The Harlan’s Holiday Grade 3
This Grade 3 is very deep with the top choices, and has a pretty solid pace projection. My top pick is not one of the top two choices. Look down below to figure out just who I choose on top. Best of luck to all who follow along!
- Prince Lucky- John Velazquez- Todd Pletcher
- Prince Lucky should be one of the controlling pacesetters in this field especially breaking from the rail. Velazquez usually gets the most out of him each time he is aboard this gelding. However, I think this horse favors 1 turn races rather than 2 turn races. Should still be legit against this field but also could run last. Will see how he handles the track in which he is already undefeated in 2 starts at. Will use in horizontals and vertical bets.
- Eye of a Jedi- Paco Lopez- Steve Budhoo
- This is a great bias play if you are a fan of Star Wars, but other than that or being a Paco Lopez fan, I can not see playing this horse in this field. He is coming into this race barely being able to win an optional claiming race. He could pick up some pieces if the pace falls apart but I doubt it so I will be fading this horse.
- Red Crescent- Tyler Gaffalione- John Vinson
- Coming out of a stakes race at Gulfstream West, in which Camacho rode and is usually the rider for this horse, comes into this race in his best form in years maybe ever. Gaffalione getting the mount should only benefit this gelding today, and I will be using underneath but fading this one as a top pick.
- Flowers for Lisa- Jose Ortiz- Jorge Navarro
- Flowers for Lisa should be the pace of the pace early on. He hasn’t run since September at Delaware. This is a huge step up for him though but Navarro, should be okay at getting him ready despite the step up and layoff. I do however believe, he will not be able to get the distance if the pace is hot early which I assume it will be. Also with Navarro being 1 for 31 this year, I will be looking elsewhere.
- War Story- Luis Saez- Elizabeth Dobles
- War Story just isn’t the same as he used to be. He does not like Gulfstream, and also will be coming into this race running for a new barn in Elizabeth Dobles. I think his best days are behind him but the cutback might be beneficial. I will be fading him but probably using him on bigger tickets as coverage.
- Bodexpress- Emisael Jaramillo- Gustavo Delgado
- Bodexpress is back and in full swing currently. During his early 3yo triple crown campaign he suffered some setbacks and was a maiden in the preakness and derby. He did come back to Gulfstream Park West and won 2 in a row and in dominating fashion. I like him a lot in this spot and I believe the step up will be done easier than it seems.
- Phat Man- Irad Ortiz Jr.- JK Sweezy
- Irad Ortiz Jr., gets aboard this longshot with some interest I would suppose. He is stepping up in class and also seems to be much of a hanger. Irad should get the most out of this gelding but I think there are other horses better than him today.
- Realm- Julien Leparoux- Barclay Tagg
- Realm is also a hanger and has yet to win this year or at Gulfstream ever. I believe, he might not be able to run in this class at all so I will be looking elsewhere. His beyers are lower than the field and the post isn’t friendly.
TOP PICKS
#6 Bodexpress
#1 Prince Lucky
#3 Red Crescent