Gulfstream Park Picks: A Tapeta Tale for December 22

The Gulfstream Park Championship Meet is rolling, and they are ready to begin another week of racing. The jockeys and trainers that will be chasing those respective titles are assembling, which should make for another exciting time ... 

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action related to the Derby Trail! With the Holy Bull, Fountain of Youth, and the Florida Derby, it is going to be another excellent Florida Series @GP! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! 

If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Wednesday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

Most Likely Winner: (Race 5: Septemberten #2, 9/2):

When it comes to a “sure bet” (and maybe that is a misnomer), you might want to take a good look at this class dropper from the barn of Rohan Crichton. With a strong level of fitness coming into this race, 3rd off-the-bench, I think the gelding by Gone Astray can handle this field. Miguel Vasquez’s record in the saddle is questionable, but he is getting a runner that just seems to have been on the receiving end of some poor luck. Maybe today is his, and he certainly could use some relief.

Wager: $100 Win, #2

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 9: Cryptic Creed #5, 8/1):

Spendthrift Farm has a magnificent Stallion Program … Into Mischief, Authentic, Goldencents, etc. However, one that has been making some noise is the former sprinter, Jimmy Creed (by Distorted Humor). His offspring have done well, and I would expect that to continue. If you are looking for some value on this GP card then do not miss this “Creed” from the Tharrenos Barn. Last out, the dark bay gelding was pretty impressive, rating near the front on the AW @GP. That was an MC event for 2-yr-olds, and even though it was a large field, of course he is going need to find more here. I am thinking he is riding the elevator up, and I want to be inside. With odds of 8/1, that price is right for me!

Wager: Graduated Wager, WPS, $100 Bankroll, #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 10: AW, 1 Mile, Clm35k2L, F&M 3+):

Gulfstream has seen its share of rain this past week, so the turf racing has reverted to the Tapeta surface. This puzzle at a mile brings together those females that have never won 2 races. Looking over the form, I am only mildly interested in Peter Walder’s new acquisition from the Chad Brown Stable, Coalition Building #9. Sure, the filly won last time in an MC go, but that was back at Saratoga in August. She could be in need of a freshening. One that appears to be more fit is Mia At Midnight #3. Mike McDonald had this filly by Midnight Lute racing on the AW up at Woodbine, and now she is coming down to try the stuff in South Florida. Angel Arroyo is not a terribly talented jockey, but maybe he can sit on go, providing his mount some good guidance by the end. When it comes to a top selection, I am keen on Joe Orseno’s Polished Lady #5. The former runner from SoCal’s Mike McCarthy midst started in a Clm35k2L contest going 5½F on the new rubber track, and the filly did well—2nd. That was in mid-November, and after a couple of works, she looks promising 2nd off-the-claim. I am hoping Rafael Hernandez will bring some much-needed punch to the situation with this daughter of the great California Chrome. She wins based on her ability to go longer. Let’s go!

Wager: Trifecta Box, $2, 3/5/9

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Enjoy another fab Wednesday trackside for the Championship Meet! Best of luck on another run at Gulfstream Park!