Very good card for a Wednesday. Good Luck!
Race 1: 10-8-2
#10 WINDJAMMER makes his third start at Gulfstream Park and second straight start in the 16nw2 condition. Was favored both times prior and ran solid seconds both times. Gaffalione keeps the mount. #8 BODIE’S VALENTINE was running great before a 9-month layoff where he returned to run last. If he just needed a race, he can be dangerous at a price. #2 RUBELLITE ran 4th at the 40k level after the maiden score and drops back to 16k. The one to beat.
Race 2: 4-2-3
#4 FIRST GOAL qualifies for this race by literally 1 day. He has crossed the wire first or second 5 of 7 times at the distance. Has super early speed. #2 OFF DUTY needs to show a little more kick late but has some back class and his best can win. #3 PACHANGA PARTY was popular in the claim box earlier last year but hasn’t been in great form recently. He likes GP and the distance.
Race 3: 7-2-1
#7 LADY’S ISLAND has been running well since the trainer switch 3 back. She shows a lot of early speed. Has not won on turf in her lifetime, but her claiming crown race was a solid effort and shouldn’t be overlooked. #2 STORM TEMPLE PILOT comes in off a troubled trip last time. Second off the layoff should help this mare. #1 DELICIOUS PURSUIT was placed first against a few similar horses as she faces today. Has the ability to win at this level and is 3 for 7 at Gulfstream park.
Race 4: 4-2-6
#4 J BOYS ECHO was a familiar face on the Derby trail in 2017 after winning the G3 Gotham. He hasn’t been able to replicate that three year old form but my argument is that if you toss his races off the lay off and in the slop he runs well generally. I think he runs a big one today and over classes the field. #2 SPRINGMEIER had no shot last time as he was 99-1 in a stakes race. He gets back to the 30k level where he ran at two back. The horses who ran ahead of him last time came back to run 90 and 86 Beyers. #6 ALL STAR RED has a good late kick and his last two have been some of his better recent races. Gets blinkers.
Race 5: 12-2-6
#12 KING LEO tried MSW several times before resorting to the MCL ranks. Irad takes the call as this colt tries the mile for the second time. Has good speed figs compared to the group. #2 ERIC THE SALESMAN gets a jock upgrade to Gaffalione and goes out first time gelding. Looks to be okay on the turf but the distance is a concern. #6 RESTART might be running from the back if they go too fast early.
Race 6: 4-2-1
#4 STAR JUANCHO is a need the lead type and has been running well doing that. If he gets a clean break today I think they will be trying to catch him late. #2 BOLD ENVOY ran second to McErin last time who recorded a 100 Beyer. Johnny V stays aboard for this gelding’s race second off the layoff. #1 ARTICULATOR is a major player here based on his last race alone. It was a key race. The first and second place finishers got a 102 Beyer and articulator ran third. The fourth place finisher came back to win an allowance and ran a 92 Beyer.
Race 7: 3-7-9
#3 PEACOCK KITTEN is very lightly raced compared to this group but looks to be the one to beat. Has yet to run a bad race in three lifetime starts. Beat some of today’s foes. I like the way this horse fights down the lane. #7 GOLDEN SPEAR goes second off the lay off for Navarro. Has yet to win at GP but has been very competitive in Canada. #9 THE GREEN MO’STER has not beaten winners but looks to improve off a few decent efforts against tough AOC company.
Race 8: 1-7-3
#1 SAMBACER won first out for Shug who isn’t known for being successful doing that. If he improves second time out he could be something special. His first race impressed me. #7 JAIS’S SOLITUDE makes his local debut after finishing well in an optional claimer across state at Tampa. Picks up Javy. #3 ART G IS BACK tries turf for the first time after failing to fire going long on dirt. Makes me question if he’ll like the distance today. His maiden win was good.
Race 9: 9-6-5
#9 X Y JET got in a speed duel last time and ran a disappointing third. Millionaire sprinter looking to rebound here. Not trying to beat him. #6 TIMBER GHOST exists a good OC in NY last time, ships down to Florida, and posts a bullet work coming into the race. Should be ready to roll. Would be the pick if not for the presence of X Y Jet. #5 COVE BLUE has a couple of nice works and looks ready to come back from a freshening. Might need a race but I think this horse has a bit of talent to flash.
Race 10: 5-12-8
#5 CLEAR FOR ACTION makes the MSW to MCL drop after posting some solid Beyer figs. Heavy favorite who I’m not going to play against. #12 CAPE DESIDERATO gets Julien to stay aboard for the last race of the day to ride a MCL. Must be live and looks live on paper based on his competitiveness of late. #8 LOOKIN SAVVY missed some time and ran well second off the layoff. He had some added distance last time and ran his career best. If he likes the mile even better he’s a contender to improve at a big price.