACY'S HONOR has cycled to
peak form. Scratched for slightly lower tag on Saturday. Should stalk preferred one from the
ouotset. WISE TOD also returns to more suitable spot second off the claim for his current
connections. Can grab at least a share at his best.

Second Race:
1. Evil Empire 2. Fearless Eagle 3. Better Than Enough

EVIL EMPIRE has shown speed againast much tougher in both previ8ous starts and getting
major class relief today. May not look back if able to shake loose from inside. FEARLESS
EAGLE broke slow, still beat four of 11 rivals when debuting against $50K opposition and barn
owns nice marks with second time starters. BETTER THAN ENOUGH may be best of the new
ones. Kin to two time, 2yo SW Enough Is Enough.

Third Race:
1. Plutonic 2. Something More 3. Paula's Pilates

PLUTONIC tries turf for the first time but out of a Broad Brush mare and well spotted dropping
in against bottom level conditioned claimers. Caught some good ones when overmatched
behind next out winners Trendy Lady and Tap Gold in her last. Need only handle the surface
to take this bunch. SOMETHING MORE has shown enough in her last pair against a notch
better to merit much respect against this group. PAULA'S PILATES kin to five time grass
winner Tissy Fit and eligible to improve on last try when prominent to midstretch against a bit
stronger.

Fourth Race:
1. You'rejustlikeme 2. Winning Appeal 3. Uphold

YOU'REJUSTLIKEME got a nice confidence booster when dropping to the bottom to earn
diploma in impressive fashion. Not facing too much better on jump to the next level. Eligible to
score right back with another forward move. WINNING APPEAL comes off a couple of
improved showins of her own but in new hands off the claim. Figures forwardly throughout.
UPHOLD in dangerous hands off the claim although could not get to Winning Appeal ini their
previous encounter. Still respect the new connections enough to warrant long look with these.

Fifth Race:
1. American Senor 2. Snow Trick 3. Eyesonwillie

AMERICAN SENOR, the day's best, could return quick dividends off the claim. Toss last when
off very poorly from tough inside post going a mild while facing a field that produced pair of
next out winners and a 60 Beyer from runnerup Successful Return against open $25K platers.
Earned highwater Beyer of this bunch on graduation day and working well since his last.
SNOW TRICK knocking on the door against this kind. Should trip out nicely under leading
rider Cornelio C. EYESONWILLIE drops into conditioned claiming company for the first time in
his career while also adding Lasix. Coming off a couple of unlucky trips vs. stronger.

Sixth Race:
1. Forward Move 2. Lord Stripes 3. Mangiaracina

FORWARD MOVE and MANGIARACINA both stuck in second gear at the moment having
combined for seven straight runnerup finishes between the pair. Of the two, Forward Move
may have a bit more upside having dropped his last to Dealer Choice who returned to win an
overnight handicap on the turf at Bay Meadows in his next start. Barn does well off this type of
layoff and Prado is winning at a .41 per cent clip for Clement here over the past two seasons.
LORD STRIPES the sleeper coming off much needed U S debut when caught in traffic for
much of the trip. Respect connections enough to warrant a look at what figures to be a much
more generous price the second time around. Hard to leave Mangiaracina out of the equation
in his current form.

Seventh Race:
1. Dani Tom Boy 2. Princess Janie 3. Moral Suasion

DANI TOM BOY and PRINCESS JANIE renew acquaintances after hooking up in what turned
out to be a suicidal duel in their original encounter. Former took a couple of runs at the lead
before fading late in her maiden run and note the bullet half mile since the outing. Will likely
alter tactics and try to sit off the pace today. Princess Janie dead game in her own right
repulsing several bids before succumbing in late stretch to more experienced Lady Marlboro.
Likely the one to catch again. MORAL SUASION lighting it up in the a.m. especially out of the
gate where she shows a pair of extremely fast half mile drills although gate works here have
been inrodinantly fast this winter. Still must respect breeding and connections right off the
bench. Simply Devine ran against grain of Keeneland Polytrack in her only previous start and
another who figures to be slugging it out from the outset with a clean beginning.

