Football season is behind us, so the saying around VSiN is we’re looking forward to March Madness . . . and March is here! However, here at Team Tuley, we’re looking just as much toward the Kentucky Derby while also trying to find value at tracks from coast to coast each weekend.
This Saturday, Rampart race and sports book manager Duane Colucci and my friend Ed Sehon (aka Mr. Ed from his Saratoga column here at VSiN.com last summer) have four plays apiece, focusing most on the Fountain of Youth card at Gulfstream Park. But we also have plays from John Lauro and yours truly as we also hit on plays from Aqueduct and Santa Anita.
Note: for my regular readers, I don’t have a 1stBET A.I. Pick of the Week this week as you’ll find 1stBET has a special promotion this week at VSiN.com/horses where they give 15 A.I. picks.
Good luck today (and every day).
SATURDAY
Gulfstream Race No. 5 (2:10 p.m. ET/11:10 a.m. PT)
Ed Sehon likes #7 Family Way (12-1 morning line) in the Grade 3 The Very One Stakes. “This 5-year-old daughter of Uncle Mo kicks off her 2022 campaign for trainer Brendan Walsh, who is having an excellent meet. Last seen in the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor stakes at Woodbine in October, mare drops today, shows a steady work pattern, cuts back in distance and favorite jockey Tyler Gaffalione returns to ride. By running her today, owner indicates it’s no time to start a family. Wager: Win and Place.”
Gulfstream Race No. 9 (4:10 p.m. ET/1:10 p.m. PT)
Ed Sehon likes #3 Jouster (9-2 morning line) in the Grade 3 Honey Fox Stakes. “Every piece of this racing puzzle fits here: jockey (Luis Saez), trainer (Todd Pletcher), distance (mile), surface (turf), track (Gulfstream) and class (Grade 3). What’s not to like? Wager: Win and 3,8,9 Exacta Box.”
Duane Colucci likes #8 Wakanaka (6-1 morning line). “Bill Mott trainee had a solid effort in the Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf and switches to jockey Jose Ortiz. When combining these two, they are hitting at an incredible 70 percent this meet with a $6.26 ROI. Workouts are solid! Bet 8 to Win and key 8 over 3,7 and 9 in exactas, trifectas and reverse.”
Gulfstream Race No. 10 (4:40 p.m. ET/1:40 .m. PT)
Duane Colucci likes #6 Ny Traffic (9-2 morning line) in the Grade 2 WinStar Gulfstream Park Mile Stakes. “Last seen crushing state-breds, Ny Traffic has tactical speed and enough class to win this. Irad Ortiz Jr. retains the mount and is hitting 39 percent this year for Saffie Joseph Jr.. Bet 6 to Win and key 6 over 3,4 and 7 in exactas, trifectas and reverse.”
Ed Sehon also likes #6 Ny Traffic (9-2). “This gelding has a stellar record of firing when fresh — and, after four months on the bench, he’s ready for a maximum effort. One-turn mile well within reach for top trainer-jockey combo of Saffie Joseph Jr. and Irad Ortiz. NY-bred will have little trouble handling Florida traffic. Wager: Win.”
Gulfstream Race No. 11 (5:10 p.m. ET/2:10 p.m. PT)
Dave Tuley likes #4 Tide of the Sea (20-1 morning line) in the Grade 2 Mac Diarmida Stakes. “Everyone will be looking for a closer in this 1 3/8-mile turf race, but we see speed horses steal these a lot. Michael Maker is a master trainer on the turf and this 6-year-old gelding is actually shortening up and should be the pacesetter. Mott also adds blinkers, so hopefully that keeps Tide of the Sea focused on the task. Wager: Win and Place.”
Gulfstream Race No. 12 (5:42 p.m. ET/2:42 p.m. PT)
Ed Sehon likes #7 A.P.’s Secret (15-1 morning line) in the Grade 1 Fountain of Youth Stakes. “This sophomore has shown steady improvement since his debut last November, and based on his recent works, appears ready to take another step forward on Kentucky Derby Trail. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. taps Tyler Gaffalione to ride. The two morning-line favorites, #2 Simplification (5-2) and #8 Emmanuel (3-1), capable of in-the-money finishes. Wager: Win, Place and 2,7,8 Exacta Box.”
Duane Colucci likes #2 Simplification (5-2 morning line). “This colt had a horrendous start in the Holy Bull but still ran respectable.The Feb. 19 workout ensures his readiness. Jose Ortiz will keep him in striking distance and should get the job done. Bet 2 to Win and key 2 over 4,5,6 and 9 in exactas, trifectas and reverse.”
John Lauro likes #8 Emmanuel (3-1 morning line). “Put down Emmanuel as my best bet of the day. Undefeated, untested and I think he does the same to this field. Also bet a straight 8-6 Exacta with Emmanuel over #6 Rattle N Roll, who I think needs a race – he’s been off since October – before you’ll see his bet.”
Aqueduct Race No. 8 (4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT)
Duane Colucci likes #1 Runninsonofagun (30-1 morning line) in the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes. “This John Toscano Jr. claim crushed optional allowance field on Jan. 22, followed by steady workouts, including the eye-popping one on Feb. 27. New jockey ensures a huge price in this wide-open field. Bet 1 to Win and key 1 over 4,5 and 9 in exactas, trifectas and reverse.”
Santa Anita Race No. 6 (5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT)
Dave Tuley likes #3 Armagnac (5-1 morning line) in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes. “I usually don’t take this short of a Win price, but this is just a seven-horse field. Bob Baffert hitting 47 percent when he gives a leg up to jockey John Velazquez, who rode this colt when he broke is maiden back on Jan. 21 in wire-to-wire fashion. Wager: Just Win, baby.”
