We head to the other side of the state to Gulfstream Park for today’s featured race. Today we have maiden juvenile fillies going six furlongs on the main track.
Gulfstream Park Race 6 – Maiden Special Weight
Favored in today’s race is the 2 Dominant Diva (9/5 ML). She is a first-time starter who has put in some nice works leading to today’s debut. Her trainer gets almost 20% winners with his first-time starters. However, her sire Spun to Run, in what appears to be his first crop of offspring to hit the track, is only winning 4% (2 for 42) with first-time starters. I expect that to improve as we see more offspring hitting the track in the coming years.
The 5 Frida (5/2 ML) returns for her first race since her debut in June. There may be a concern with the filly not running since then, or this could just be a maturation break that some of these horses need at this time in their lives. She was on the lead in her debut and just missed breaking her maiden that day in June at Gulfstream.
The 3 Scarlet Sands (10/1 ML) last ran at Saratoga at the end of August and showed little in her debut on the turf. She is bred to handle the turf, so there may be a myriad of reasons why she did not run well then. But she ends up in a dirt race with some nice works leading to her return for a top trainer. She may end up on the turf at this meet at Gulfstream, but first, Chad Brown wants to run her here.
The 4 Laulauga (9/2 ML) is a first timer here sired by McKinzie. She is part of his first crop which is already running well. She should like the six furlongs for her debut as McKinzie is already getting his offspring to win an average distance of seven furlongs. Her trainer has a great record with first time starters as well.
Joe’s Pick
For the most part, this race might have you guessing. I’m tossing Dominant Diva, at least to win. She will be fine but some of the number are saying give her a race. But I know those that love her today will tell me what I tell everyone how the races are not run on paper.
I will take Laulauga to win today. She looks like a horse that can win first time out here. The other three horses that I mentioned in this article are worth keeping an eye on, but you’re not getting a four-way dead heat.
I will call this race 4-5-2-3 and my play is $20 to win on the 4. Best of luck everyone and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!