Gulfstream Park Picks for Saturday, January 24:
WHO’S HOT? Jockeys Irad Ortiz Jr., Tyler Gaffalione, visitor Flavien Prat, and youngster David Egan. Trainers Saffie Joseph Jr., Carlos David and Mark Casse — and, Gulfstream Park on Pegasus Invitational Day. WHO’S COLD: Half the nation.
PEGASUS DAY AT GULFSTREAM: While handicapping today’s outstanding 13-race program, there are several factors, in no particular order, which Mr. Ed considered in his search for VSiN winners (selections below). Here are just a few. Respect Morning Line odds: Gulfstream players are sharper than most. Post position: consider running styles. Changes: such as riders, trainers, class, distances and surfaces. Do what works best for you. Stay within your budget. With a 13-race card, there are more than enough opportunities to bet. Even Mr. Ed doesn’t play them all. Don’t bet with your food money. But, if ahead, treat yourself to a steak instead of a cheeseburger. Enjoy yourself. After all, a bad day at the track is better than a good day just about anywhere else. Get an early start: First post today is 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT.
Mr. Ed’s Selections for Saturday (1/24) at Gulfstream Park
Race 1 — $86K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going a mile on the turf
In an attempt to boost his bankroll, Mr. Ed likes two in Leg 1 of a DD: #4 MAGGIE GO (9-5 morning line) for super trainer Chad Brown, who retains Flavien Prat in irons, and #6 LA CANTERA (8-1) for extra-sharp trainer Carlos David with rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 4,6/2,5. ($20)
Race 2 (11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT) — $84K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YO fillies and mares going 6 furlongs
To complete the DD, Mr. Ed likes #2 SWING VOTE (3-1 morning line) for the tip-top team of Bill Mott and Junior Alvarado, and #5 PARADISE STREET (4-1) for trainer Brian Lynch and Luis Saez. Second-time starter gets Lasix and blinkers. On easy street.
Race 3 (12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT) — $87K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going a mile on the grass
Mr. Ed scored twice in 2025 with #2 BATTLE OF NORMANDY (2-1 morning line). I’m looking for him to repeat winning ways for Shug McGaughey with new rider Luis Saez. Excellent works point to preparedness. War at the windows.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 5 (1:02 p.m. ET/10:02 a.m. PT) — G3 $175K CHRISTOPHE CLEMENT STAKES for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 1½-mile
Mr. Ed’s money is going on #5 FIONN (5-2 morning line) for top trainer Brad Cox with Flavien Prat returning to the saddle. Winner in excess of $2 million, she’s one super-sharp filly.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 7 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $175K GULFSTREAM TURF SPRINT for 4YOs & Up going 5 furlongs on the grass
Mr. Ed’s pick is classy #10 MY BOY PRINCE (5-2 morning line) for HOF trainer Mark Casse, who hires old pro Johnny Velazquez to ride $1.2-million-earner. Fast works indicate this gelding is ready to romp.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 8 (2:41 p.m. ET/11:41 a.m. PT) — G3 $155K FRED W. HOOPER STAKES for 4YOs & Up going a mile
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #1 LIFE AND TIMES (8-5 morning line) undefeated gelding for trainer Todd Pletcher with Jose Lezcano up; #5 TOUR PLAYER (20-1) for excellent new trainer Whit Beckman with Javier Castellano riding, and #6 KNIGHTSBRIDGE (6-5) for Bill Mott with Junior Alvarado. Two of three for the $$$.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 9 (3:13 p.m. ET/12:13 p.m. PT) — G3 $225K WILLIAM L. MCKNIGHT STAKES for 4YOs & Up going 1½-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s pick is #6 MISSED THE CUT (6-1 morning line), a super-consistent gelding for trainer Bobby Dibona who retains Edgard Zayas to ride. Counting on shorter prep to have him ready for a marathon.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 10 (3:45 p.m. ET/12:45 p.m. PT) — G2 $500K PEGASUS FILLY AND MARE TURF INVITATIONAL going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes #11 IN OUR TIME (5-1 morning line) for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., who picks up Irad Ortiz, Jr. to ride. Well-tested mare comes home to Gulfstream for loaded stakes. ‘Bout time!
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 11 (4:18 p.m. ET/1:18 p.m. PT) — G2 $225K INSIDE INFORMATION STAKES for fillies and mares going 7 furlongs
I like speedy #1 INDY BAY (9-2 morning line) for Saffie Joseph, Jr., who brings Irad Ortiz, Jr. back to ride following time away. Solid works indicate her early intentions.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 12 (4:54 p.m. ET/1:54 p.m. PT) — G1 $1 MILLION PEGASUS WORLD CUP TURF INVITATIONAL for 4YOs & Up going 1⅛-mile
Millionaire #2 PROGRAM TRADING (5-2 morning line) for Chad Brown is my choice to crush the field. Regular rider Flavien Prat retains mount on 6YO for Gulfstream debut.
GULFSTREAM SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 13 (5:39 p.m. ET/2:39 p.m. PT) — G1 $3 MILLION PEGASUS WORLD CUP INVITATIONAL for 4 YOs going 1⅛-mile
Mr. Ed won’t try to beat odds-on favorite, the speedy #1 DISCO TIME (8-5 morning line) for deep Brad Cox barn with top rider Flavien Prat making first start aboard 4YO. Son of Not This Time gets better with every dance.
GULFSTREAM SELECTION: $40 to Win. ($40).
TOTAL WAGERS: $220
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