Eighth Race:
1. Sharp Susan 2. Snow Cone 3. Perfect Motion

Toss SHARP SUSAN's race in the Ms Grillo when rider's reins broke and she's undefeated
over the surface. Overcame rough trip to win here earlier in the meet and not meeting any
killers stepping back into stakes company. Shaky nod with any racing luck. SNOW CONE
needed some luck of her own when stopped badly on the turn before finishing fourth behind
multiple graded stakes winner Christmas Kid at Calder. Idle since but perhaps talented
enough to win off the bench with a clean trip of her own. PERFECT MOTION has yet to run a
poor one and owns a decision over Snow Cone in the Tropical Oaks.

Ninth Race:
1. Scottish Diamond 2. Sigmondo 3. Speedball Howie

SCOTTISH DIAMOND dueled from against the grain of an outside, closers biased track when
narrowly beaten for second money under an $80K tag in his local bow. Drops to softer spot
and may stand some catching if away running from tough inside gate. SIGMONDO stumbled
at the gate then made a big mimddle move four wide to join the leaders beofre fading late in a
race from which three of the also-rans have since returned to earn diplomas against $50K,
$32K and $16K opposition. Could be ready for best yet making third start of form cycle.
SPEEDBALL HOWIE no match for oddds on Americanus who flattered the effort by coming
right back to beat open $50K oppposition with an 80 Beyer. Takes a bit of a scary drop off the
claim but does show four works since the outing and lures Desormeaux for the occasion. Will
take a look at Oberman, a $7,500 yearling purchase but with a series of very fast works under
his belt at Calder. Worth tossing in if the money shows.

Tenth Race:
1. Sophisticatedevent 2. Crazy Cousin 3. Can't Sleep

A lot of speed in the finale so we'll opt for the three in here turning back off longer races
hoping they'll have enough stamina to pick up the pieces. SOPHISTICATEDEVENT comes off
decent mile try when overmatched on the main but has shown penchant for turf with a couple
of sharp five furlong outings during the summer of her 2yo campaign. CRAZY COUSIN and
CAN'T SLEEP have both shown speed going long here at at Tampa and are also proven
commodities over the surface.

A strong group of 10 turf distaffers will go postward to contest the $150,000 Santa Ana H. (G2) at Santa Anita on Sunday. The streaking CITRONNADE (Lemon Drop Kid) has looked awesome in taking a pair of stakes events since coming to the West Coast, and we'll side with the bay to run her win streak to three. Trained by Bobby Frankel, the four-year-old miss made short work of her competition in the San Gorgonio H. (G2) most recently and adds only two pounds off that conquer, leading us to believe that the Kentucky-bred miss will be equally tough in here. The classy filly has a major tactical edge over many of her main challengers and could take this field all the way on the lead. David Flores will ride the emerging talent.

SINGALONG (GB) (Singspiel [Ire]) is an ultra-consistent late runner who seems perfect to fill the exotics for Paddy Gallagher. The five-year-old was a useful head second in the Buena Vista H. (G2) last out versus lesser, but has shown the ability to get a paycheck versus this type in the past. The bay sports good marks for both the distance (4-2-0-2) and course (10-3-2-2), and should be a touch closer to the pace on the stretch out. Alex Solis will pilot the mare.

Group 3 heroine QUIET ROYAL (Royal Academy), third in last year's Queen Elizabeth II Invitational Challenge Cup S. (G1), hails from the strongest connections on the grounds and is surely live for a placing in this spot. The Todd Pletcher charge was an easy four-length winner of a recent allowance tilt at Gulfstream and has trained well in the interim, suggesting that she is poised for a solid showing in here. The chestnut has settled for minor awards versus top company in the past, but her best race could find her in the winner's circle under Garrett Gomez.

