Hello everyone and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! Welcome to another Thursday of racing analysis for Gulfstream Park. Last week we only had one winner, so I’m gonna cut the small talk and get into trying to pick some winners!
RACE 1: 7-5-1
7-SNAP HOOK has been off since last June, but is making first start for Eddie Kenneally, who is 27% his last 26 times a horse makes their first start with him. Also drops into the Maiden Claiming ranks for the first time in career. Believe that Jose Ortiz will have him forwardly placed in this contest that has very little early pace on paper. 5-Run Rite was 2nd just beaten last time out when trying MC level for the first time in 4 career races. Third off the layoff for Mark Casse.
RACE 2: 3-2-7
3-BLUE MAGIC ran 3rd last time out vs 25K foes now gets price cut in half today. Looks to be speed of the speed in here so not seeing a reason why she won’t take this weak field gate to wire. 2-Money Purse seems to be on an every other race pattern of finishing 2nd or 5th. Unfortunately she finished 2nd last out, however gets Jose Ortiz to ride today and is coming in off a bullet 3 furlong work 2 weeks ago.
RACE 3: 5-6-4
5-PARADE BLUE has won two in a row after Eddie Kenneally took over training duties for him. Makes Gulfstream debut today after a 2 for 2 stint at Fairgrounds. Qualifies for this race based on being entered for $20k 2 back, the only time he’s ever been entered lower than $30k. Should have options breaking from post 5 whether Jose Ortiz wants the lead for him or to clock the inside horses. Should be okay with the stretchout to 7 furlongs. 6-Over Sensual is second off the claim for Jorge Navarro (31%) but disappointed last out vs Florida bred OC’s after a bad start put him last early on. Did rally to dead heat for fourth. Two races back romped gate to wire here going 1 Mile. Based on pace figures I think it would be a mistake to engage with the pacesetters early on.
RACE 4: 5-8-3
5-WISELY got the runner up spot last out in first try vs today’s level after a wide post was in part the reason for an eventful trip early on. Is 2nd off the layoff for Mark Hennig(19%) and gets a much better post today. 8-Vettel could be the early pacesetter and is also dropping into this class level for the first time. 3-Bad Boy E.J. will be coming from off the pace for Irad Ortiz and is second off the layoff.
RACE 5: 5-4-3
5-LUCKYTOBEINAMERICA ran horrible last out, however before that as a two year old ran 2nd at today’s level and was ahead of 3rd by 5 lengths. Is third off the layoff and is going route to sprint. Also gets a jock switch to Jose Ortiz. 4-Winning Drive drops from MSW for the first time for Jason Servis (45% MSW to MC). He and Irad Ortiz Jr are 12 of last 23 together. However has been beaten twice as the favorite which I’m pretty sure he will be again today.
RACE 6: 1-2-5
1-HIT THE CURB did very little in debut last month after stalking pace early on, but I’m gonna chalk it up to one of three things; was her debut and she’ll be much better the second go around, was on a sloppy track, and class level might have been too much. However was very well bet that day and have a feeling will be overlooked here. 2-Dalal almost broke her maiden last out and she is first off the claim for Yvon Belsour(29%) and moves up slightly in class.
RACE 7: 3-7-1
3-GRACIAS ADIOS has done little in last two, including a race at this level and distance two back. However that was preceded by three straight in the exacta finishes at today’s distance, and she looks to be one of only a couple in here that possesses the early speed that’s been the best running style so far this meet at 5 furlongs. 7-Little Christina drops from Optional Claimersand has a definite class advantage, but Trainer Carlo Vaccarezza is 0/36 at the meet and I’m getting tired of picking his horses on top and losing, and can’t take at what could be favored status.
RACE 8: 3-1-8
3-MUSIC MAKER makes hopefully turf debut today after debut taken off then a try at Presque Isle. Also taking big class plunge as a couple of others do in here going from MSW to MC (38% for Arnaud Delacour) and I’m thinking she’ll be flashing early speed under Jose Ortiz. 1-Diva’s Revenge drops from MC $40k for Jason Servis and is also first off the claim (40%) and should find this a much easier spot than Saratoga’s race was. Not going to get much of a price on either unfortunately.
RACE 9: 2-3-6
2-ANDRONIKOS was 2nd at this level last out and also 2nd two back at $16K, both at one mile. Cutting back to 5 furlongs today, and I know handicappers don’t like horses cutting back on turf but, can we REALLY call that turf at Gulfstream? Think he’ll be flashing that early speed again today and have the stamina to hold on. Third off the layoff for Jose Pinchin(22%). 3-Teak was 4th at this level last out after setting the pace and is second off the claimfor Jorge Navarro (31%). 6-Thorpe D’Oro has ran second at the distance his last two and will be hoping for a speed duel to chase into today. Third off the layoff for Antonio Sano.
RACE 10: 4-1-7
RACE 11: 1-3-8