Gulfstream Park Picks for Friday, February 20:
HORSING AROUND: HAPPY NEW YEAR! That’s right, fellow horseplayers, it’s the Lunar New Year (as of Tuesday) — The Year of the Fire Horse, featuring intense energy, passion, rapid, transformative, and often volatile change. It is predicted to be a high-energy year, favoring swift career growth, travel, and, at times, impulsive decisions. Sounds like a bunch of horse**** to this old timer, but Mr. Ed is in no mood to question the racing gods. If it helps to get his picks to the Winner’s Circle, he’s ready to celebrate.
RETURN TO GULFSTREAM PARK: There’s not much to report from Thursday’s results. Top rider Tyler Gaffalione captured the early DD. Edgard Zayas also had a pair of winners, including the nightcap. At the windows, the average Win ticket returned just shy of $10 for a $2 Win ticket. Mr. Ed, not yet recovered from the Lunar New Year’s celebration, sat this one out. First post on Friday goes at 12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s picks.
Mr. Ed’s Selections for Gulfstream Park, Friday 2/20
Race 1 — $26.5K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs going a mile
Mr. Ed likes a pair in early DD: #3 SMASH CITY (2-1 morning line) for long-time friend and HOF trainer Nick Zito, with huge rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz, Jr., and #7 JETER (9-2) for top Brad Cox barn with Edgard Zayas replacing Ortiz in saddle. Formidable pair.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 3,7/1,2. ($20)
Race 2 (12:50 p.m. ET/9:50 a.m. PT) — $38K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile on the grass
To complete the DD, Mr. Ed’s betting on #1 VACATIONER (9-5 morning line) with Edgard Zayas again riding for Brad Cox, and #2 RUDI (7-2), son of Win Win Win for veteran trainer Antonio Sano and excellent rider Junior Alvarado.
Race 3 (1:20 p.m. ET/10:20 a.m. PT) — $24.5K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going a mile & 70 yards on the Tapeda surface
Mr. Ed’s pick is #3 CAMM’S PRINCESS (7-2 morning line) for low-key trainer Eniel Cordero with Eddie Gonzalez riding. My friend Cam’s wife is a winner.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 5 (2:20 p.m. ET/11:20 a.m. PT) — $31K CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes #2 NATE THE GREAT (5-1 morning line), 6YO gelded son of West Coast, gets the nod. He’s trained by Bobby Dibona and picks up HOF rider Johnny Velazquez. Win’s your fate, Nate.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (2:50 p.m. ET/11:50 a.m. PT) — $29K for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s choice is #4 JUST A PHILLY (8-5 morning line) for trainer David Braddy, who brings Edgard Zayas back to ride. Young gal’s a horse for the course.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Races 7-10 — $1 PICK 4 ($24)*
R7: 1,4
R8: 6,11
R9: 3,8
R10: 3,4,7
*In the event of a scratch, the post-time favorite is the substitute pick.
Race 10: (4:50 p.m./1:50 p.m. PT) — $54K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going a mile on the grass
Mr. Ed‘s betting on a trio: #3 FISH MOONEY (7-2 morning) with Tyler Gaffalione up; #4 SAPPHIRE GIRL (9-5) with Irad Ortiz, Jr., and #7 VICTORIOUSLY (4-1) with HOFer Johnny Velazquez. Strictly a riders’ race.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30).
TOTAL WAGERS: $114
SATURDAY AT GULFSTREAM PARK: New Year or same old year, there’s not much to write about as the track takes a day off from the Run For the Roses. The 11-race card is full of cheap maiden, claiming and allowance contests. But, if the racing here is good enough for Irad Ortiz, Jr., Tyler Gaffalione and Johnny V. to stick around, then it’s certainly good enough to interest Mr. Ed. Be sure to check out his exclusive selections here on VSiN.
