The serious part Kentucky Derby prep season is now underway. The top four finishers in both the Withers and the Holy Bull will receive Kentucky Derby points (10-4-2-1), and they will set themselves up for entry into the next round of preps where the Derby points significantly increase (50-20-10-5).
Play of the Day Race Date February 05, 2022 Track Gulfstream Park Race 7 Overview A competitive renewal of the G3 Kitten’s Joy for 3yo turfers, though the favorites seem stuck in neutral and may be vulnerable to a rising newcomer like #6 ROYAL SPIRIT (5-1). Pace There doesn’t appear to be much here on paper, so being close, with the ability to kick off the far turn, will be key. Trends The turf has played predominantly to speed, so being tactical at the very least, is preferred. Best Bet ROYAL SPIRIT Number 6 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview #6 ROYAL SPIRIT (5-1): Tactical sort looked good…
Play of the Day Race Date February 04, 2022 Track Gulfstream Park Race 3 Overview A modest 25k claimer that doesn’t have too many ways to go. Pace There doesn’t look like there’s much here, which should really help #2 CALCULATED BREEZE (5-2), who set the pace and tired on debut against MSW foes. Trends Speed is never a bad thing on the main track, and the inside has been, as a whole, pretty good as well. Best Bet CALCULATED BREEZE Number 2 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #2 CALCULATED BREEZE (5-2): MSW dropper popped and stopped on debut, though he still hung around for 3rd, and…
Play of the Day Race Date February 03, 2022 Track Gulfstream Park Race 7 Overview A tough starter-optional claimer on the Tapeta, with several different ways to go and a race that offers up plenty of value Pace It looks borderline suicidal, as several in here want to motor early and often, which means it could fall apart in the lane. Trends The Tapeta still leans towards outside stalker/closers but over the last week the rail has come back around and hasn’t been the liability it was the previous 2-3 weeks. Best Bet OLD TOWN ROAD Number 3 Morning Line (7-2) Best Bet Overview #3 OLD TOWN ROAD…
Play of the Day Race Date February 02, 2022 Track Gulfstream Park Race 6 Overview A strong 16k claimer on the Tapeta with several who have the credentials to win this, including a trio of class droppers. Pace It looks basically non-existent, so expect a bunched pack and a frantic sprint to the line late. Trends The Tapeta still leans towards outside stalker/closers but over the last week the rail has come back around and hasn’t been the liability it was the previous 2-3 weeks. Best Bet MIDNIGHT BELLA Number 3 Morning Line (6-1) Best Bet Overview #3 MIDNIGHT BELLA (6-1): Stiff class dropper was simply in too…
Play of the Day Race Date January 30, 2022 Track Gulfstream Park Race 9 Overview A strong 20k starter on the Tapeta, though #3 CUY (5-2) would be tough if he runs back to his last two here. Pace It looks honest enough, as more than a few want to be in front, which should only help #3 CUY (5-2). Trends The Tapeta seems to have evened out over the past few days, especially the rail, which was not the place to be for about two weeks but seems ore than fine of late. Best Bet CUY Number 3 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #3 CUY (5-2):…
Play of the Day Race Date January 29, 2022 Track Gulfstream Park Race 10 Overview The G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf, which brings together several high-quality graded stakes runners, including the defending champ #6 COLONEL LIAM (3-1). Pace It looks plentiful, as more than a few want to be involved early, including #12 Never Surprised (7-2), who drew poorly and will have to go from the wide draw. Trends They have run so few races on turf that it’s tough to get a real feel, but dropping too far out of it isn’t a recipe for success. Best Bet COLONEL LIAM Number 6 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet…
“If you build it – they will come” calmly announced the ethereal, disembodied voice in Field of Dreams. However, that disembodied voice hadn’t contemplated Knicks Go and Life Is Good significantly thinning out the competition in a $3 million race.
Play of the Day Race Date January 28, 2022 Track Gulfstream Park Race 9 Overview A solid 35k claimer on though, though outside post positions seem to have hurt a few of the main contenders. Pace There’s not a lot here, so expect a bunched group and a sprint late. Trends They have run so few races on turf that it’s tough to get a real feel. Best Bet MY SWEET WIFE Number 4 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet Overview #4 MY SWEET WIFE (3-1) (turf only): Exits a very strong 2nd at the level and should be closer early today, and has a much better post than…
Play of the Day Race Date January 27, 2022 Track Gulfstream Park Race 8 Overview A very solid Florida-bred N1X that appears to have several with an abundance of talent worth watching down the road. Pace It looks hot and contested, so an affinity to come from off the pace is preferred. Trends The main track has played to speed but with so much entered here, it’s entirely possible it falls apart, regardless. Best Bet CHASING HAPPINESS Number 8 Morning Line (7-2) Best Bet Overview #8 CHASING HAPPINESS (7-2): Stalker was in a tough spot in a Tampa stakes last time but ran well to be 3rd, and…
