Handicapping Articles

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 12/28/25 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 4 Race overview A competitive OC35k/SAL35k for 2yo fillies at 7 furlongs. Pace It looks honest enough, as several were close in their recent maiden wins, which suggests there could be a scrum for the early lead. Trends You need to be close in dirt sprints, as races are usually won by speed/stalkers, and rarely fall apart in the lane. Best Play #7 AUTHENTIC WAVE (2-1): Recent MSW winner has a massive class edge on these, as she meets five rivals who also just broke their maiden, but did so for…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau Date 12/27/25 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 5 Race overview A wildly deep and competitive 10k claimer for 3up at 1 1/16 miles on Tapeta. Pace It looks like it should be honest, or potentially as, as there are more than a few who want to be involved early. Trends Tapeta routes play much more fairly than the sprints, and even tilt to the stalker/closers who can make up ground in the lane. Best Play #9 FRANK’S ART (4-1): Stiff dropper was 6th at big odds last time but faces much easier today, has a stalking/closing style that suits the…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau Date 12/26/25 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 5 Race overview A solid 6.25k claimer for fm3up at 6 furlongs on the main track. Pace There’s not much here other than #1 CHAINA (9-5), who should be able to shake loose early. Trends You need to be close in dirt sprints, as races are usually won by speed/stalkers, and rarely fall apart in the lane. Best Play #1 CHAINA (9-5): Versatile miss got back to the main track and just-missed by a nose, and while she meets a tough customer (#3), she looks loose, and is also off-the-claim for Delgado (20%).…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 12/24/25 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 5   Race overview A deep and competitive OC 25k/N1X for fm3up at 5Fs on the turf.   Pace It’s a turf sprint, so it should be honest up front, as there are a trio (#5, #6, and #8) who want to be involved early. Trends Turf sprints are won on the lead, or by stalkers with the ability to lay close, as these rarely fall apart in the lane for the closers. Best Play #5 SHADES OF JADE (7-5): Sharp BAQ MSW winner comes in with a world of upside for…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 12/21/25 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 7   Race overview A stellar 6.25k claimer for 3up at 6 furlongs on the main track.   Pace It looks hot and contested, with both inside runners wanting to go early, and the heavy favorite #7 SWIRVIN (7-5) pressing too. Trends You need to be close in dirt sprints, as races are usually won by speed/stalkers, and rarely fall apart in the lane. Best Play #7 SWIRVIN (7-5): Stiff class dropper has been facing much better and more than holding his own, drew perfectly, and just seems spotted to pick…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 12/20/25 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 8   Race overview A solid Florida-bred AOC for fm3up at 6Fs on the main track.   Pace It looks hot and contested, so a rating gear seems imperative. Trends You need to be close in dirt sprints, as races are usually won by speed/stalkers, and rarely fall apart in the lane. Best Play #4 AIRDRIE HILL (2-1): Lynch filly didn’t miss a beat off an 18-month layoff when she easily won on Tapeta, which backed up her dominant dirt debut win here, and now, with that behind her, and…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 12/19/25 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 8   Race overview A deep and competitive 25k claimer for fm3up at 5Fs on Tapeta.   Pace It doesn’t look overly fast on paper, as there are no true burners signed on, so tactical speed—at the very least—seems imperative. Trends Tapeta sprints are won on the lead, or by stalkers with the ability to lay close, as these rarely fall apart in the lane for the closers. Best Play #6 HOT CARGO (5-2): Class dropping pace presser has been facing tons better on both turf and Tapeta while more…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 12/18/25 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 7 Race overview A solid Florida-bred AOC for fm3up at 5 ½ furlongs on Tapeta. Pace There’s plenty of early speed, as more than a few want to be involved early and often. Trends Tapeta sprints are won on the lead, or by stalkers with the ability to lay close, as these rarely fall apart in the lane for the closers. Best Play #7 TREE C’S KAI (5-2): Stalker drew a perfect outside attack post after a solid 3rd against two sharp gals, gets a big jock switch to Velazquez,…

      “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  12/14/25      Featured track  Gulfstream Park      Race number  6       Race overview  A relatively meek 17.5k N2L for fm3up at 1-mile on turf.       Pace  It looks honest enough, as both #1 and #2 should be forward early, and may hook up into the first turn.      Trends  A fast and firm turf course is going to play to speed, so at the very least, you need to be close early, as races rarely fall apart.      Best Play  #7 SEEKING A PRAYER (8-5): In-from runner was just 2nd on Tapeta off…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 12/13/25 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 7   Race overview An extremely strong OC40k/SAL25k for 3up at 7 furlongs.   Pace It looks honest enough, as there are more than a few that want to be close early, and keep each other honest up front as well. Trends You need to be close in dirt sprints, even at this tricky distance, as races rarely fall apart in the lane. Best Play #1 PRINCIPITO (9-5): Stalker was facing much better the last three times he ran here, which included a 2nd in the Smile, as well as…