Mr. Ed’s Gulfstream Picks for Saturday, December 28:
TRACKING MR. ED: Mr. Ed returns to handicapping following a fine Christmas holiday filled with family and friends, tasty food and drink, and a renewed dedication to cashing tickets and earning money for himself and readers. This weekend, there are several highly competitive contests at tracks from coast to coast, including Santa Anita, the Fair Grounds, Aqueduct and Gulfstream — where Mr. Ed concentrates his handicapping efforts. The 11-race card features a pair of tough sprints, the Abundantia Stakes (Race 8) and the G3 Mr. Prospector Stakes (Race 10). First post is 12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT. Cloudy, but dry, weather is expected in South Florida. Here are Mr. Ed’s Gulfstream picks:
Mr. Ed’s Gulfstream Picks for Saturday, December 28
Race 1 (12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT) — $61K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3 YOs & up going a mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes a pair: #3 STEEL LUTE (7-2 morning line) for powerful connections of Chad Brown and Tyler Gaffalione on turnback, and #8 SPINNING COLORS (6-1) for Mark Hennig and HOF rider Johnny Velazquez on second off break.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Daily Double of 3,8/6,7. ($20)
Race 2 (12:49 p.m. ET/9:49 a.m. PT) — $25K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 5 1/2 furlongs on synthetic surface
I like a pair here, too. #6 REALTA (6-1 morning line) adding blinkers and getting rider upgrade, and #7 BAM BAM (8-5) for trainer Mike Maker and rider Tyler Gaffalione. Sounds like a winning combo.
Race 4 (1:49 p.m. ET/10:49 a.m. PT) — $23K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
It’s three for Mr. Ed’s money: #2 AMAZING WOO (7-5 morning line) with top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. picking up mount; #5 AUSTONIAN (5-1) with sharp Tyler Gaffalione retaining ride, and #6 SMOKIN BOW (6-1) with new rider Luis Saez.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Exacta Box of 2,5,6. ($30)
Race 5 (2:19 p.m. ET/11:19 a.m. PT) — $65K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes million-dollar-baby #7 TAPPAN STREET (3-1 morning line) for superior conditioner Brad Cox and rider Luis Saez. Excellent works indicate he’s ready to roll at first asking. Look for this one on Kentucky Derby trail.
GULFSTREAM BEST BET: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 6 (2:49 p.m. ET/11:19 a.m. PT) — $62K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on turf
Mr. Ed’s choice is #10 UNIT ECONOMICS (5-2 morning line) for Brown-Gaffalione combo. Rider & mount reconnect after a brief break. It all adds up.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Races 8-11 (3:49 p.m. ET/12:49 p.m. PT) — $115 ABUNDANTIA STAKES for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 5 furlongs on turf
R8: 1,5,8,12 — $.50 Pick 4
R9: 2,3,8
R10: 6,9,10
R11: 4,5,11 ($54)
Race 10 (5:21 p.m. ET/2:21 p.m. PT) — G3 $165K MR. PROSPECTOR STAKES for 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed picks three: #6 MUFASA (9-2 morning line) as Gaffalione returns to saddle; #9 ILLUMINARE (10-1) for Pletcher-Saez combo, and #10 WHITE ABARRIO (3-5), a champion returns, but is no sure thing.
GULFSTREAM PICK: #5 Exacta Box of 6,9,10. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $174
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL: January 1 is the universal birthday for all our thoroughbred friends! Pay special attention to those turning 3 on Wednesday as they begin their trek down the Run for the Roses.
NFL PICK
Bengals -3.5 over Broncos
