Gulfstream West Racetrack

Address: 21001 NW 27th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33056

Website: www.gulfstreampark.com

Meeting:  Gulfstream Park West conducts racing from the beginning of October until the end of November, filling in the two-month gap during which Gulfstream Park is on hiatus. Dates and major races have been slowly chipped away at over the years, but the track does still offer quality racing on both dirt and turf. Gulfstream Park West’s biggest day is Millions Preview Day, which features nine stakes worth $75,000 apiece as a prelude to Florida Millions Day.

History:  Gulfstream Park West, formerly known as Calder Race Course, was the brainchild of Stephen A. Calder, who in the mid-1960’s wanted to bring summertime racing to Florida. The track officially opened on May 6, 1971, and the following year the meet expanded, taking over the dates previously held by Tropical Park. The track continued to grow in popularity through the decades as it changed hands a few times, and in 1999, Churchill Downs Incorporated bought the track for about $86 million. CDI quickly introduced the Florida Millions and Summit of Speed, formerly two of the track’s biggest days of racing. A tense standoff in the mid-2010’s between CDI and The Stronach Group, who operate Gulfstream Park, resulted in the latter taking over the racing operations of Calder, which it renamed to Gulfstream Park West.

Facilities: An adjoining casino is the main attraction at Gulfstream Park West, which has seen its racing facilities severely reduced in recent years. The casino opened in 2010 and features slot machines, video poker, as well as electronic roulette and blackjack. There is also a player’s club, VIP lounge, and several dining options on the premises.

2017 Takeout Rates

WPS: 17%

Exacta: 20%

Trifecta: 26%

Superfecta: 26%

Hi-5: 15%

Daily Double: 20%

Pick-3: 20%

Pick-4: 20%

Pick-5: 15%

Pick-6: 20%

2017 Avg. Field Size: 8.05