Gulfstream Park 1/29/20
By: Michael Jordan Twitter: @mhjpicks
Race 1
#5 Quick Enough should be today after a bounce off the maiden against a tougher group. Was never really in it that day and look for an improvement today. #7 Shanghai Moon is trying turf again after a nice response to the drop in class last out. Leparoux is a likely to have this one invoked early, likely behind #9 Captain Flint who had an impressive maiden win on the turf in November. If he repeats that performance he could certainly wire the group.
5-7-9
Race 2
#3 Jersey Joe B is first off the claim and off a solid bullet workout, which was enough to bump up the claiming level a little bit here. #4 is a speedy guy who has some nice career earnings. Despite being 8, this one can still run. #2 Desert General ran well in his last effort and the 5 wide trip may have cost him the victory there. May still have the energy to pop here today.
3-4-2
Race 3
Tough starter allowance race here. #1 High Noon Rider is new to Saffie Joseph’s barn, an angle for which he is 32%. He is second off and just recently had a rough G3 outing to bounce back from. #3 Alien Invasion will look to repeat his last performance where he destroyed many of these by 4 lengths. Has had a couple works since d and should still be in form. #7 King Orb will likely be coming late hoping the others don’t have much left in the tank, but this one can also run on the lead.
1-3-7
Race 4
#10 Newyork Giant just missed a couple of weeks ago and should bounce back here to get his picture taken. He has the highest speed figure of the group as well. #5 Miles Ahead had a rough debut but this one should improve based on solid connections as well as breeding. #2 Captain Fofo has improving speed figures and should factor into this race. This seems to be the type of race that Sano gets his wins in.
10-5-2
Race 5
#10 Alaskan stretches out for Maker in which is a mildly successful (17%) angle for him. He has shown flashes of some speed which could give the advantage today. #12 Beach Traffic drops further and picks up the capable Gaffalione looking to get Hills his first win on the meet. The previous races may have been too ambitious and this is a better spot. #5 Hero’s return is also dropping to a more appropriate level here. This is a pretty open race but don’t see it as a longshot type race.
10-12-5
Race 6
This looks like a two horse race. #8 More Than Striking looks to be a repeat winner off the maiden score with Saez back in the saddle. He has had steady works off that victory which is a good sign and he will be out on the lead with #6 Flawless Moon who is second off the layoff and retains Irad Ortiz going back to the sprint. These two could duel enough to tire especially if another joins the party. Look for the #5 Blue Bluff to make a run at them late.
8-6-5
Race 7
5f turf sprints are one of my favorite races to watch at Gulfstream. #5 Captain Ron is in a great form cycle and has the speed to beat this group. Crichton is 26% in turf sprints and has the captain running well right now. #2 Honolulu Express is coming off a layoff and that worries me, however he has performed really well at this track and distance. Saez is as good as any on the front end. #7 Gran Malbec’s best days may be behind however I still give Barboza a chance with this one today if he can work some magic…his stats in the relevant categories show he is.
5-2-7
Race 8
Back to back 5f turf sprints, is it Christmas? #4 Awsum Roar has kept up workouts after a near win at the allowance level and drops back for a tag where she easily handled a similar group in December. #1 High Jingo is coming back right in the window where Servis likes to bring them back (30% 2nd off). The aggressive Paco Lopez will have this one out early. #9 Gilda F will look to catch them late if they tire out, similar to her last effort where she was a 9-1 winner.
4-1-9
Race 9
Small but quality group in the ninth. #6 Overdeliver is off a bullet workout for Saffie Joseph who is 39% in 77 races with 1st time claimers boasting a $2.39 ROI. This one should be ready to deliver. #4 Gentle Ruler is coming off a layoff for Ian Wilkes (24%) off the maiden win. He has worked steadily and looks to surprise the group here today by coming from behind. #5 Speed Effect will almost certainly control the pace after an eleven length victory to break his maiden in December. A repeat of that effort would be tough here, but beware the bounce factor.
6-4-5
Race 10
A big field for this wide open maiden claiming race closes the day. #6 Magna Ride ships in and tries turf for the first time today while making the big drop from SW to claim with blinkers coming off. This one is open and he is tied for the highest speed figure in the race. The tie is with #9 Bling Seeker who ran well at this level last out. He is trending up on every race he has ran. #10 Express Boy is also looking to be a nice price here in the finale. Delgado is 31% with second off runners and this one is improving still.
6-9-10