Yesterday we had three-year-old fillies in our featured race. Today it is the boys turn as we have open three-year-olds in an optional claiming race. Like yesterday, this field will head to the Tapeta track for a five-furlong sprint in the eighth race of a nine-race card.
Gulfstream Park Race 8 – Optional Claiming
Favored in this field of seven is the 4 Gate to Wire (9/5 ML) who comes in to Gulfstream after last racing at Del Mar in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. He was forced outward nearing the turn but was not going to win that race. He has a major class edge here but will the synthetic surface be an equalizer or not.
The 1 Torch Is Passed (9/2 ML) has won two in a row at this distance on the Gulfstream Tapeta surface. He will be a few lengths behind looking to make a move at the end to win this race.
The 7 Boundfortrouble (7/2 ML) drew the outside for his first race since June. The trainer thrives with horses that are away more than 180 days away (winning 21% of the time). He went for the lead in his first two races, and we will see if he does that again here today. If so, he could be alone on the lead.
The 5 Turbulent Force (4/1 ML) won his debut on the grass last month here at Gulfstream. He probably won’t be far off the pace either.
Joe’s Pick
The only question I have about today’s morning line favorite is whether or not he can handle the Tapeta here at Gulfstream. The synthetic track can be a neutralizer and is used for when races are taken off the turf there. But this is a carded race for the turf, but you do have several turf horses in this race.
In the end, I cannot ignore the class advantage that the favorite has here today. I’ll take Gate to Wire to show that back class to win here today. I’ll call this race 4-7-5-1 and my play is $20 to win on the 4. Best of luck everyone and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!