Hello everyone and welcome to another Thursday of racing analysis for Gulfstream Park. Last week was a good week, with 4 on top winners including a $19 and $18 winner in races 2 and 4. Let’s build on that momentum this week as we have 11 more races today.
RACE 1: 4-5-7
4-MAJESTIC MAIARA was only 7th of 9 last out at today’s level but that was going a mile and cuts back to 5 furlongs, where she was 2nd two back also at today’s level. Trainer Marcial Navarro is 32% route to sprint. 5-Little Christina drops from the Optional Claiming ranks for the first time and should be a major contender on class alone, but with trainer Carlo Vaccarezza 0/39 at the meet I wouldn’t play at a likely short price.
RACE 2: 1-5-3
1-LI’L J comes off a disappointment at Tampa, where he was 5th of 7 at today’s level but 2 back romped to a gate to wire win in his only try at Gulfstream. Jorge Navarro and Jaramillo are 34% their last 59 together. 5-Small Fortune won his last two over at Tampa and ships over today for Georgina Baxter. Won vs this level 2 back and has demonstrated ability to win with differing race tactics. Iran Ortiz jumps on.
RACE 3: 6-4-8
6-TIPSY KITTEN has not fared well his last two outings, but those were at a much higher level than today. Still showed good early speed before fading late, so with the class drop there’s a good chance he holds today. Also, the conditions for this race are for horses who have not won on the turf since 9-30-18. ‘Kitten has only had the two previously mentioned races since his August 24 triumph vs $30K beaten Claimers. 4-Rompin Reid has finished a closing :rd and 4th in his last 2 races vs $16 open Claimers, and should be right in the mix of contenders again today.
RACE 4: 1-3-5
1-FORTUNE COOKIE wasn’t very good last time out, dead last of 8 beaten 12 lengths, but had won the previous 2 before that with Paco Lopez aboard, who returns to the mount today. Think he’ll be close the pace early. 3-Conquest Windycity will probably be one of a couple in here battling for the early lead, and is taking a big class drop from Optional Claimers. Sadie Joesph 21% second off the claim.
RACE 5: 2-7-3
2-TEAK admittedly worries me here, as he has given up big leads on dirt and turf his last two outings at today’s distance, but is dropping from $30K to $16K. Jorge Navarro is 38% with beaten favorites. 7-Salambo was disqualified out of a win last out vs $6,250 level and was claimed by Antonio Sano, who’s 30% first off the claim. His only two tries on turf weren’t very good, but were vs better than today.
RACE 6: 4-5-9
4-MIAMI ROSE ran her first three races on dirt, a 3rd beaten less than 2 lengths, a 2nd beaten less than a length, and then trying state-bred MSW was in contention early before tiring. Last out tried turf and did little, now goes back to dirt and drops to $35K level. See her up close to the pace early. 5-Charette is another dropping in class for Carlo Vaccerezza and is coming in off a nice 4 furlong work last week.
RACE 7: 8-9-2
8-GLOTONASA ran 2nd last out vs $6,250 and moves up slightly today, but this race is horrible and just going through the list of horses quickly she’s one of only about 3-4 in here that has a legitimate shot to win. Lionel Reyes rides her for the second time and should have a better idea where to place her today early on. 9-Julia’s Kitty is s but of a wild card here, not having raced since October and with a big class drop. Also adding Blinkers and making first start for Armando De La Cerda. Road Ortiz rides.
RACE 8: 5-6-1
5-NO WAY NEVER stretches out to a route for the first time and is first off the claim for Linda Rice, who’s a pretty spectacular 30% off the claim and an almost as impressive 28% first route. 6-Mount Olympus is making turf debut for Michael Maker after setting pace and contending the whole way in debut before finishing a well beaten 2nd. Maker and Ortiz(Jose) are 34% together over last 29 mounts. 1-Noble Nebraskan adds Lasix and is a first time gelding. Also first time in maiden claiming ranks.
RACE 9: 8-2-7
8-SHE’S PRETTY LUCKY ran so so versus Grade 3 company last out but two back vs $100K OC’s was 2nd beaten less than a length. Jose Ortiz rides today and I think she will offer a nice price. 2-American Frolic won the last time entered in a $75K OC last June and gets the returning Paco Lopez in the saddle. 7-Princess Coqueta makes U.S. debut and is a Group 1 winner in Chile, makes debut for Christophe Clement and is adding Lasix.
RACE 10: 6-4-2
6-CORY GAL ran well each of her three races in maiden ranks, winning the third try, before vying for the lead and fading in first try vs winners last out. Now drops in to state bred OC’s and believe that last race will be of tremendous help today, plus with that fade in last should offer a decent price. Will probably be forwardly places again today. 4-Gray Owl dominated last out, winning by 7 and a repeat of that effort probably gets her another win today, but she won’t be 7-1 here.
RACE 11: 12-1-9