By Joe Quillen
Gulfstream Park Race 8 – Melody of Colors Stakes
We close out another week of Quills Picks Winners with a trip to South Florida as we will take a look at the eighth race at Gulfstream Park, which is the Melody of Colors Stakes, which is a five-furlong turf sprint on the turf. Post time for this race is for approximately 4:37 pm Eastern time.
Keep an eye on the changes when they first announce them on the Gulfstream simulcast feed. Yesterday, all the race scheduled for the turf was moved to the Tapeta. There may not be much, if any changes to this race if this race goes off the turf. The synthetic Tapeta track was installed to keep turf courses intact on rainy days like yesterday.
The favorite in this field of eleven in the 4 Crimson Advocate (8/5 morning line) who returns to the races after last being seen at the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita last November. She is all speed, and if she is loose on the lead, she may not be caught. Also, yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. She defeated a field of 26 horses at Ascot in the UK last summer.
She should have company on the front end from right next to her on both sides. The 3 El Terreno (3/1 ML) is first time turf after a pair of wins on the Tapeta at Presque Isle and Gulfstream, and the 5 Trumpets (15/1 ML) broke her maiden very impressively on the Gulfstream Tapeta last month.
The 9 Twirling Queen (15/1 ML) does look like a filly who would be a length or two behind the leaders and looking to pounce when they turn for home.
The 11 Pretty Liam (9/2 ML) got bumped around quite a bit in her last race and just missed. A start that is not as problematic might be the best thing for her.
The 6 Dot (20/1 ML) does do her best running in the stretch and could be flying down the lane if a major speed duel develops.
I am going to try to beat the favorite here with the 11 Pretty Liam. That stalking trip looks very inviting. I’ll call this 11-9-6-4 and my play is $20 to win on the 11. Good luck everyone!
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