By Joe Quillen
Friday 1/5/24 – Gulfstream Park Race 8
Let’s stay at Gulfstream today for their eighth race for an optional claiming $62,500 going five furlongs on the turf. Eight horses are entered in the race, and the rail will be out 32 feet from where the rail would normally be.
This is a race that appears to have speed in the race. The 3 Kanthari (10/1 morning line) appears to be on the lead. The 5 Bohemian Boy (8/1 ML) was on the lead last time out at Tampa in November. The 6 Crispy Cat (6/1) will be there as well.
Carotari (#8, 8/5 ML favorite) looks to have a great position right off the leaders, as is the horse to the inside, the 7 Axthelm (3/1), our pick on December 1 at Gulfstream, was very wide last time out and could be there.
The 2 Run Curtis Run (9/2 ML) shortened up after running in a $150k stakes race on the turf at Aqueduct and should be closing. The 1 Avant Glory was off the board but had traffic issues at the quarter pole last out.
I’m going to pick Axthelm again here. I think he won’t be as wide when he turns for home and beat Carotari at the wire. Run Curtis Run will be closing late and I think Avant Glory will get a piece as well. I’m going 7-8-2-1 in the eighth at Gulfstream, and my play is $20 to win on the 7 Axthelm. Good luck everyone, and catch you tomorrow with a Kentucky Derby prep race.
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