We stay at Gulfstream Park for another day. We have another optional claiming race here, but today, we have three-year-olds going one lap around the Gulfstream Park oval. In this nine-furlong test, we have a ton of Triple Crown nominated horses that could end up in the Florida Derby next month. Who knows if someone impresses here today.
Gulfstream Park Race 8 – Allowance/Optional Claiming
Favored in this field of three-year-olds is the 1 Jimmy’s Dailys (2/1 morning line). He broke his maiden last month here at Gulfstream in a seven-furlong race. In that race he was not far off the pace on the inside, tipped out and got up to win. We will see if this colt can get the distance, as his sire Vekoma so far has his offspring win at an average of 6.2 furlongs. Since Jimmy’s Dailys is in the first crop of offspring, that number could improve over the next year or two.
The 3 Souper Times (4/1 ML) finished second to River Thames in an optional claiming race last time out. Note that horse that won as he will run Saturday in the Fountain of Youth, which will be covered on Also Eligible on Saturday morning. Souper Times should like the added distance here after making his dirt debut last time out.
The 5 Grande (5/2 ML) dueled with a heavy favorite most of the trip in his debut going a mile on the dirt at Gulfstream. He eventually pulled away to win that race to break his maiden. He will definitely get the distance and could be on the lead here.
Finally, I’m giving Smoken Boy (20/1 ML) one more chance here to hit the board. At least I think I gave him a chance to hit the board in the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs. He made a move down the backstretch to get close, but he tired as he reached the stretch. He gets a bit of a class break here, but he will need to step up to hit the board.
Joe’s Pick
Grande has the best chance to get the distance and impress in doing it. Personally, I would like to see him rate here today, but I think he can go for the lead, get the distance and not look back. This may be the horse that if he wins impressively enough, we might see him in the gate for the Florida Derby. I’ll take him to win here today.
I’m calling this race 5-3-1-8 and my play is $20 to win on the 5. Best of luck everyone and I will see ya in the winner’s circle!
