Gulfstream Park Picks: Saffie Joseph's Li Li Bear with a chance on January 19

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!

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: Pharoah’s Song #4, 7/2):

It is not often that backing a 1st time starter makes sense … but try this one … Trainer Chad Brown has a strong rep when it comes to turf racing and routing. Here is a filly by American Pharoah that is clearly well-bred, and should be a square price on Wednesday. This is a big field, and Brown has an uncoupled entry drawn-in too. With Tyler Gaffalione in the saddle, that should make for a potent combination. When Brown invades for their turf racing … watch out!

Wager: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 4: Li Li Bear #2, 6/1):

Trainer Saffie Joseph is having a strong Meet in South Florida, and he has worked hard to achieve this success against some long odds. With an uncoupled entry, I much prefer Luis Saez’s mount. A filly by Liam’s Map, she won nicely in her 1st try for the new barn. That was a sprint on the Tapeta in a MSW55k event. She dueled well down the lane against an opponent who then came back to win next out. Though heading to the grass in the Ginger Brew 100k on New Year’s Day did not yield a positive result—6th—she can put that experience to use. Switching to the dirt will give her the Trifecta when it comes to surface switches. I like the move to Luis Saez, she gets Lasix for the 1st time, and sprint-route-sprint configuration is a pleasing thought. I am hoping that she could be 6/1 come post time, but getting bet down is a distinct possibility. Tote watch time …

Wager: Graduated Wager, WPS, $100 Bankroll, #2 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 5F, AOC75k, 3):

Back to the turf for this high-level OC contest, and we are going to be turning and burning out there. I am sure that famed turf sprint trainer Wesley Ward and his colt by Not This Time will end up being the favorite. Lucci #7 was part of Ward’s annual European summer vacation at Royal Ascot back in June. Johnny V rode him in the contentious Norfolk S. (G2), and he faired well coming in 5th. He only missed by a length in what was a blanket finish. Now, Ward has him ready to make her 2022 debut, and he is going to let him loose with Tyler Gaffalione in the saddle. I have not spoken to Ward, but I am sure that it is safe to assume that his maturity, and growth over the fall and into the winter was extraordinary. Horses in this age group make leaps when it comes to development … physical and mental. Is he worth betting? Not at a short price like 2/5, but I would use her in any type of horizontal wager. When it comes to a rival in this spot, I see Antonio Sano’s Barone Cesco #4 as an interesting threat. This colt by Klimt was moderately-priced at the OBS Spring Sale last year, and has a track record of running against some quality “Non-G” opponents. In 5 career starts, his win came when he broke his maiden on debut at Saratoga. That is not easy to do, nor is ratcheting up the ladder in class. Luis Saez goes head-to-head once again with Gaffilione, and this contest for the jockey title is still in the former’s hands. Another round … I think Saez wins, and will be playing it as such!

Wager: Exacta Cold, $2, 4 w 7

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