Mr. Ed’s Gulfstrream Picks for Sunday, January 5:
DOWN, FAR FROM OUT: Today marks the low point in this handicapper’s season, which begins each year with the Pegasus Invitational on January 25 and concludes with the Breeders’ Cup weekend in early November. Most East Coast race days between the first-class events offer only quality racing on weekends. Today at Gulfstream is no exception — a 10-race card lacking any stakes action. However, Mr. Ed soldiers on for VSiN and its horse-betting fans. If anyone has the ability to produce something from nothing, it’s Mr. Ed. Here are his Gulfstream picks for today.
Mr. Ed’s Selections for Sunday, January 5, at Gulfstream
Race 1 (12:20 p.m. ET/9:20 a.m. PT) — $25K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 4YOs going 5 ½ furlongs on synthetic surface
Mr. Ed likes a pair to get the races rolling: #1 MIGRATORY (2-1 morning line) for veteran conditioner Phil Antonacci with Tyler Gaffalione picking up the mount, and #3 IRISH WISH (7-2) for Mark Casse, who ships gelding down from Parx. Big rider upgrade to Irad Oritz.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Daily Double 1,3 with 3,5 in Race 2. ($20)
Race 2 (12:48 p.m. ET/9:48 a.m. PT) — $23K CLAIMING for fillies and mares 4YOs & up going a mile and 70 yards on synthetic surface
My choices to complete the chalky Daily Double are #1 DIAMONDS FOR LILY (9-5 morning line) for trainer Steven Dye with crafty Luis Saez riding, and #5 ANDIE ONE (7-2) for Patrick Biancone with young rider David Egan.
Race 5 (2:14 p.m. ET/11:14 a.m. PT) — $94K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs going a mile on turf
I like three outsiders: #10 WE SEA YOU (6-1 morning line) for respected trainer Jack Sisterson with jockey David Egan; #11 CLOSE UP (5-1) for excellent conditioner Cherie DeVaux, and #13 JALILA (6-1), trained by Gustavo Delgado and ridden by HOFer Javier Castellano.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (2:49 p.m. ET/11:49 a.m. PT) — $41K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 4YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on synthetic surface
Mr. Ed likes #3 BE LIKE CLINT (8-5 morning line) with Irad Ortiz Jr. returning to the saddle for Fernando Abreu. Consistent 6YO gelding shortens up and moves off turf. Go ahead, make Mr. Ed’s day.
GULFSTREAM BEST BET: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 8 (3:51 p.m. ET/12:51 p.m. PT) — $96K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 4YOs & up going 1 ½-miles on turf
Mr. Ed likes #2 BREES (4-1 morning line) for trainer Shug McGaughey who teams with top jock Irad Ortiz Jr. Son of Flatter is overdue for a return trip to Winner’s Circle. Should handle the added distance.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta Box with 1,12,14. ($40)
Races 8-10 (3:51 p.m. ET/12:51 p.m. PT) $1 Pick 3
R8: 1,2,5,12,14
R9: 5,6,7
R:10: 4,8,11
GULFSTREAM PICK: ($45)
Race 10 (4:51 p.m. ET/1:51 p.m. PT) — $94K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 4YOs & up going a mile on turf
I like #8 JUST SO PRETTY (2-1 morning line) for superior trainer Danny Gargan, who hires Tyler Gaffalione to ride. Gal looks to break maiden following a sharp effort in the last race. Recent speed figures attract Mr. Ed’s support at windows.
GULFSTREAM PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $175
NFL PICK:
Bills -2.5 over Patriots
