Gulfstream Park Picks: Proton Pack charged on March 23
Gulfstream Park Picks - Wednesday, March 23, 2022
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Race 1: 1-5-4-8
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Race 2: 4-3-6-1
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Race 3: 6-3-4-8
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Race 4: 9-1-7-6
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Race 5: 3-5-6-8
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Race 6: 8-10-4-7
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Race 7: 4-5-2-1
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Race 8: 10-5-8-6
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**Most Likely Winner: Proton Pack #6 (Race 3)**
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**Best Value: Astroturf #8 (Race 6)**
A versatile 1st Bet location owned by the Stronachs ... Gulfstream Park added Tapeta back last fall. Of course, they still have a main track that is dirt and a grass course ... what a myriad of options! Their Championship Meet is moving right along, heading towards the big card on 2 April ... the Florida Derby!
At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action related to the Derby Trail! The South Florida Series put on the Grade 2 running of the Fountain of Youth Stakes earlier this month, and it was a tough one. Now, the attention shifts to the final leg of the Sunshine State Derby Trail! That race, the Grade 1 FLA Derby should be quite an event ... so stay tuned for all the news!
It is a good time for some of the greatest racing that North America has to offer. 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 3: Proton Pack #6, 5/1):
With a nod to the great Ivan Reitman film of the mid-80s, this young filly is making her debut at Gulfstream Park on the turf. I do not often pick “1st timers” because they are very unpredictable. However, when both Wesley Ward (trainer), and CJ Thoroughbreds (owner) come together, this daughter of Ghostzapper (appropriate …) makes a ton of sense. Her breeding speaks to the idea that she can handle this surface with ease, and I like that Emisael Jaramillo gets the call. Ward is simply a master when it comes to breaking in, and training up these types. Her work tab looks consistent at Palm Meadows, and I am thinking that her price will be more than square. Egon would be proud …
Wager: $100 Win, #6
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Astroturf #8, 6/1):
Here is a Bridlewood homebred that looks to be in great form. The son of Speightstown is making his 6th consecutive start of the GP Meet for Kent Sweezey, a conditioner who continues to look for opportunities to score. I like his potential, and with Tyler Gaffalione in the saddle, this gelding will be facing some foes that he has tackled in the recent past. The bloodlines, his record against state co., and his fitness, all look like ticks to the positive. What it is going to come down to is what always happens on the grass … settling and rating … if Gaffalione can do that effectively, then this 5-yr-old has more than a sporting chance.
Wager: Graduated Wager, WPS, $100 Bankroll, #8 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 1 Mile, OC20kn1x, F&M 4+ Florida Breds):
The Wednesday “Spotlight” race is this tough contest … a 1-turn mile on the MT. Out of these 7 runners that are entered, it is clear that Phil Bauer has the one to beat. Smarmy #2, a filly by Liam’s Map, made her ’22 debut on-track recently at a similar class level. She was a short price that day, and bettors seemed convinced that she could easily put a bow on that 5½F sprint … it was not to be. Ending up 3rd was disappointing, as she was pushed towards the rear. Though she rallied, it was too little, too late. Even with Luis Saez aboard, it feels like she might be an underlay at 7/5 on the M/L. I think she is vulnerable … When it comes to a top selection, I think there is value to be found in Carlos David’s Battle Cry #4. It was 2 races back that this filly by Prospective turned up the heat late in the game against OC20k open company. It was an impressive score for David’s entry, especially considering that she had not competed at that kind of level since last year. Shaun Bridgmohan gets the call once again for Pirate Racing, and even though his numbers are not quite up to scratch, he still has ability. I would imagine that this 4-yr-old’s odds will drift up a bit from 4/1, and that will suit. One other runner that I would not overlook is Saffie Joseph’s Our Fantasy #5. The seasoned mare by Amira’s Prince (IRE) was in that race that Battle Cry #4 won back on 2nd Jan., and even though her next start was a miss, she has the class to easily compete against this group. Using her in any horizontal wager is essential. Here is the bet I have constructed …
Wager: Trifecta Box, $2, 2/4/5
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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 !!!