Mr. Ed’s Gulfstream Picks:
BACK TO SCHOOL: Many, far too many years ago, then-bachelor Mr. Ed arrived in Miami to matriculate at The U. Instead of spending his first day on campus, he spent it all, and then sum, at nearby Gulfstream Park. Seven years later, he unceremoniously exited The U. to wed Ms. Ed — without a journalism diploma — but armed with a graduate degenerate degree in handicapping. Flash forward to yesterday as I left bone-chilling Aqueduct and turned the DRF pages back to the warm, friendly confines of Gulfstream to handicap today’s competitive program and make my Gulfstream picks.
IN IRAD WE TRUST: Joining Mr. Ed on the trek from The BIG A on Saturday to South Florida today is tip-top jock Irad Ortiz Jr. It’s not like the rich rider to leave his home track to ride elsewhere unless he has purse money on his mind or a young star in the making. With nine mounts on the 11-race card, look for Irad to pad his bank account with several trips to the Winner’s Circle.
SATURDAY AT THE BIG A: Picking up where he left off a month ago with the Breeders’ Cup Classic Win, Mr. Ed posted a $56 Best Bet winner in Race 8, followed by a $60 Exacta in Race 9, topped a $191 Pick 4 score in Race 10. The payoffs added up to $307 on posted bets of $212 for a net profit of $95. As Brent says, cashing tickets is what it’s all about at VSiN!
ON TO GULFSTREAM PARK: First post for the 11-race card is at 12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT. Keeping a keen eye on Irad, here are Mr. Ed’s Gulfstream picks:
RACE 2 (12:50 p.m. ET/9:50 a.m. PT) — $31K STARTER CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile over synthetic surface
Mr. Ed likes #4 SHANKAR (7-5 morning line) for leading South Florida conditioner Saffie Joseph Jr., who retains top track rider Edgard Zayas. The four-year-old knows how to finish in the money on synthetic or turf. Excellent connections point to victory.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Exacta Boxes of 4/2,6,7. ($30)
Race 3 (1:19 p.m. ET/10:19 a.m. PT) — $25K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1-mile & 70 yards over synthetic surface
I like #10 STARSHIP AUGUSTO (3-1 morning line), who’s making a second start for trainer Heather Smullen and jockey Leonel Rayes. Look for the gelding to improve following a fast finish in debut. Recent work and outside post add to the appeal. Star in the making.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Win & Place. ($10)
Race 4 (1:49 p.m. ET/10:49 a.m. PT) — $38K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 2YO fillies going 5 furlongs on synthetic surface
Mr. Ed can’t resist a romantic hunch bet on #6 BLOND JAK (3-1 morning line). The son of a good friend announced his engagement this week to a blonde beauty named Cynthia Jak. I kid you not. Wager at your own risk.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 to Win & Place. ($10)
Race 6 (2:49 p.m. ET/11:49 a.m. PT) — $26K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #5 MACLIN (3-1 morning line) with Irad aboard to crush a field of cheap claimers.
GULFSTREAM PICKS: $10 to Win and $5 Exacta Boxes of 5/4,6. ($30)
Race 8 (3:49 p.m. ET/12:49 p.m. PT) — $23K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on synthetic surface
Mr. Ed likes three for the money: #5 ACE UP HER SLEEVE (2-1 morning line) with Irad riding; #6 ANDIE ONE (4-1), named for trainer Christophe Clement’s daughter and racing analyst, and #7 PASAJERA (3-1) for trainer Peter Walder. Time to eat some chalk.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 9 (4:19 p.m. ET/1:19 p.m. PT) $1 Pick 3
GULFSTREAM PICK:
R9: 2,3,5
R10: 3,5,6,7
R11: 1,3,11,12 ($36)
TOTAL WAGERS: $146
NFL PLAY OF DAY:
Vikings -5.5/ Falcons
