Saturday Racing Picks: Gulfstream
There are five stakes races – four of them graded – on a strong 11-race card at Gulfstream Park on December 12. The day is topped by the $200,000 Ft. Lauderdale (G2) for older horses on the grass.
Race 4 - $100,000 Rampart Stakes (G3) - Click here to bet with TVG
Six runners are drawn for this one-mile contest around one turn for fillies and mares. #3 Sally’s Curlin (3-1) is exiting the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) where she was seventh, but earlier this season was a Grade 3 winner over this track, and is four for five at the distance. #5 Letruska (2-1) takes the blinkers off and was fourth in Grade 2 company at Belmont last out. She is unbeaten on this track. Longshot Play: #6 Dream Marie (5-1) is coming off a grand win at the distance across town, and is a two time winner here.
Race 6 - $100,000 Sugar Swirl Stakes (G3) - Click here to bet with TVG
This race is stacked with speed, such as unbeaten #3 Golden Ami (5-2) and to her inside multiple stakes winner #2 Lady’s Island (7-2), as well as the new runner from the Brad Cox barn, #5 Cinnabunny (3-1). This could leave it open for a horse that can come from off the pace, such as #1 Sound Machine (5-1) who will rally and puts the blinkers on after having a decent year against better horses.
Race 8 - $75,000 My Charmer Stakes - Click here to bet with TVG
This race is 1 1/16-miles on the grass, and drew eight. The popular filly #7 Piedi Bianchi (15-1) is a price as she tries the turf for just the third time in her good career. She faces #5 Lady Lawyer (2-1) who has won two of her last three starts, and good allowance horse #4 Tuned (7-2). Longshot Play: #6 Madita (10-1) runs for Team Valor and goes back to the grass after a failed try on synthetic; she is group placed in Germany and two for four at the distance.
Race 9 - $100,000 Harlan’s Holiday Stakes (G3) - Click here to bet with TVG
This is a strong field of older horses on the main track, and on the outside is top choice #7 Tatweej (4-1). Trainer Todd Pletcher does well here and this guy worked a bullet across town on December 5. #6 Math Wizard (9-2) is a Grade 1 winner who hasn’t found the winner’s circle in over a year, but takes blinkers off and has a good Gulfstream record. #1 Tax (2-1) makes his comeback and was one of the top three-year-olds last year.
Race 10 - $200,000 Ft. Lauderdale Stakes (G2) - Click here to bet with TVG
Two runners coming out of the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile make their returns here, and drew on the outside of the 10-horse field. #10 Halladay (7-2) was a Grade 1 winner at Saratoga two back and can either show speed or sit off the pace. To his inside is #9 Factor This (5-2) for trainer Brad Cox, who makes his course debut after winning five races in 2020 at four different tracks. Longshot Play: #5 Channel Cat (15-1) for new trainer Jack Sisterson, who won the Grade 1 at Aqueduct last weekend and the horse has a good record here.