Going Long On the Turf in South Florida

 We look in on a classic Turf battle down in South Florida on this Superfecta Sunday.

Gulfstream Park Race 8 {1 1/2 mile~TURF~4 year-old Up~Allowance Optional Claiming}

A talented field of twelve will hit the grass in this feature event.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

For a long-distance Turf race there is plenty of speed to produce a contentious pace. Speed figs are fairly close. Only five have gone this distance while the rest will make the stretch out. Five will attempt the Gulfstream course for the first time. All look well prepped. It should be one of the best races on the day.

#3 Vesting [IRE] (Gaffalione / C. Brown) will stretch out with four superb workout in preparation. It will be his first effort over the Gulfstream course. He has a triple digit speed fig over the surface. This gelding has the tactical speed to adjust to the pace as it presents itself. A son of Blue Point [IRE], he is 40% in the money from five starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#1 The Ginger Wizard [IRE] (Castellano / Motion) holds the highest last out speed number at a marathon two-mile distance. A stout workout adds to his luster. He has hit the board in his two starts at the distance while racing in Ireland. Look for him to track and close dynamically. A son of Calyx [GB], he is 50% in the money from six starts.

#5 L'Antharis [FR] (Alvarado / Mott) is the deserved favorite with the second highest last out speed number and four solid workouts. He should track the pace and strike in the stretch. This guy will stretch out slightly to capture this distance. A son of Soldier Hollow [GB], he is 46% in the money from fifteen starts.

#12 Protective (Zayas / Pletcher) is another that will stretch out slightly. He has earned some very good speed numbers in his last three and posted three hearty works in preparation. This new gelding will track and close vibrantly. A son of Medaglia d'Oro, he is 55% in the money from nine starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#7 Harry Hood (Velazquez / Hennig) is another with tactical speed to stay the pace. He loves this distance having hit the board twice in his three tries. This guy holds the fourth highest (3-way tie) last out speed number and two sound workouts. A son of First Samurai, he is 43% in the money from sixteen starts.

#13 Bring Me a Check (L. Saez / Maker) will stretch out significantly with one strong workout. He should track the pace closely. He holds the most victories of the group at seven. This guy loves the Turf and has hit the board at Gulfstream in his first try over the course. A son of Fast Anna, he is 59% in the money from fifty-four starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#3 Vesting [IRE]  +  #1 The Ginger Wizard [IRE]  +  #5 L'Antharis [FR]  +  #12 Protective.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($7.20)

#3 Vesting [IRE]  /  #1 The Ginger Wizard [IRE],  #5 L'Antharis [FR]  /  #1,  #5,  #12 Protective,  #7 Harry Hood,  #13 Bring Me a Check  /  ALL.

Best of luck with all your Superfecta Sunday wagers!!!

 

Stakes Saturday Down in Arkansas

 Happy New Year!

We look in on a terrific Kentucky Derby prep down in Arkansas.

Oaklawn Park Race 9 {Smarty Jones Stakes~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Stakes}

A modest group of eight will go to the gate in search Derby points.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is enough speed to carry the pace forward. Speed numbers are fairly close. Only three have raced over the Oaklawn track. Also, three have gone this distance. This race is one of two on the Derby prep schedule for today. The other is the Jerome Stakes up at Aqueduct. It should be a fine Stakes Saturday race to begin the New Year.

#8 Coal Battle (J. Vargas / Briley) is seeking his third win in a row after winning the Springboard Mile at Remington Park last out. He holds the second highest last out speed number and three sharp peaking workouts. This colt will stretch out for this one and run over the Oaklawn track for the first time. He should track the pace and launch into the stretch. A son of Coal Front, he has a 60% win rate from five starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#5 Mo Quality (Alvarado / C. Davis) will be making his third career start with the fourth highest last out speed number and three hearty workouts. He should track the pace closely. This guy will stretch out and try the Oaklawn track for the first time. A son of Mo Town, he is 100% in the money from two starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Hot Property (Prat / B. Cox) comes up from Fair Grounds after winning his maiden. He holds a good speed number achieving it over the dirt and distance. Look for him to be the speed. Four solid workouts should help him hold on in the stretch. A son of Medaglia d'Oro, he will seek to retain his 100% win rate.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#4 Bon Temps (M. Garcia / Lukas) has shown improvement in speed numbers in his two starts. With three power workouts, he could take a big step forward. He will be making his third start in the form cycle. Look for him to track the pace and strike in the stretch. A son of Bravazo, he will try to hit the board for the first time.

#3 Optical (Concepcion / Desormeaux) holds the third highest last out speed number and three aggressive workouts. He should sit right off of the speed. This guy has gone this distance, but will try the Oaklawn track for the first time. A son of City of Light, he is 42% in the money from seven starts.

#1 Kale's Angel (R. Vazquez / P. Miller) holds the highest last out speed number and one diligent workout. He has the tactical speed to meld into the pace. This lad will stretch out to the distance. He is one of two that have won over the Oaklawn track. A son of Complexity, he has a 40% win rate from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#8 Coal Battle  ///  #5 Mo Quality,  #6 Hot Property,  #4 Bon Temps,  #3 Optical,  #1 Kale's Angel.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#5,  #6,  #4,  #3,  #1  ///  #8 Coal Battle.

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday plays!!!