Gulfstream Park Picks for Friday, January 30:
DOWN, BUT NOT OUT: After last Saturday’s dismal Pegasus Day performance, I seriously considered throwing in the towel on public handicapping. For those who follow Mr. Ed, may I offer my sincere condolences. I can arrange for resting places on the backstretch of Saratoga for all of us who decide to quit. But that would be the easy way out. Instead, I’ve decided to jump right back into a sea of Past Performances and fish for future winners. I’m willing to forget the Pegasus card results if you are. And remember, Mr. Ed’s motto: A bad day at the track is better than a good day anywhere else. Here’s to better days ahead at Gulfstream!
THURSDAY AT GULFSTREAM PARK: Meet leading rider Irad Ortiz, Jr., who solidified his position atop the jockey standings with four wins, followed by several other riders with a win each. Upon completion of the day’s 10-race card, Irad, with 53 wins, led Tyler Gaffalione with 38. No trainer had more than one victory. At the windows, the average $2 Win ticket returned a chalky $7.10.
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Gulfstream for Friday (1/30)
Friday’s 10-race menu offers several opportunities to turn a profit. Among Mr. Ed’s plays are a daily double, a three-way exacta box, a few win picks, and an affordable multi-race Pick 3 to close out the program. First race goes to post at 12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT.
Race 1 — $34K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies, 3YOs & Up going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes a pair: #2 COME ON POPPI (9-2 morning line) for the team of savvy trainer Victor Barboza and hot jockey Junior Alvarado. Pitch last race. Also #4 BINT MISCHIEF (3-1) for young rider David Egan with trainer Jane Cibelli. Gets Lasix for the first time. Shopping for longshot? Include #1 SLICEAWAY (12-1) for the team of trainer friend Nick Zito and smiling jockey Katie Davis.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 1,2,4/3,6. ($30)
Race 2 (12:50 p.m. ET/9:50 a.m. PT) — $24K CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 5 furlongs on the Tapeda surface
To complete the DD, Mr. Ed likes #3 MCMULLEN (9-2 morning line) for super-sharp trainer Carlos David with Mia Nicholls riding, and #6 TRANSACTIONAL GUY (7-2) for high-percentage trainer Nick Tomlinson with top jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. My kind of guy seals the deal.
Race 4 (1:49 p.m. ET/10:49 a.m. PT) — $29K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs going 5½ furlongs on the Tapeda surface
Mr. Ed likes #1 VAN CLEEF (9-2 morning line), adding blinkers for superior trainer Tareq Moubarak with young rider David Egan returning.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (2:19 p.m. ET/11:19 a.m. PT) — $42K STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YO fillies going 5 furlongs on the grass
Mr. Ed picks a trio: #1 KATE THE SMATE (9-2 morning line) for reliable trainer Bobby Dibona with Miguel Vasquez riding; #7 ROGUE RUNNER (10-1) shortens up, gets Lasix for Gary Jackson barn, and #8 NACHO PROBLEM (3-1) for excellent Brad Cox-Irad Ortiz, Jr. team.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (2:49 p.m. ET/11:49 a.m. PT) — $29K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY is #3 PARTY SHAKER (7-5 morning line). She takes a big class drop while shortening up for new trainer Georgina Baxter with Irad Ortiz, Jr. up. Chalky, sharp shaker. Let’s party!
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 7 (3:19 p.m. ET/12:19 p.m. PT) — $84K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs going 7½-furlongs on the grass
#2 ELENIQUE (5-2 morning line) is choice as Blinkers come off. Gal gets Lasix while stretching out for Patrick Biancone and young David Egan. Look of a winner.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 8-10 (3:49 p.m. ET/12:49 p.m. PT) — $1 PICK 3
R8: 2,4,6
R9: 1,4,7
R10: 1,2,10,12 ($36)
TOTAL WAGERS: $136
BIG SATURDAY AT GULFSTREAM: Five excellent stakes, including the $275K G3 Holy Bull for nine 3YOs on the Kentucky Derby trail, headline the day’s 12-race program. First post is 12:15 p.m. ET/9:15 a.m. PT. Be sure to check out Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections.
