Mr. Ed’s Gulfstream Picks for Friday, January 31:
TRACKING MR. ED: The most popular word in my column is “pick.” So, today I am declaring NO TAX ON TIPS. Recently, VSiN followers have suffered enough playing Mr. Ed’s selections. Friday’s card at Gulfstream features nine, mid-level competitive claiming contests with purses totaling $373K. Post time for today’s first race is 12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT. Let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN Gulfstream picks.
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Gulfstream for Friday, January 31
Race 1 (12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT) — $27K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 4YOs going 1 mile & 70 yards on Tapeta
I like a pair #2 TRIUMPHANT ROAD (6-5 morning line) for top trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. with big rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz Jr., and #4 SMOOTH AN EASY (7-2) for low profile duo of trainer Douglas Seyler and jockey Jonathan Ocasio.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Daily Double of 2,4/3,5. ($20)
Race 2 (12:52 p.m. ET/9:52 a.m. PT) — $23K fillies and mares, 4 YOs & up going 5 furlongs on Tapeta
Mr. Ed likes two to complete Daily Double: #3 DOWN IN THE BAYOU (8-5 morning line) who drops in class and changes rider to Miguel Vasquez, and #5 TAKING IT ALL (3-1), who returns to Tapeta with journeyman jockey Paco Lopez.
Race 3 (1:24 p.m. ET/10:24 a.m. PT) — $41K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 4YOs & up going six furlongs
I like #2 AIR COMBAT (2-1 morning line) for popular team of trainer Martin Drexler and Tyler Gaffalione. Versatile horse seeking third consecutive trip to Winner’s Circle. Bombs away!
GULFSTREAM BEST BET: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 4 (1:55 p.m. ET/10:55 a.m. PT) — $37K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs going 5 furlongs on Tapeta
I’m betting on three for the money: #1 PRETTY LIZA (9-5 morning line) who turns back, adds Lasix and gets significant rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz Jr.; #2 LA CYBER (4-1) for sharp trainer Jose D’Angelo; and #5 MEUCCI’S REVENGE (6-1), who picks up HOF jockey Johnny Velazquez.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Exacta Box of 1,2,5. ($30)
Race 5 (2:32 p.m. ET/11:32 p.m. PT — $37K CLAIMING for 4YOs & up going a mile on the turf.
Mr. Ed’s top choice is #12 BREAKWATER (7-2 morning line) gelding for trainer Shug McGaughey, who retains top NY-based rider Dylan Davis and returns to turf. Mr. Ed’s condo of choice when visiting Ft. Lauderdale.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta Box with 8,11. ($30)
Races 6-9 (3:12 p.m. ET/12:32 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 4*
R6: 1,6
R7: 1,3,7,8
R8: 2,5
R9: 3,4,7
GULFSTREAM PICK: ($48)
*(If a horse is scratched from a multi-race wager, other than a daily double, those holding a ticket with the scratched horse receive the post-time favorite in place of the scratched horse.)
TOTAL WAGERS: $148
LOOKING AHEAD: The road to the Triple Crown begins in earnest Saturday with the Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park, the Withers at Aqueduct and the Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita. All three stakes for 3YOs will award Kentucky Derby qualifying points. In addition to the Holy Bull, Saturday’s excellent 12-race card at Gulfstream includes three other outstanding stakes. First race post time is noon ET/9:00 a.m. PT — and be sure to check out Mr. Ed’s tax-free picks.
EARLY SUPER BOWL ACTION
OVER 49.5 points
