Mr. Ed’s Gulfstream Picks for Friday, January 17:
CHANGE MIGHT DO YA GOOD: The day I became a serious handicapper was the day I embraced those five words of wisdom from my mentor. My daily hunt for change begins as soon as I open the Daily Racing Form past performance charts. My handicapping begins by studying each entrant’s profile. I’m looking for, in no particular order, the following change of conditions, including, but not limited to, trainer, jockey, owner, breeding, post position, odds, surface, time, race length, workouts, track condition, competition, trip and earnings. Then, based on those factors, I eliminate those starters who fall outside my change criteria. Once the field is narrowed, I identify the horse (or horses) that best suits my tested handicapping instincts. Mr. Ed’s bottom line: Don’t be afraid to accept change. In fact, embrace it. Beginning today, I’ll be posting my picks here on VSiN.com every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the eastern track I feel offers the best mix of challenging races. Here are Friday’s Gulfstream picks.
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Gulfstream for Friday, January 17
Race 1 (12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT) — $94K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs going 5 furlongs on turf
Mr. Ed likes two: #2 BATTLE DRUM (7-2 morning line), who adds blinkers, Lasix and Irad Ortiz Jr. while cutting back to sprint for Todd Pletcher, and #7 MADROC (4-1) for promising trainer Mary Lightner, who retains excellent FL rider Edgard Zayas.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Daily Double with 2,6. ($20)
Race 2 (12:52 p.m. ET/9:52 a.m. PT) — $37K CLAIMING for fillies and mares going 5 furlongs on turf
I like either of two to complete Daily Double: #2 ROYALLY BLUE (7-2 morning line) for veteran trainer Steve Klesaris, who hires NY-based Dylan Davis to ride, and #6 AMERICAN OF COURSE (6-1) switching to turf with Tyler Gaffalione to ride.
Race 4 (1:55 p.m. ET/10:55 a.m. PT) — $22K CLAIMING for 4YOs & up going a mile
Mr. Ed likes #3 SUPREME DOMINANCE (7-2 morning line) for veteran NY-based trainer Kelly Breen who picks up always-sharp rider Luis Saez. Gelding poised to dominate the weak field.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (2:32 p.m. ET/11:32 p.m. PT) — $48K MAIDEN CLAIMING FOR 3YOs going a mile on the turf
I like two of three for the money: #6 BACK IN THE SADDLE (7-2 morning line) for Tyler Gaffalione, #7 CYBER SECURITY (9-2), a first-time starter for Pletcher-Irad Ortiz Jr. combo, and #9 CLASSY WAR (2-1) on drop with Dylan Davis aboard.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (3:05 p.m. ET/12:05 p.m. PT) — $33K CLAIMING for 3YOs going 5 furlongs on synthetic surface
I like #5 HOLLYWOOD MAYHEM (8-5 morning line) stretching out after sprint score for excellent conditioner Jose D’Angelo and top rider Irad Ortiz Jr. Gets Lasix. A star is born.
GULFSTREAM BEST BET: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 7 (3:35 p.m. ET/12:35 p.m. PT) — $41K CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 1 mile, 70 yards on synthetic surface
I like #2 BREAKWATER (3-1 morning line) for hot trainer Shug McGaughey and out-of-towner Dylan Davis in the saddle. Son of Flatter knows how to pose for the camera. Smile, please. I also like #4 DRAKON (9-2) for Mike Maker and Joel Rosario. My two for the money.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Daily Doubles with 1,3,8. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $130
MARK YOUR CALENDAR, racing fans. Two weeks from Saturday (Feb. 1), don’t miss HOLY BULL STAKES DAY at Gulfstream Park. The prestigious graded stakes, honoring Hall of Fame thoroughbred legend HOLY BULL, is a key stepping stone for 3YOs on their way to the Florida and Kentucky derbies. Be sure to watch for Mr. Ed’s selections here on VSiN.com.
