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I didn’t trust either of the two ML favorites in here (this will be a familiar theme throughout the card,) so I had to go digging to find an alternative. 2-OUTRUN won at the n2L level two races back, then last out broke s step slow and was never a factor facing similar versus today. If he gets a better start today, I have confidence he will be in position to win in the stretch.

1-Yes Siree is the 9/5 ML favorite and was a gate to wire winner last out trying blinkers for the first time, however it must be noted that was turf.

4-Pokerist has a pair of show finishes his last two races, combination of Victor Barboza and Emisael Jaramillo are 10 of last 19 together! Has never been out of the money in 5 tries at today’s 5 1/2 furlongs distance.

This was one of a few races where it was a real headscratcher to figure out. Landed here on 2-HOOKUP, who is first off the claim for Elizabeth Dobles(20%). Was no threat last out, but two back broke through the n2L ranks with a 2 1/2 length victory at Gulfstream West. Doubles and Paco Lopez are 3 of last 6 together.

1-Dr. Harlan comes in with a 2 race win streak after switching to Trainer Pedro Castillo, winning by a combined 7 lengths in those 2 triumphs. Interesting that Carlos Sligo will make the 7th different jockey in 8 races to ride this 6 year old gelding. Has never been past 7 furlongs but should relish extra distance.

7-Aristteles, if he runs a speed figure like his last, probably wins this. Just missed in that race at GP West, but his 13-1-4-2 record at the mile distance gives cause for concern.

The first of a couple of races today for soon to be 3 year olds. 6-FLAT OUT FLYING broke maiden by 4 lengths in debut despite being bothered at the start. Apparently had some kind of issue that caused him to pull up and be walked off in his 2nd career start November 1 at today’s level. Has put in two works since, so obviously the issue wasn’t serious. Will be content to get within a couple of points of his 10/1 ML.

4-Passionate Hachi has two pretty good races his first two races, but his last two have been pretty awful. Hoping the time off and class drop gets him back on the right track.

5-Gyoza comes in from Mountaineer off a win and adds Lasix for Eduardo Caramori (28% from 18 starters).

This was another one of those races where I racked my brain for what seemed like hours to try and figure out a play. Also another race I think the top two ML favorites are very flawed. 6-JERSEY LIFE has been off since September, and makes first start for David Nunn. Making return to Gulfstream, a place she’s had success at, with a 4-2-1-0 record at, not to mention a 17-6-5-0 record at today’s 5 furlongs distance.

5-Salsaida should be in front early, and wouldn’t be a surprise if she never looks back. However was caught last out versus optional claimers, so there’s enough doubt to suggest she’s vulnerable.

7-The Two Nanny’s is another with early speed and should be sitting behind Salsaida early. Makes Gulfstream debut, but does have a 5-2-2-0 record at the distance.

I realize it seems I’m just chasing shots here, but honestly I haven’t found a favorite that I really liked so far so if I can find a price horse with redeeming qualities then why not go after that one?

2-CALL ME KAYLA is making her second career start and is first off the claim for Trainer Mike Maker. Was off the board 7th of 12 vs $35K claimers, so at first glance this is an odd move to go up to today’s $50K level, which is the main reason I like her here. Obviously Maker isn’t stupid, and yeah maybe this is just a race to get into her to get experience and with a low risk of getting claimed until he can figure out where she fits in, but I’m gonna place my money as he knows something we don’t.

5-That’s That is the inverse of my top choice, in that she’s dropping in class. She’s trying maiden claimers for the first time in her young career. The class relief should do her good.

8-Love Mo was 2nd versus similar her last race out at Belmont back in October and she rates a legitimate contender today.

5-SKY KNIGHT has a win, a 4th, and a near miss 2nd in three career turf starts, last race was pulled up and walked off which probably is attributing to her 15/1 ML, however that was on dirt and the fact she’s back a month after that means whatever happened wasn’t a serious issue.

7-Wicked Boy has been off since January and drops in class since his last start. He does have a turf win at today’s 1 Mile distance.

11-Affluential could be coming down the stretch to contend here. Is dropping in class as well.

1-VELVET TALE is a FTS for Trainer Kathleen O’Connell, who is 19% with FTS. Her Dam Orchid Isle has produced 3 winners from 4 starters so far, and has a nice bullet work two drills back.

3-Brunette Princess, obviously named for my wife Jennifer (hopefully this gets me out of the dog house) has managed a pair of runner-up finishes her first 2 career starts. Switches to Luis Saez.

4-Hydra is a FTS for Todd Pletcher, 21% with FTS. Sure Kantharos hits an outstanding 18% with his first timers. Was a $130K purchase back in March.

Another in a series of races where it appears I’m just trying to beat the favorites. However, there really is some method to my madness, hopefully. 3-HEAVENLY SOUL is a FTS for Jorge Aubrey, 21% with debuters. Sire Scat Daddy is 16% with first turfers.Is a half to G3 Groupie Doll Stakes winner Champagne Problems.

11-Lady Rosalie is a FTS for Rudolph’s Brisset, her Sire Dubawi is 17% with first time on turf. Her dam, Rose Of Summer, has 6 turf winners from 9 starters and 3 stakes winners, including G2 winner and Millionaire Summer Front.

5-Curled has a pair of Place finishes in her first 2 races, both on turf.

Yup, you guessed it, another race where I went against the obvious favorites because I found them to be a little shaky. 3-GRAY BEAU is third off the layoff for Trainer John Vinson. Ran 2nd at this level 3 races back and won at this level in March. Has an 8-3-1-1 record at 8.5 furlongs.

4-Deputy Czar is the probable betting favorite but has been beaten his last two as the favorite. Has 4 runner up finishes in 6 starts. Will be stalking early pace today.

6-Brasstown faces winners for the first time, but if his last race isn’t a fluke, he probably wins this race. Of course that was on a sloppy track.

We end the day with a $20K MC on turf for Fillies and Mares. 3-CATHERINE’S WARRIOR makes second career start, was steadied after break in debut but still managed to finish 2nd in that 5 furlong debut. Maybe it was fluke but thinking her price makes her a calculated risk stretching out.

7-River of Fire makes second start for Todd Pletcher (29%) was shuffled in the back and wide in debut.