RICHE AMERICAINE (Fr) (Loup Solitaire) was most impressive in an allowance tune-up for this affair and is yet another who could compete for a big share with her best. The four-year-old miss has never faced graded company before and picked a tough group in which to make her debut, but we rarely question the decisions made by trainer Julio Canani. The loss of Gomez to the aforementioned entrant is not a positive, but we still think enough of this chestnut to give her a chance. Richard Migliore picks up the mount.

CONVEYOR'S ANGEL (Conveyor) continues to surprise at big odds and deserves some attention in this one. Conditioned by Chris Paasch, the improving dark bay was a game winner of the Buena Vista and has turned in two stellar performances in succession over this lawn. The Florida-bred has yet to race at this nine- furlong trip, which we see as a negative, but anything resembling her last pair should put her in the exotics mix at a square price. Saul Arias will guide the five-year-old.

FOXYSOX (GB) (Foxhound) boasts a perfect mark from three starts locally and has trained steadily in advance of her 2007 bow. The Carla Gaines pupil will be facing elders for the first time on the grass and is facing a strong contingent in here, leaning us in the direction of just keeping her on the bottom of trifecta and superfecta wagers. Corey Nakatani has the riding assignment.

SOLVA (GB) (Singspiel [Ire]) earned a huge BRIS Late Pace number in her recent La Zanzara H. tally, but steps way up in class and drew the outermost post in here for Ben Cecil. The bay miss was not a top-class performer overseas and would shock with a win in here, although a top-four placing is within reach under Aaron Gryder. MEMORETTE (Memo [Chi]) drew the inside post in this one but hasn't shown the ability to defeat graded rivals in recent starts for Bill Currin. The California-bred mare was a good second in the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf in her 2007 debut but steps up the class ladder on this occasion, and we feel that she'll be a bit overmatched late in this fray.

GRAT (A.P. Indy), the lesser of the the two Gallagher entries, has yet to place against graded foes and would surprise with an on-the-board finish in here. FLIP FLOP (Fr) (Zieten) is winless over this sod and at the trip, and seems up against it in this spot.

1st-CITRONNADE
2nd-SINGALONG (GB)
3rd-QUIET ROYAL

SPOT PLAYS

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Aqueduct (1st) Uptothechallenge, 4-1
(9th) Bella Theresa, 4-1

Bay Meadows (6th) Snolly Goster, 7-2
(7th) Sloat Blvd, 4-1

Charles Town (5th) Tambos Master, 5-1
(9th) Meet Miss Connie, 3-1

Fair Grounds (5th) Secure Line, 5-1
(6th) Golden Glen, 8-1

Gulfstream Park (7th) Princess Janie, 7-2
(10th) Sophisticatedevent, 3-1

Hawthorne (7th) Indigo Ice, 9-2
(9th) Regal Stoic, 6-1

Laurel Park (6th) Love's Strong Hart, 7-2
(7th) Jimmy's Pride, 5-1

Mountaineer (4th) Isabel's Approval, 6-1
(5th) Cool Rain Falling, 6-1

Oaklawn Park (7th) Stormy Atlantis, 7-2
(9th) Like an Eagle, 9-2

Philadelphia Park (2nd) Mr Tack, 7-2
(8th) Always Say Yes, 3-1

Sam Houston (6th) Setacourseforhome, 9-2
(8th) Explosive Nights, 8-1

Santa Anita (1st) Mesa Magic, 4-1
(5th) Sweet Travel (Ire), 3-1

Sunland Park (9th) Caledo, 9-2
(12th) Racin Grayson, 4-1

Tampa Bay Downs (4th) Heza Wild Guy, 9-2
(7th) He Rules, 3-1

Turf Paradise (1st) Madd Karol, 7-2
(8th) Swiss Bounty, 4-1

Turfway Park (1st) Delightful Demi, 4-1
(9th) La Coruna, 3-1