Handicapping Articles

  “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…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 1/9/26 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 6   Race overview A relatively weak state-bred OC20k/N1X for 4up at 1-mile.   Pace There’s not much here, which means #5 SKELLIG MICHAEL (9-5) could shake loose on the stretchout. Trends Speed can be tough at this trip, as things can get spread out by the far turn, which makes it difficult to make up significant ground. Best Play #5 SKELLIG MICHAEL (9-5): Talented but hit-or-miss sort was close early, dropped back, then came again late last time going shorter, now stretches out, gets Irad, and figures to be much…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 1/8/26 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 4   Race overview A relatively weak 8k N3L for fm4up at 5Fs on Tapeta.   Pace There’s not much true sprint speed here, other than #5 FACE THE MUSIC (8-5), which should only flatter her chances. Trends Speed plays sprinting on Tapeta, as races rarely fall apart in the lane, and routinely play to front runners/pace pressers. Best Play #5 FACE THE MUSIC (8-5): Saffie mare was just 3rd at the level behind a pair who both came back to win, looks like the controlling speed in here, and doesn’t…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 1/4/26 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 10 Race overview An extremely deep MSW for 3yo fillies at 1-mile on turf. Pace There are a slew of first-time starters here, and a few experienced runners who have shown speed, so things figure honest up front. Trends The turf has been a paved highway all meet, and with the rails out at a whopping 73’ here, you have to be able to lay close early. Best Play #5 MOHAWK MOON (9-2) (turf only): Walsh firster hasn’t missed an AM beat since coming to South Florida and was visually impressive…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 1/3/26 Featured track Gulfstream Park Race number 8   Race overview An extremely deep and competitive OC25k/N1X for 4up at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.   Pace It looks on the slow side, with just #9 a confirmed front runner, so at the very least, you better be able to stalk the pace early. Trends The turf has been a paved highway all meet, and with the rails out at a whopping 73’ here, you have to be able to lay close early. Best Play #5 GEORGE BRIGGS (4-1) (turf only): Brown charge has hinted at big…