Mr. Ed’s Gulfstream Picks for Saturday, December 14:
TRACKING MR. ED: Remaining at Gulfstream for a few more days after my chilly performance at the windows there last Sunday was not an easy decision. But the South Florida card was definitely the best available, and the air was much warmer than at the Big A. Leading up to this weekend’s racing, I pondered an age-old puzzle confronting many degenerate horseplayers, including Mr. Ed: Which is better, cashing tickets or making money? In my younger years, when I had a considerably smaller bankroll, it was all about the size of the score. Now, as a public handicapper, my biggest buzz comes from sharing winning picks with others — even if it means pocketing less cash. Brent’s slogan of “cashing tickets is what it’s all about” is just alright with me. Getting back to Saturday’s 11-race card at Gulfstream, featuring Race 9 Tropical Park Oaks & Race 11 Tropical Park Derby. Post time for the first race is 12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT. Now, join Mr. Ed in cashing tickets.
Mr. Ed’s Top Selections for Saturday at Gulfstream
Race 1 (12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT) — $41K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies & mares going a mile on turf.
Mr. Ed likes a pair, #3 AWAIT (4-1 morning line) for HOF trainer Todd Pletcher, who hires circuit hot-shot Edgard Zayas to ride, and #5 LAURISTON (5-2), who attracts riding services of top jock Irad Ortiz Jr. Dynamite pair dominates the cheap field.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Daily Double of 3,5 and 6,7. ($20)
Race 2 (12:49 p.m. ET/9:49 a.m. PT) — $25K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on synthetic surface
To complete the Early Double, I like #6 SPEIGHT’SPERCOMETE (6-5 morning line), horse for course, for excellent conditioner Jose D’Angelo and #7 MOBOU (5-2) for Sandino Hernandez and journeyman Edgar Gonzalez and back class.
Race 5 (2:19 p.m. ET/11:19 a.m. PT) — $41K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on turf
I’ll take a shot with Danny Gargan’s gelding #5 GOT SUNNY (8-1 morning line) to key exotics with #1 PATRONAGE (5-2) with Irad Ortiz Jr.; my #4 COUSIN ED (15-1), and Irish import #10 TAKE YOUR SEATS (3-1) with Tyler Gaffalione.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Exacta Box of 5/1,4,10. ($30)
Race 7 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18 p.m. PT) — $65K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s selection is #8 GOSGER (4-1 morning line). What’s not to like? Great trainer (Brendan Walsh); excellent rider (Tyler Gaffalione), and a string of fast works.
GULFSTREAM BEST BET OF DAY: $10 Win & Place. ($20)
Race 8 (3:53 p.m. ET/12:53 p.m. PT) — $140K TROPICAL PARK OAKS for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
Where Irad goes, Mr. Ed follows. My pick is Irish-bred #5 SEE YOU AROUND (7-2 morning line), making his second U.S. start for Christophe Clement barn. Key to victory is rider upgrade.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $20 To Win and $5 Exacta Box with 7&12. ($40)
Race 11 (5:21 p.m. ET/3:21 p.m. PT) — $140K TROPICAL PARK DERBY for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile on turf
Mr. Ed’s choice in the finale is #9 SILENT HEART (7-2 morning line) for superior Brian Lynch stable. Eddie Perez retains the mount. I also like #10 CUGINO (9-5) with Irad Oritz Jr. picking up the ride.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $20 to Win and $10 Exacta Box of 9,10. ($40)
TOTAL WAGERS: $150
