A Rich Stakes Saturday

Looking forward to the great races at Gulfstream Park on this very rich Stakes Saturday. We examine the big race of the day.

Gulfstream Park Race 12 {Pegasus World Cup Invitational~G1~1 1/8 mile~4 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A rich and fabulous field of twelve will line up in the second running of the world's richest horse race. There are eight millionaires in this field making it a star-studded cast. There is speed-o-plenty to get a fierce pace on. Speed numbers are reflective of the quality of the runners. This will be the most anticipated race of the day.

#10 Gun Runner (Geroux / Asmussen) is the horse of the year (2017) and will go off as the deserved favorite. He holds the highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and four super strong peaking workouts. He will be going for his fifth win in a row with the highest speed number at the distance and a 85% in the money record at it. A son of Candy Ride [ARG], he will be forwardly placed ready to strike. A very small win bet is warranted as the odds will be very short.

$1 WIN.

#11 Seeking the Soul (J. Velazquez / D. Stewart) should make another improvement with a couple of excellent last out speed numbers (winning both), a four race progression, and four superb peaking workouts. This guy could be sitting on a big performance, especially if the speed hits the boiling point. A son of Perfect Soul [IRE], he is 100% in the money at this distance from five starts.

$3 SHOW.

#2 West Coast (Castellano / Baffert) should pose a significant challenge with the third highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and four sensational peaking workouts. He holds the second highest speed number at the distance and has two victories in only two tries. A millionaire son of Flatter, he has the tactical speed to stay the course.

$2 SHOW.

#9 Toast of New York (Detorri / Osborne) comes over from across the pond. His connections would not send him if they didn't feel he was ready, willing and able to compete. He last ran in Great Britain after an extended layoff. This guy will be cutting back in distance from his last and has gotten a peaking workout over the Gulfstream track. A son of Thewayouare, he should be tracking the pace strategically and uncork in the stretch.

$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Collected (Smith / Baffert) should contend with the fourth highest speed number at the distance all the while scoring two wins in two tries at it. He has put in four exceptional peaking workouts in preparation for this big race. A son of City Zip, this millionaire holds an 84% in the money record from thirteen career starts.

#6 Gunnevera (L. Saez  / Sano) will be in the mix as the hometown favorite. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four hearty workouts. Cutting back in distance and exhibiting tremendous closing capability he poses a serious threat should the pace over heat. A son of Dialed In, this millionaire has already hit the board at this distance in his only effort at it.

10 CENT Superfecta

#10 Gun Runner  /  #11 Seeking the Soul, #2 West Coast  /  #9 Toast of New York, #5 Collected, #6 Gunnevera  /  ALL.

$1 Pentafecta (Super Hi-Five)

#10 Gun Runner  /  #11 Seeking the Soul  /  #2 West Coast  /  #9 Toast of New York  /  #5 Collected, #6 Gunnevera.

Furlong Friday Results

Santa Anita Park R7.  Optional Claiming. Our pick, Incensed, won (1st) for win money of $4.60 and show money of $3.30.

Superfecta went 8-9-1-5.

Bankroll gains a buck and change to settle at $51.68.