Gulfstream Park Picks: Holy Bull S. Day on February 5

The Gulfstream Park Championship Meet is full-steam-ahead! With the addition of Tapeta, plus the MT and Turf Course, it gives bettors a myriad of options!

Saturday is Holy Bull S. Day at the South Florida track, and that means a full 12-race card brimming with action. We will have you covered with not only with the KYD148 Points race, but also the Sweetest Chant S., plus a Late Pick 4 ticket for you betting enjoyment! 

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action related to the Derby Trail! With the 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 Saturday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Do not forget to follow us on Twitter ... @Horseracing_USA ...

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LATE PICK 4 …

LEG 1: (Race 9: Dirt, 7F, OC62.5k, 4+)

The kickoff to this Late P4 is a tough 1-turn, full field contest on the MT. This is going to be a long road, but I have a couple of strong opinions. My top choice is Mark Casse’s layoff entry, Soup and Sandwich #8. This colt by Into Mischief was a “rising star” along the Derby Trail, and it is good to see him return to the racetrack. The choice of Luis Saez is an excellent move, and I like the slate of workouts of late … This 4-yr-old should be ready to fire. Just in case this one doesn’t, I also like another layoff runner called Candy Man Rocket #12. You will remember this son of Candy Ride (ARG) when he won the Sam Davis (G3) at Tampa. Now, his 2022 debut has arrived … With regular rider Junior Alvarado back at the controls, it will be interesting to see Frank Fletcher’s charge back in action. Trainer Bill Mott has gotten this one ready, and I like the angle. Either of these colts looks full of promise, and their prices will be more than square!

Selections: 8/12 (2-Deep)

LEG 2: (Race 10: Turf, 1 1/16th, Sweetest Chant S. (G3), $100k, 3F)

Heading to the GP Turf Course, we find ourselves in the middle of a challenging Grade 3. This is just the type of race where a long shot could force the destruction of many a ticket. After this race, if you told me Saffie Joseph’s Running Legacy #9 won, or Myfavoritedaughter #5 took home the top spot, I would just nod in agreement. In other words, you could make a case for any one of these. I do not often advocate hitting the “All” button, but if you can afford it, then it is something to consider. As far a top pick, I do like Javier Castellano’s mount, Ocean Safari #6. Trainer Gil Zerpa does not have a large barn, but that doesn’t mean he cannot make a play here. Last out, in the 100k Ginger Brew, this filly by Temple City was pretty competitive. One other turfer that I would not leave out, is Chad Brown’s Miss You Ella #7. Ridden by expert lawn jockey Irad Ortiz, there is no way that this daughter of Declaration of War is going to be 10/1 come post time. She must be considered a major play ... what with her breeding ... plus, the connections that are involved here. Let’s err on the side of caution, and go as deep as possible.

Selections: 1-10 (All)

LEG 3: (Race 11: Dirt, 1 1/16th, Holy Bull S.(G3), $250k, 3)

Earlier in the week, I said I was against Todd Pletcher’s entry in the Holy Bull S. on Saturday, and I am standing by that assertion. Mo Donegal #2 will be a popular choice on Saturday afternoon, and there are more than a few bettors who think he has the ability to get to the Derby Day Starting Gate. I am sure that is possible, but I do not think that he makes the switch from Aqueduct to Gulfstream Park. Instead, I am sold on the running ability of Kenny McPeek’s Tiz the Bomb #6. I think the breeding and talent of this colt is impressive, and even though I might not be a fan of Phoenix T-Breds, I think the world of this conditioner. He brings Brian Hernandez in from the Fair Grounds to ride, and I do not think that the surface switch will be much of an issue at all. We last saw this runner at Del Mar in the BC Juv. Turf (G1), and we all know how surreal that contest was for everyone. It is good to see McPeek’s charge working well. What this colt by Hit It a Bomb can do is rate, and use his late gears to effect. It should be a fair track on Saturday at Gulfstream, and this one will be a great price. This is a “Single” for me … plain and simple.

Selections: 6 (Single)

LEG 4: (Race 12: Turf, 1 Mile, Clm16k, 4+)

The “curtain call” on this Saturday Late Pick 4 at Gulfstream Park is, of course, a claiming contest on the turf. My top selection, and probably one of my best bets of the day, is Jane Cibelli’s Flowmotion #2. Here is a gelding by Warrior’s Reward that is getting back to the grass after a rest. He was on the Tapeta at Gulfstream back in November, and did not do well. That is ok because sometimes these regular grass types do not always appreciate the surface switch. I like the fact that the experienced 8-yr-old is drawn in the 2-hole, and that means that Junior Alvarado can take up a position 2-3 off the front. He doesn’t need the lead, but it cannot hurt. Cibelli does not have a magnificent meet going on right now, but she is particularly good in spots like these. The level is appropriate considering this one’s back class. He is going to be a price. In case I am flat wrong about this entry, then I am going to take a few of the horses that are drawn to the outside. They are at a disadvantage being drawn out that far, but this is turf racing, and anything can happen. The green bloodline of Surprise Factor #9 … the riding ability of Luis Saez on Vettori Kin #10 … the class relief for Mo Ready #12 … and finally, the experience at this track for Also-Eligible, Uncle Curly #13 … are all compelling. These reasons make me want to put these in. Let’s use them, and get this ticket home!

Selections: 2/9/10/12/13AE (4 or 5-Deep)

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Ticket: 8-12 / 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 / 6 / 2-9-10-12-13AE

.50 LP4 TICKET COST: $50.00

Enjoy some action from South Florida at Gulfstream Park! The Championship Meet continues … Be sure to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!