Gulfstream Park Picks for Saturday, January 10:
MIAMI ON MY MIND: Many, many, far too many years ago, when Mr. Ed wasn’t majoring in Macro Economic Theory at the University of Miami, he spent many an afternoon studying the Racing Form and picking ponies at Gulfstream Park. By the end of his junior year, the U had seen enough of Fast Eddie (long before he was Mr. Ed) and invited him to leave. While he eventually matriculated to a double degree in hard knocks and Journalism elsewhere (that’s a whole other story), Thursday night brought back fond memories of earlier days of life in Coral Gables and the Hurricanes’ then-unique night football in the nearby Orange Bowl. With the Canes’ dramatic victory, it’s on to Monday the 19th in the cozy confines of Hard Rock Stadium for the NCAA National Championship. Too bad Mr. Ed won’t be there. He’ll be at the track!
BACK ON TRACK WITH MR. ED: Judging by Friday’s results, Mr. Ed benefited from his three weeks away. The brief break did Mr. Ed good as well as those who follow his picks. Stick around, folks — and reap the rewards. Irad Ortiz led all jockeys (and Mr. Ed) with three scores. At the windows, the average $2 Win ticket returned $9.30. First post on Saturday is 12:20 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections.
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Gulfstream Park for Saturday (1/10)
Race 1 (12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT) — $29K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs going 5 ½-furlongs on Tapeta surface
Looking to hit the early daily double, Mr. Ed likes two in Leg 1: Who else but #6 MIAMI STYLE (5-1 morning line), turning back with Eddie Gonzalez riding and #11 VELVET RAGE (5-2) with top jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. picking up the mount.
GULFSTREAM SELECTION: $5 Daily Double 6,11/2,8. ($20)
Race 2 (12:50 p.m. ET/9:50 a.m. PT) — $31K CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
To complete the early DD, I like either #2 FLY ERIK FLY (7-2 morning line), super-consistent gelding for super-hot trainer Mark Casse, seeking repeat winning effort for jockey Eddie Gonzalez; or #8 NANO MAN (6-1) for extra-sharp conditioner Danny Gargan, who hires Joel Rosario to ride. Don’t dismiss favorite #9 JURISPRUDENCE (9-5), first-time Lasix.
Race 3 (1:20 p.m. ET/10:20 a.m. PT) — $40K CLAIMING for fillies and mares 4YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
Once again, Mr. Ed is relying on HOF trainer Mark Casse to deliver a winner with Irad Ortiz, Jr. climbing aboard. Confident horseman moves #5 SHE’S A GAMER (9-5 morning line) from turf to dirt while stretching her out.
GULFSTREAM SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (1:50 p.m. ET/10:50 a.m. PT) — $84K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3 YOs going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes a consecutive trio: #6 CHIEF WALLABEE (9-2 morning line) for HOFer Bill Mott and go-to guy Junior Alvarado, with #7 HALOGEN (6-1) with Johnny Velasquez aboard, and #8 NANOSECOND (5-2) for Todd Pletcher, who recruits Irad Ortiz to ride. Bet these three and cash your ticket.
GULFSTREAM SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 6,7,8. ($30)
Race 6 (2:50 p.m. ET/11:50 a.m. PT) — $42K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile on the grass
Mr. Ed’s BEST BEST OF THE DAY is #9 NANTASKET BEACH (5-2 morning line) with HOF jockey Johnny Velazquez returning to saddle for low-key trainer Lauren Robson, who stretches the gelding out. He’ll be in the mix late from the outside post. Bet now or never.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Races 8-11— $.50 Pick 4*
R8: 1,6,9
R9: 4,5,6
R10: 3,4,6
R11: 7,11 ($27)
*In the event of a scratch, the post-time favorite is the substitute pick.
Race 10 (4:50 p.m. ET/1:50 p.m. PT) $75K SUNSHINE CLASSIC for FL-bred 4YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes #6 NEOEQUOS (3-1 morning line), the horse-for-the-course with six in-the-money finishes from seven starts. Saffie Joseph names Micah Husbands to ride. Rich colt stretches out in search of a score. Mr. Ed likes the move.
GULFSTREAM SELECTION: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta Box with 4,6. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $127
