Gulfstream Park Picks for Friday, March 6:
JOCKEYING FOR RECOGNITION: Several years ago, a good friend and casual racing fan asked Mr. Ed how he might improve his ability to pick winners and cash tickets. After a chat over a few drinks, Mr. Ed suggested he become more familiar with a young jockey or two — their records, riding tendencies and the trainers for whom they ride. We agreed that my friend would focus his efforts on an up-and-coming rider, Florida-native Tyler Gaffalione. Needless to say, my friend became a happier horseplayer! If asked the same question today, Mr. Ed would advise him to focus on British-import jockey David Egan, currently riding at Gulfstream Park. Egan, with 28 wins and more than $1.2 million in earnings, is ninth in the rider standings there. Trust Mr. Ed, this jockey has a bright future. Now’s the time to climb aboard Egan’s bandwagon, while there’s still room to ride along. (FYI: Egan is scheduled to ride in Races 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10 on Friday.) Speaking of jockeys, in case you missed it, rider Eric Asmussen, son of HOF trainer Steve, and youthful, cheerful TV analyst Andie Biancone, daughter of popular trainer Patrick, have announced their engagement. In a final note, there is a Pick 6 carryover of $46,502 (Races 4-9) on Friday at Santa Anita.
FRIDAY AT GULFSTREAM PARK: An interesting 10-race card awaits handicappers. While there are no stakes, a few allowance contests (Races 5, 7 and 10) appear to be competitive events. First post is 12:50 p.m. ET/9:50 a.m. PT. The following picks are Mr. Ed’s top selections.
Mr. Ed’s Selections for Gulfstream Park, Friday (3/06)
Race 1 — $42K STARTER ALLOWANCE FOR 3YOs going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes a pair to kick off DD: #4 NOT NOW NICK (8-1 morning line) for veteran trainer Dan Hurtak with Rajiv Maragh riding, and #7 RAMSES THE GREAT (5-2), trained by Nolan Ramsey with Miguel Vasquez up. Experience counts here.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 4,7/3,6. ($20)
Race 2 (1:20 p.m. ET/10:20 a.m. PT) — $28K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 6½ furlongs
To complete the DD, Mr. Ed likes either of two: #3 ALLURING SERENITY (6-1 morning line) with Katie Davis riding for trainer Vern Allinson, and #6 ALONGCOMESAWOMAN from Gustavo Delgado barn with veteran rider Javier Castellano in irons. Either for the money.
Race 4 (2:20 p.m. ET/11:20 a.m. PT) — $24.5K CLAIMING for 4YOs and Up going 5 furlongs on the Tapeda surface
Mr. Ed’s betting on favorite #6 MAITRE D (8-5 morning line) for hot trainer Carlos David and top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. retaining mount. Either of the gelding’s last two is good enough to beat a weak field.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 5 (2:51 p.m. ET/11:51 a.m. PT) — $54K ALLOWANCE for FL-bred 3YOs going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes three for the money: #1 MY FAVORITE BIRD (9-2 morning line), with Jose Morelos riding; #4 SQUIRE (9-5) with upstart David Egan on board, and #6 BRONZE BULLET (5-2) with superior jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. (5-2).
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 1,4,6. ($30)
Race 6 (3:22 p.m. ET/12:22 p.m. PT) — $24.5K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 7 furlongs
I’m betting on #1 WIDERTHANAMILE (7-2 morning line) for veteran trainer Antonio Sano with Nik Juarez returning to saddle. Filly rides rail to repeat win.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 7 (3:53 p.m. ET/12:53 p.m. PT) — $86K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YO fillies sprinting 5 furlongs on the grass
Mr. Ed’s pick is #4 PILLAR OF BEAUTY (5-1 morning line) for HOF trainer Bill Mott, who sends out an expensive filly with precocious jockey David Egan returning to the saddle. Quick drill adds to appeal.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Races 8-10 (4:23 p.m. ET/1:23 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 3
R8: 1,5,7
R9: 4,5,7
R10: 2,3,8,9 ($36)
Race 8 (4:23 p.m. ET/1:23 p.m. PT) — $34K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs going 6 furlongs
I’m betting on trio: #1 SONIC SURGE (2-1 morning line) adds Lasix for savvy trainer George Weaver with big rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione; #5 EPICO (7-2) for trainer Antonio Sano, who adds blinkers to recent gelding, and #7 STARSHIP JULIETTE (3-1) for Will Walden barn making debut with Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 1,5,7. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $166
SATURDAY AT TAMPA BAY: An 11-race card, highlighted by the Tampa Bay Derby for an elite field of 3YOs on the Kentucky Derby trail, kicks off at 12:15 p.m. ET/9:15 a.m. PT. Several other quality stakes punctuate the card. Many of the nation’s premier riders, including Flavien Prat, Johnny Velasquez, Irad Ortiz, Jr. and upstart Samuel Marin have mounts. Look for Mr. Ed’s exclusive selections on VSiN.com.
