Gulfstream Best Bets:
It’s a big weekend on the tournament scene with the Hawthorne Invitational on Sunday, but before we get to that, let’s jump into today’s Gulfstream best bets!
Gulfstream Park, Race #9, 50k Optional Claimer
One of my favorite horses in training, #5 Fly The W, is back in action here. He has been ultra-consistent at this level over the last two years. Over that span, he has run 18 times with 10 wins and eight second or third-place finishes. Today sets up well again for him, and he is a deserving favorite.
#6 Ocala Dream had a wonderful start to his career but started to fall out of stakes company midway through last season. Now he is at a level that he can compete with and beat if he can find past form. His price is right here at 6-1 as well.
Last time they faced, #3 Lord of War beat Ocala Dream while winning a $35k claimer. Now he switches back to synthetic after running the last two on turf. He’s more than capable over the surface, but the price will be short. He’s the logical 5/2 second choice here.
For all those Game of Thrones fans out there, #1 Lord Eddard Stark heads back to the synth after six straight turf races. He is a cut below the other three and not nearly as consistent as Fly the W or Lord of War, but he is talented enough to crack the trifecta here with a good run.
Picks: 5-6-3-1
Gulfstream Best Bet: $50 Exacta 5-6
Gulfstream Park, Race #6, 16k Optional Claimer
This is a race I knew from the jump that I was going to play. Favorite #5 Megan Makin Money is one of my favorite fade horses. She consistently gets bet and loves running second, just like she did in her last two starts. Don’t get me wrong, she is dangerous in this spot, but you just cannot play her at the price offered.
Instead, let’s go to #2 Chloe’s Toy, who is a nice 7/2 on the morning line. She’s got the speed to take it to Megan Makin Money early and she proven she fits at the distance. I expect Reyes to be aggressive with her early and send her to the front and see if she can hang on.
#6 Gridlock is worth a long look as well. She’s the only main contender that can fire from the back of the pack and is a logical candidate to take a nice step forward here since this will be her first race later in the 3-year-old season. She was claimed out of her debut, something I like, and has not run for a tag since, so you know the connections like her talent. Trainer Joseph calls on newly minted Gulfstream jock Dylan Van Dyke as well. The two are currently clicking off at 26% together
Picks: 2-6-5-3
Gulfstream Best Bets: $50 Win #2
Spot Plays:
Gulfstream Park, Race #5, $50 Exacta 6-7
Gulfstream Park, Race #7, $50 Exacta 3-4
