Handicapping

Happy Pegasus Day!  Gulfstream Park hosts the first big day of racing of the year headlined by the $3 million Pegasus Invitational. Also on the card is the former Le Prevoyante Stakes which has been renamed for the late, great Christophe Clement. It’s a fitting honor given that Clement won the race six times. He should already be in the Hall of Fame – hopefully that honor comes soon, albeit posthumously.   Trivia Question: Which jockey has won the most Pegasus World Cups Invitational Stakes?  Race 12  The Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational  Stakes – Grade I  One Mile and a Furlong on the Turf for Four Year Olds and Upward   Test Score:Was consistent against three year olds hitting the board in seven of eight starts with three stakes wins including the Grade I Belmont Derby. Last out in the Hollywood Derby he finished third after being blocked (85 Beyer). Water is too deep today.  Program Trading:First off a year plus layoff he just missed…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 1/23/26 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 6   Race overview A slow group of 35k 3yo fillies at 6 furlongs on the main track.   Pace It looks honest but not too fast, as there are a few who want to be close early, but no confirmed true sprint speedsters either. Trends You need to be close on the main track, as dirt races are routinely won on, or just off the early lead. Best Play #7 PRACTICALLY FAMOUS (8-5): Well-drawn filly drops, is best on paper, has the speed to be involved throughout, and gets first-time…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 1/22/26 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 5   Race overview A relatively meek 8k N2L for fm4up at 1 1/16 miles on Tapeta.   Pace It looks honest but not too fast, as there are a few who want to be close early, but no confirmed speedsters either. Trends Speed isn’t as lethal routing on Tapeta, especially in a compact group like this, so expect a sprint off the far turn. Best Play #4 AMELIA (2-1): Turf MCL winner gets back to Tapeta, where she was a very fast (for this group) 2nd two-back, and a repeat…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 1/18/26 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 6   Race overview A relatively meek 50k claimer for fm4up at 1m 70 yards on Tapeta.   Pace It looks honest enough, as there is a stretchout sprinter (#2) and a few others who seem to want to be close early on. Trends Speed isn’t as lethal routing on Tapeta, especially in a compact group like this, so expect a sprint off the far turn. Best Play #3 ANNIE GOODBODY (7-5): Turf class dropper has been facing tons better on the lawn, ran well in both Tapeta starts this summer,…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 1/17/26 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 10   Race overview A deep and competitive MSW for 4up at 1 1/16 miles on turf.   Pace There’s little on paper, which suggests that (turf) newcomer #6 PITKIN (5-2) could shake loose after flying in his grass work. Trends Speed rules on turf, and while there was rain early in the week, things haven’t seemed to change much all meet long, regardless. Best Play #6 PITKIN (5-2) (turf only): Dirt runner has always shown talent but hasn’t been able to put it all together, but after a dud in…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 1/16/26 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 7   Race overview A modest 8k claimer for fm4up at 7 furlongs on the main track.   Pace It looks on the tepid side, so the ability to lay close early seems imperative, at what can be a very tricky distance. Trends Speed is always going to play on the dirt, though it’s worth noting the inside seemed deep and laboring last week. Best Play #3 WORTH CONSIDERING (8-5): David filly got back to the main and dominated N2L foes on the lead last time at 1m, and while she…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 1/15/26 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 9   Race overview A modest 25k starter-allowance for fm4up at 5 furlongs on Tapeta.   Pace It looks hot and contested on the inside, as both #1 and #2 want to motor early, which should set it up for #3 VUELA PALOMA. Trends Speed plays sprinting on Tapeta, so you need to at least have the tactical ability to lay close early, as races rarely fall apart late. Best Play #3 VUELA PALOMA (9-5): In-form runner has posted a 4-2-2-0 record since shifting to the Tapeta, and drew well to…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 1/11/26 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 6   Race overview A competitive bottom-level 6.25k claimer for 4up at 6 ½ furlongs.   Pace It looks hot and contested, as more than a few want to motor early, including #1 and #3, who dueled together last time. Trends Speed plays sprinting on the main, so you need to at least have the tactical ability to lay close early, as races rarely fall apart late. Best Play #5 PET MAT (2-1): Tapeta router cuts back and returns to the main, where he won earlier this year, adds blinkers, and…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 1/10/26 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 7 Race overview A solid 25k claimer for 4up at 5 ½ furlongs on Tapeta. Pace It looks like #2 Surf’s Up will go from the inside, with #4 SPLIT STRIKE (5-2) pressing from the outside. Trends Speed is lethal sprinting on Tapeta, as races rarely fall apart late, and are routinely won by horses on, or just off the early pace. Best Play #4 SPLIT STRIKE (5-2): Woodbine invader enters fresh and has been working up a storm locally, has a GP Tapeta win, drew perfectly, and goes for an…