Gulfstream Park Picks & Betting Analysis for September 30

We cover Gulfstream Park this Thursday, and they are sure to have some nice prices for what amounts to a solid 8-race card.

Over the summer, the Stronach Group, who owns GP, made the decision to convert one of its turf courses into an all-weather surface. Thus inaugurated the 1st North American racetrack to have all 3 types of ground available to run on. It should be interesting to see how this surface impacts the handicapping of races. 

Check out these selections and some targeted analysis from J.N. Campbell. If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Thursday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

Most Likely Winner: (Race 6: Candymeister #4, 5/2):

Out of these 2-yr-old fillies, this one looks particularly inviting because not only is she out of Bodemeister, but trainer Gil Zerpa’s runner improved last time in an MC event at Gulfstream. It is going to take a bit of extra effort, but she should be up to it. Expert GP specialist Emisael Jaramillo is in the saddle, and he should be in command from the start. Getting the jump on this field might be the best tactic. With a record of 2/1-1-0, there is much to build on here from a barn that continues to show promise.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Aspropodia #2, 6/1):

When it comes to experience at a class level like this one, few will have as many starts as this one. A filly out of Mshawish, Renaldo Richards sends her to the GP track with 13 starts under her saddle. She has yet to break her maiden, but I suspect that her time might be coming. Her past 2 attempts were close ones, where she almost hit the board. I know this is not horseshoes, but that kind of “near miss” can be telling. Her fitness is at a high level, and that could go a long way to helping her secure the win, with Miguel Vazquez at the controls.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: AW, 1 Mile 70 yds, St.ALLW37k, 3+):

Taking to the new all-weather surface at Gulfstream, handicappers are still looking for clues to how this new surface will play. Of course, a likely angle is to uncover some former turfers, and to try and see if they offer some viable solutions. Since all 7 that are drawn in here have grass experience, class could be telling. I am not overly enthusiastic about Ed Plesa’s Vow Me Now #4. The gelding out of Broken Vow will probably be the race time favorite, but at 8/5 on the M/L, there is little value here. Sure, he won last time out at a short price, but he did all of his running on the frontend. I will use him, but I would rather look for a better priced runner elsewhere.

I think I found just what I am looking for in Patrick Biancone’s Madeira Wine #2. At 8/1, the 3-yr-old out of English Channel is priced to buy. As a homebred, she has that going for her, plus who doesn’t like the angle of taking on the boys. In her last race, she showed good energy down the lane. Now, going for her 3rd start in the cycle, with Romero Maragh aboard, she could be ready to notch the 2nd score of her career. Adding in Ron Spatz’s Light Fury #3, owned by Monarch Stables, and that should round out a nice Trifecta Wheel play. Take a look …

Wagering Recommendation: Trifecta Wheel, 2 w 3/4 w 3/4

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Enjoy some racing from South Florida! Best of luck on another run at Gulfstream Park!