Mr. Ed’s Gulfstream Picks for Sunday, December 15:
TRACKING MR. ED: While lacking a stakes-level contest, Sunday’s 10-race card at Gulfstream nevertheless offers more than enough for this avid handicapper to handle. I have several plays worth considering, highlighted by an Early Daily Double and a Late Pick 4. Top jockeys Irad Ortiz Jr., Tyler Gaffalione and Johnny Velazquez all are listed to ride potential winners. Don’t fret, folks. Better days are ahead not only at Gulfstream, but at Churchill Downs, Oaklawn Park and Fairgrounds as Winter-into-Spring meets begin to blossom. KY Derby Watch list:
Add top two from Saturday’s Race 9: Racing Driver & Rapture. Irad Ortiz Jr. had five wins on Saturday. He’s listed to ride five more on Sunday. First post time today in South Florida is 12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT. Hers are Mr. Ed’s wagers worth considering.
Mr. Ed’s Top Selections for Sunday at Gulfstream
Races 1 (12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT) — $25K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 5 furlongs on synthetic surface
I like the first two legs of the early Daily Double: #1 CHIPPER ME TIMBERS (5-2 morning line) gets huge rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione teams with #11 INSANITY IT SEEMS (2-1) for top owner/trainer Wesley Ward.
GULFSTREAM PICKS: $5 Daily Double of 1,11 with 4,7. ($20)
Race 2 (12:49 p.m. ET/9:49 a.m. PT) — $27K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 5½ furlongs on synthetic surface
Mr. Ed likes #4 COMPETITIVE SAINT (3-1 morning line) with Johnny Velazquez and #7 UNRAPTURED (7-2) with Irad Ortiz Jr, in Leg 2 of early Daily Double.
Race 4 (1:49 p.m. ET/10:49 a.m. PT) — $37K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 2YOs going 1 1/16-mile on turf
My choice is #2 STONE COLD FLEX (7-2 morning line) for trainer Antonio Sano with Johnny Velazquez. Class drop and increased distance point to victory. It’s a lock.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (2:19 p.m. ET/11:19 a.m. PT) — $62K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING — for 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes three for the money: #2 SAINT TAPIT (2-1 morning lineR7: ) second off claim; #3 HURRICANE J (5-2) cross-state shipper, and #7 BOLT TO RUN (8-5) for Chad Brown and Tyler Gaffalione.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Races 7-10 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18)
GULFSTREAM PICK: $0.50 Pick 4
R7: 2,4,7,10
R8: 2,4,5,8
R9: 3,4,6
R10: 9,10 ($48)
Race 10 (4:53 p.m. ET/1:4:53 p.m. PT) — $37K for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 1 mile
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET: #10 DEA MATRONA (9-5 morning line) for classy pairing of Chad Brown and Irad Ortiz Jr. taking significant class drop. Jockey returns after dull effort last month. Works point to improvement. Should dominate weak field.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $20 to win. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $128
Bonus NFL: DETROIT -2.5 over Buffalo
