Gulfstream Park 2/26/20
By: Michael Jordan Twitter: @mhjpicks
Race 1
I think there will be enough early pace created by the 1,4,7,8, and 11 that #6 Wordman should have enough to sit just off the group and run in the stretch. Lopez is riding well and Pletcher is always tough second start (24%). #7 Young Raymond has some grit and has the highest last out speed…actually highest speed overall. Pace could be too much but he is a fighter. #11 Officer Country is a first time starter for Ward (29%) with some solid workouts, but that outside post will be tough to overcome.
6-7-11
Race 2
#2 Beach Traffic boasts the best speed figures of the group…in 6 races his lowest is higher than anybody’s highest except my second choice. Should be able to handle this group on the slight drop. #6 Took a Cab should be more forwardly placed putting #2 in a position to catch him. Has never tried a dirt route so will see how he responds. #1 Atakan is a first timer for Surcat who is 1/7 with first timers and give him a shot based one weakness of field.
2-6-1
Race 3
This field of 6 looks to be a rare turf race with a lot who could push the pace. I originally thought it would give #4 Queen Field an advantage but then saw that she raced just 9 days ago and decided to fade here. #1 Dienda moves to turf for Casse who is 17% first time turf. She is second off (20%) after two overmatched stakes races and looks to me to have the most potential for improvement with some nice turf workouts. #2 Lil Miss Hot Mess should benefit coming off the pace, has consistent speed and is a viable contender. #6 Glorious Gal could wire the field and we know Torrres will be sending but will need a great break.
1-2-6
Race 4
#4 Derby Date never had his, however he is a talented colt. Second off for Sisterson (17%) is off a great bullet work and gets a hall of fame jockey to get the first winners circle photo. #2 Beau Luminaire ran second to a next out winner in December, may be sitting on a nice effort. #1 Unilateral is a first timer for Casse (18%) with high hopes as a 400k purchase. Another to consider is the #7 Felix the Fox who drops in off the layoff (14%). He hasn’t missed the super since his debut effort so will likely be in the mix.
4-2-1-7
Race 5
#6 Amalfi Queen off the claim for Navarro (20%) is trying turf for the first time (38%) coming from the Baffert barn in Cali. Should improve off the drop and could run a good one here today. It’s a tough thing to win a mile race on the turf at first asking, however this is a seemingly soft group which could enable #1 Crystalina to pop off a nice effort for Pletcher Castellano (21%). #3 Midnight Bella has been up and down in her four starts but shows the ability to pass late. Could set up for a nice late effort for her to get it done. Bancione/Panici are 27% together.
6-1-3
Race 6
#7 Faraway Kitten has the combination of class and speed that should be able to take this group. Gaffalione has never finished out of the money on this colt against much tougher than this group. #4 Hieroglyphics is second off (17%) and first time for Pompay (30%). He should be a pace factor and has the speed to hang around here. #1 Driven by Thunder is off the layoff for Sanchez (31%) but I wonder if his best days are behind him. Not a fan of 5-2 morning line.
7-4-1
Race 7
While any of these entries could get it done here. I think the #7 Diamond Majesty is in the best form, has a trainer who is 23% off the brief layoff and has a jockey/trainer combo that is winning at 27%. He also has the best last out speed. #3 Tip Sheet is one who has been placed in overmatched situations however lands in a spot where he has a legit shot. He is second off, first time gelded and adds blinkers. #4 Valdocco runs better on the lead, Torres likes to put horses on the lead…of ready could be a nice match.
7-3-4
Race 8
Absolutely wide open 16k turf claimer. Willing to take a shot on the #3 Cacciatora who had an extremely disappointing US debut, however should be ready second off. Has never tried turf but breeding shows it’s not out of the question. #8 Avenida Manana is looking for her third straight win. Fawkes is 18% with last out winners and has a maintenance work since the last start. Lopez rode her perfectly last time, could be a repeat. #11 Isadorable Aida is first off the claim (36%) and DeAngelo is (31%) on the turf. This horse will out in effort and will be in it at the end.
3-8-11
Race 9
Field of five for this AOC where all are available for a claim except #3 Just Ain’t Right who hopefully is and Crichton usually has them right off the layoff (36%). She is 2 for 2 at the distance. are up for a claim. #2 Baccarat Fashion has some nice back class and the best speed numbers since moving to Florida. The relief in class should get this one back in the winner’s circle. #4 Day by Day has been competitive at this level and rises back into it off of a win (Delgado is 18% on winners of last start). Gaffalione should be able to set the pace.
3-2-4
Race 10
Pretty open finale where it looks like anything could happen. Most of the contenders look to be on the outside. If he can avoid it, #9 Traffic Trouble should be in a nice position to make a late run for Pino off the claim (16%). #8 Crypto Gold is also a late runner who finished just in front of #9 last out. What concerns me is he has been in several great barns and still hasn’t got the maiden win. #1 Foti is dropping here for Serpe who looks for his first win of the meet. Has shown some flashes in previous races and is a longshot to consider. #11 Friendly Fella for O’Connell/Rendon can’t be overlooked. He improved on the stretch out last time and could control the pace here.
9-8-1-11