Gulfstream Park Picks: Shug's On Alert on February 16

The Gulfstream Park Championship Meet is moving towards March at a breakneck pace! 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 S. now in the books, is time to turn our attention to the rest of the South Florida Series ... the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, set for early March. Then the April running of the Grade 1 Florida Derby follows, as the Sunshine State Derby Trail concludes!

It is a good time for some of the greatest racing that North America 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. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!

Most Likely Winner: (Race 1: Aeronaut #7, 4/1):

This is a tough race (all tags) that might be taken off-the-turf, if weather rolls in and drops some significant rainfall. I still like this Frank Russo-trainee because this son of Orb’s form looks solid. Tyler Gaffalione has the ability to rival either of the Ortiz Bros, and wouldn’t it be excellent if this 4-yr-old could use those prior “Speed Figs” to win the day. He has the experience, and the proper rider. All in … 4/1 … yes, please!

Wager: $100 Win, #7

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 4: Juno Sea #1, 20/1):

Trainer Brian Lynch has already had a stupendous week, what with his major score in the Sam Davis at Tampa. He returns to Gulfstream with a long shot in-tow, but I think this filly by Midshipman has some major upside. She got her debut out of the way, but it was an off-track day on 27 Jan. Now, she gets back to the turf, or possibly the Tapeta for this 2nd out race. Lynch adds “blinkers,” and that could be just what she needs to succeed. The addition of jockey Julien Leparoux is an added bonus, as he can handle young horses so expertly. Speaking of added bonuses, how about the M/L odds … 20/1.

Wager: Graduated Wager, WPS, $100 Bankroll, #1 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Turf, 1 1/16th, OC75kn1x, 3F):

A conditioned turf route race for 3-yr-old fillies, I am hoping this is the one grass race that is not taken off. We shall see … check the weather. If there is significant “give” or it heads to the Tapeta, we can mix and match. What we do know is that Courtlandt Farms owns a runner with strong green lines, and the potential for great things. On Alert #4 looks promising for trainer Shug McGaughey, especially after the daughter of famed sire Medaglia d’Oro broke her maiden in a MSW60k. Guided by Javier Castellano, one of the great stretch-run jockeys of the age, she was impressive making up nearly 5-lengths. This is a budding star, and she is going to take money, as she tries to go up the ladder. Let’s key her, but try to get a couple of higher-priced runners into the mix. I also like Graham Motion’s Kitten’s Collusion #6 because she has a famous set of parents, and is getting back to the track after a break. Luis Saez gets the call too. The other pair of runners that need to be included are Brendan Walsh’s My Philly Twirl #7 and Rusty Arnold’s Daisy Bee #5. The latter is one of those Calumet homebreds by English Channel, and in the past, they have competed impressively (i.e. English Bee). Those entries should help round out a splendid ticket.

Wager: Trifecta Wheel, $2, 4 w 5/6/7 w 5/6/7

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Enjoy another fab Wednesday trackside for the Championship Meet! Best of luck on another run at Gulfstream Park! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!