Gulfstream Park 3/25
By: Michael Jordan Twitter: @mhjpicks
Race 1
Some absolute clunkers in the full field of 12 for today’s opener here, but one of these guys has to win. #10 Mayito is new to the barn of Joseph (17%) and drops a couple of classes which should do the trick here. Has shown he can handle the distance. #9 First in Line could be today on the drop in class for Weaver who is 22% with second time grass starters. #11 Hero Up has never been less than 18-1 but today’s drop in class should help him be more competitive.
10-9-11
Race 2
Full field of 12 for a race whose conditions match race one except for the fact we are dealing with fillies here. Maybe I’m a little sentimental here for #6 Garner State Park whose namesake is only a couple hours from my home (and is relatively unknown). A rare Texas bred in the Pletcher barn, I like her chances today. #7 Zandrea’sis first off the claim for Walder (19%). If Lopez can pull off a clean trip she should improve. #11 Harmonic Thunder gets back to turf and drops for Joseph (29%). Definitely has shown the speed to get it done.
6-7-1
Race 3
Tough one to figure out. Looks to be a race where there could be a collapse which could benefit #1 Babybel, a turf runner moving to dirt. She has shown the ability to run late and could be the one today. #2 Champagne Bliss has a 10 pound advantage and the speed to get out and wire the group. Will be up against a tough pace scenario. #4 No Se Vende might not be quite fast enough but a conservative trip could be enough to get it done.
1-2-4
Race 4
#5 Don’t Tase Me Bro should improve on the drop for Klesaris (20%). This one moved from the Pletcher barn and also adds blinkers which is a 44% angle with a $2.21 ROI for his new barn. #9 Still Schemin hasn’t run terribly though never finishing in the money. He has the best turf speed of any of these running in this race so with a clean trip should factor. #4 Cuy is looking for another improvement and will be looking to run late. Doubles has had a solid meet and owns/trains this one.
5-9-4
Race 5
A nice competitive race here to close the early pick 5. My top choice is #9 Daily Grace dropping into claiming ranks for Nicks (27%) who has shown the most speed of the group and will look to get this filly on the lead. #8 Tara just missed at this level last out. She has been aggressively placed in races and looks to be better spotted here. Also on a drop is #7 Liam’s Lookout for Keneally (24%), though she faded in her debut and that worries me.
9-8-7
Race 6
I like several of these and am really intrigued with one in particular but based on pace set up I’m looking for #7 Flat Awesome Jenny to take advantage of the early speed beating each other up. She has won 3 in a row and is off a nice bullet workout. I am curious to see #2 Kiffle on the GP dirt on the lead because I think she could surprise here at a price. #5 Liza Star is a speedy type who could last after likely dueling with others here. Walder is actually 21% in allowance races and this one has been in some nice races.
7-2-5
Race 7
#9 Earthquake looks for 3 in a row and has really developed the late running style. He has improved each race and could make another jump here. #8 Keepsafekitten is dropping off a win for Sadie Joseph (43%). He has the speed and breeding to be a major contender and will be coming with the 9 late…better trip wins in my opinion. #2 Verdict Is In should be right off the pace and could make an earlier move to distance himself. Lopez is riding excellent right now in this scenario. #5 Sun Squall gets a shot at turf and could pop one off a bullet work. One to consider here for a price.
9-8-2-5
Race 8
#5 Quijote is off the layoff for Baxter (23%) and looking back this seasoned 7 year old can perform really well of the layoff so worth a shot here. #2 Fast Pass is off a solid G3 effort and has been very consistent speed wise. Will likely be the favorite and is going to be tough. #4 Dak Attack was not ready for his last race (G3) so hoping Romans has him back to his previous performance level. If so he has the speed and class to get it done.
5-2-4
Race 9
#6 Vegas Kitten is off the claim (15%) and on the drop (33%} for Maker. Will look to wire the field. #5 Lemonistis first off the claim for Joseph (34%). He should excel with the class drop here. #10 Shazier is off a break (18%) after a G3 effort. He has performed well at a similar level in the past and might be a price here today.
6-5-10
Race 10
Maiden claimers for the finale featuring a few droppers. Will go with the first timer #8 Chocolate Bar for Maker who is working really well and while he is only 10% with first timers, this field is beatable. #4 Mandate is on the drop for Pletcher will be bet down especially since he is 38% with this drop. Could end up dominating the race. #10 Healy’s Hope is off the claim for Rice (27%) and has to make an improvement to contend but I see that as a possibility here.
8-4-10