Gulfstream Park 3/18/20
By: Michael Jordan Twitter: @mhjpicks
Race 1
Will take a shot in today’s opener on #3 Felony Melanie improved last out and is set to improve again this time while stepping up slightly. Could be an early speed factor. #9 Above Par is first off the claim for Sano (12%) and switches to turf. This was a Pletcher trainee not too long ago. #6 Liza who is second off (13%) for Alvarado and on the drop. She is off a bullet work and is facing a weak field.
3-9-6
Race 2
#5 Embrace My Uncle is off a nice performance and retains Ortiz on the mount. A repeat of that effort and he would win by open lengths compared to this group. #2 Rise n’ Shine has nice breeding but hasn’t begun to shine as of yet. Could pop a nice effort today. #6 Uno Baby Bird is second off (19%) for Ritvo who has had a decent meet so far. Finished 10 lengths away from the 5 last out.
5-2-6
Race 3
#1 Projected should be too classy for these here today. How quickly he has fallen but is still a talented horse. #4 Brucarita will be running late with #5 King of Spades, both of whom could spring the upset should something be off with Projected.
1-4-5
Race 4
#4 Ingreido is moving into the all important second start (25%) for Delgado and goes turf to dirt on the drop. This son of Uncle Mo could have a big effort today. #1 Gambit is a thrice beaten favorite without the maiden win after 16 races, but today should be the day. Arnold has not had a good meet, but Gaffalione has ridden this one well on the front end.#3 Dardanellos is second off (Duco 2/3) would need a big jump to get it done today.
4-1-3
Race 5
Lots of fast, seasoned runners in this optional claimer. #5 Tiger Blood is 7/8 at the distance and the only loss was to a juiced Shekky Shebazz. He has the speed and the mile race didn’t go well but Klesaris is 25% with route/sprint runners. #2 Celebration could give Toner a reason to with a chance at his first win at the meet. Has the speed and the aggressive jockey to make it happen. #3 Oak Bluffs has nicely spaced out races for a 10 year old! Was a winner at 9, why not at 10.
5-2-3
Race 6
#2 Jungle Warrior is on the drop and off a bullet work (18%). Has some back class that matters against this group.#1 Atthepearlygates is off a couple nice efforts and a similar effort would garner a victory today. #6 Lucky Runs North is off the layoff (12%) for Nagle who seeks her first win of the meet. Romped in maiden win in a October and definitely has the talent and speed to get it done.
2-1-6
Race 7
#1 Beasaichi has disappointed me before but I’ll back her one more time here. Gaffalione on the rail should give her a great trip. #9 Wicked Solution has won twice with Ortiz on the mount and after a tough stakes outing gets him back in a softer spot here. #5 Gea has late speed, but I worry about the maiden win bounce.
1-9-5
Race 8
#2 Jersey Joe B has the best early speed and just missed in a stakes last out. McAllen’s stats leave something to be desired however this horse should get it done. #6 Elusive Ro is looking for his third win in a row with a step up in class. Rodriguez is 22% off the layoff. #5 Yes I See will be running late and will benefit if there is a pace collapse.
2-6-5
Race 9
#5 Jakarta makes an interesting switch to turf for Maker. She has shown speed in the dirt and it was enough to have Maker make the switch. #9 Kitten’s Covergirl will need to clear the group from the outside but if she does watch out. #8 Ms Meshak has the late running ability should the leaders burn out and should be just off the pace ready to pounce.
5-9-8
Race 10
Lots of contenders in the finale. #5 Flyoff is second off for Weaver who is 39% this meet off a near win in the first off a long layoff. Should improve enough to get it done. #7 My Point exactly is running great for Carlos David who is 23% on this meet. #4 Flowmotion is looking for back to back wins for Cibelli (21%) after a solid work last week.
5-7-4