Gulfstream Park Picks for Saturday, January 31:
HORSING AROUND: Mr. Ed thought he had begun to break out of his slump Friday afternoon when he posted a modest Daily Double in Races 1 and 2. But, alas, it was merely an aberration as he was shut out the rest of the afternoon. Others having a two-win afternoon were leading rider Irad Ortiz Jr. and HOF jockey Javier Castellano. At the windows, the average $2 Win wager returned slightly less than $11.
CALL HIM DR. CHALK: In an all-out effort to recover his handicapping reputation following last week’s Pegasus Day debacle, Mr. Ed concentrates his Holy Bull Day picks on quality (often chalky) connections, counting on meet-leading trainers and jockeys to find their way to the Winner’s Circle. Today’s 12-race program features several early Kentucky Derby hopefuls. Unfortunately, fan-favorite 3YO Ned Toffey is not among them, having suffered a training mishap and will be on the shelf indefinitely. First post is 12:15 p.m. ET/9:15 a.m. PT. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections for Saturday.
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Gulfstream for Saturday (1/31)
Race 1 — $50K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16- mile on the turf
To kick start the early DD, Mr. Ed likes a pair: #3 BLAZING BRIDGETTE (9-2 morning line) for savvy trainer Kenny McPeek with jockey Renzo Rojas seeking a repeat win; and #10 ETERNAL MANDATE (6-1) for HOF trainer Mark Casse, who adds Lasix and picks up Irad Ortiz to ride.
GULFSTREAM SELECTION: $5 Daily Doubles of 3,10/3,4. ($20)
Race 2 (12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT) — $28K CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile on the Tapeda surface
To complete the early DD, Mr. Ed likes two: #3 GOVERNING PARTY (4-1 morning line) with top jock Tyler Gaffalione riding for trainer Mike Maker, and #4 MESSAGE OF HOPE (4-1) with super rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. in irons for trainer Jose D’Angelo. Expecting a big party in the Winner’s Circle.
Race 3 (1:15 p.m. ET/10:15 a.m. PT) — $54K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 4YOs going 7 furlongs
I like #5 VOLATILED (5-2 morning line) for trainer Fernando Abreu, who puts blinkers on and recruits top jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. to ride. Look for the filly to stalk and pounce.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (1:45 p.m. ET/10:45 a.m. PT) — $50K MAIDEN OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs going 6½-furlongs
Mr. Ed will go fishing for #9 PIKE (3-1 morning line) with first-time Lasix. HOF jockey Johnny Velazquez rides for trainer Fernando Abreu.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (2:15 p.m. ET/11:15 a.m. PT) — $175K KITTEN’S JOY STAKES for FL-bred 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #5 THOUSANDSTICKS (7-2 morning line) for red-hot trainer Brian Lynch: #6 TURF STAR (5-2) with FL-native Tyler Gaffalione riding, and #8 REDLAND REBELS with journeyman rider Junior Alvarado. Two of three for the money.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 7 (3:15 p.m. ET/12:15 p.m. PT) — $86K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 1⅜-mile on the grass
Mr. Ed’s choice is #4 DIRAND (2-1 morning line) for Chad Brown barn with Edgard Zayas picking up the mount. Looking for the speedy sort to wire the field.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($10)
Race 8 (3:45 p.m. ET/12:45 p.m. PT) — $175K SWALE STAKES for 3YOs going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #6 SOLITUDE DUDE (6-5 morning line) looks to stretch speed out after a pair of easy sprint victories for Saffie Joseph, Jr. and Irad Ortiz, Jr. Alone again, naturally.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 9 (4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT) — $86K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going a mile on the turf
My pick is Irish-bred #4 MARY’S LAD (4-1 morning line) for up-and-coming trainer Whit Beckman, with Tyler Gaffalione picking up the mount. Excellent morning drills.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 10 (4:45 p.m. ET/1:45 p.m. PT) — $175K G3 FORWARD GAL STAKES for FL-bred fillies going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #5 SNEAKY GOOD (8-1 morning line) for Cox-Gaffalione team; #6 ON TIME GIRL (9-5) for Cox and Ortiz, Jr., and #8 IMPERATRICE (5-1) for Pletcher and Velasquez. All quality connections.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTIONS: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 11 (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT) — $175K SWEETEST CHANT STAKES for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16 mile on the turf
Mr. Ed closes out the card with DD: #2 SURPRISE ENDING (8-1 morning line), closer for Brendan Walsh, Gaffalione aboard; and #8 SISTER TROIENNE (2-1), for Mario Gutierrez, and #10 AGGRESSIVE LIME (9-2), for the team of Irad Ortiz, Jr. and Brad Cox.
GULFSTREAM PARK SELECTION: 2,8,10/5,7. ($30)
Race 12 (5:45 p.m. ET/2:45 p.m. PT) — $275K G3 HOLY BULL STAKES for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes #5 CANNONEER (2-1 morning line) for Brad Cox and Irad Ortiz, Jr., and #7 NEARLY (9-5) for Todd Pletcher and HOF rider Johnny Velazquez.
TOTAL WAGERS: $180
