Wednesday Racing Picks: Gulfstream Park

PICK: #3 So Cunning (Race 9 - Gulfstream Park)

#3, So Cunning, Tyler Gaffalione, 4-1

She enters today’s race 2-for-2 on her career, highlighted by a 4 ¼ length victory as the third betting choice in an allowance optional claiming race at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 1. In her debut, she won a maiden special weight race at Delaware Park on May 25. Make it three straight in a very competitive field.

Verdict: The pick

#9, Kitten’s Covergirl, Irad Ortiz, Jr., 3-1

Today marks her 15th career start (3-4-2) with just one start this year (0-0-1). She has finished in the money in three straight, including a third-place finish in her last, an allowance optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 5. This is her sixth start at Gulfstream Park (1-2-2). Irad Ortiz, Jr. has the ride from the outside post in the field of nine for trainer Jose Gallegos.

Verdict: Runner-up.

#6, Blazen Betsy, Paco Lopez, 7-2

In her last start, she finished eighth in her first graded stakes appearance, the Grade 3 Sugar Swirl Stakes on Dec. 14 on her first try over Gulfstream Park’s dirt. In a start prior, she won an allowance optional claiming race at Indiana Grand on Oct. 8. This is her first start this year after a 3-plus month layoff. Luis Saez is in the saddle for trainer Rohan Crichton. With the class drop from her last, I expect a big improve.

Verdict: Contender.