Ace handicapper Anthony Fontaine provides his selections and reasoning on the full Gulfstream Park card.
Race One Selections: 3-2-5-1
#3 American Goddess ran well in the debut and should improve in this 2nd start. Rider is top notch and should get a good trip and may offer some value.
#2 Uncle George a well-bred sort for red hot rider looks live first out. Trainer is above average with debut types and if this one breaks well should be competitive. #5 Union Colonel appears to be tough against this group. Last race was very good and this one was gaining on the winner. A repeat of that performance makes this the one to beat.
Race Two Selections: 4-2-3-9
#4 Just a Bit Sassy was no match for the winner last out in a race that was washed off the turf. A return to the lawn will have this one primed for a good performance against this group.
Yolanda’s Pride exists the same race as the 4 and finished right behind. Another that will love the return to the lawn and with a patient ride can be competitive in the lane. #3 Little Bit Good another that looks to be competitive in this spot. The last time out this one was not comfortable in the gate and exerted energy. If able to relax may give a better performance.
Race Three Selections: 1-7-4-2
#1 Malibu Edge has experience over some of the other more fancied runners in this spot and with an aggressive rider in tow look for this one to be prominent from the bell.
#7 Ellis Island looks spotted for action with the combination of Pletcher/Velazquez which has been winning at a high percentage for more than 20 years. #4 Liam’s Point another debuting for Pletcher with red hot Irad in the irons. The works on this one have been live and if able to break good looks formidable.
Race Four Selections: 3-5-9-10
#3 US Army Corps has been a bit of a disappointment so far. Has been in position before only to finish evenly. Has worked extremely well for this return engagement and I am anticipating a big performance.
#5 Reliability is a regally bred runner for Jerkens and Juddmonte. Trainer is not known for having them tight first time out however this one looks spotted for action in the debut and deserves serious consideration. #9 Vintage Print finally makes it to the lawn after two very disappointing starts. Runner is bred well for the lawn and can only improve off first two races.
Race Five Selections: 3-5-6-2
#3 Vincero has been popular in the claim game and looks like he fits against this group. Tactical runner should be able to sit a good stalking trip and be in position to pounce turning for home.
#5 Toupha gets much needed class relief in this spot. Runner has not been competitive in the last few and with a more friendly group should improve drastically. #6 Allurstra has been sprinting for most of her career and will try the one turn mile today. Speed is always dangerous and this one may be competitive however will need to fortify herself in the lane.
Race Six Selections: 5-10-11-12
#5 I’m the Captain Now had to need the last race and should be fitter today. Price will be right and expect significant improvement.
#10 Resident Liberal should find the competition more to his liking in this spot compared to some of his most recent outings. Runner likes this course and should be tough in the lane. #11 The mighty Judge will love a hot pace to chase as runner likes to close late. Will need some luck with traffic however this one can boost exotic payouts.
Race Seven Selections: 4-1-9-10
#4 Battalion ran his heart out last time while making first start on the lawn. Horse will be fitter off two races and anticipate a huge performance.
#1 Leading West had some traffic difficulty in the lane last out and with a better trip today will be tough to deny. #9 Pricing Exercise debuts for the always dangerous Brown on the lawn. Works are ok and as always must respect these connections.
Race Eight Selections: 4-7-8-3
#4 Americanus has a bit more racing experience and has run the 7 panels before. Although he was far behind the winner last out runner should be fitter for this engagement. Price will be appealing as well since two outside runners will take money in this spot.
#7 Silver Ratio won the debut after grinding in the lane and wore down the foe late. Horse has ability and promise and should be tough however lacks experience and some of the others have that advantage. Should make presence felt. #8 Violent City won his race the same day as Silver Ratio but dusted the field behind him. I always prefer to back a runner that has proven they can look a rival in the eye and prevail. Anticipating a good performance.
Race Nine Selections: 2-4-1-6
#2 Lasting Legacy appears to tower over this field. Horse has been razor sharp and trainer wins over any surface anywhere. Short price favorite.
#4 Admiral Lynch for the same trainer has good speed as well and may be toughest rival of the favorite. #1 Epic Dreamer likes to put the pedal to the metal from the bell and with the rail draw should be humming.
Race Ten Selections: 7-1-10-4
#7 Mustaaqeem ran well last out and expect another big race today. Horse has proven he fits with these and with the right race flow can upset the applecart at a nice number.
#1 Award Winner comes off the bench and gets first time Lasix in his ninth start. May have bled last out at the Spa and has already proven to be a quality individual so deserves major consideration. #10 Largent has been spectacular in all three races so far. Huge speed figure last out and although facing runners with considerably more experience this one is strictly the horse to beat today.
Race Eleven Selections: 5-2-1-7
#5 Frank’s Rockette has burned lots of money since her debut win. She has yet to run a bad race however seems to find ways to lose. I think she has this field measured today and although I would be reluctant to single in multi race wagers she is a must use.
#2 Sound Machine appears to be the most likely winner if the 5 is not up to par off the layoff. Trainer has been having a rock-solid meet and this gal has proven to be a tough out. Should be tough to deny. #1 Tale of Success tries stake company once again after the first attempt saw this runner has some trouble at the start. The rail draw and experience should see this one prominent throughout today.
Race Twelve Selections: 4-3-9-7
#4 Almashriq gets Lasix for the US unveiling after having nominal success across the pond. Trainer is not known for having them tight off a layoff however this runner looks to have some ability and the price will be right.
#3 Weather Wiz appears to be among friendlier competition in this spot. Should be able to sit close and be in a good position turning for home. #9 Manicomio ran well to tire at long odds last out. With the outside draw should have some options with the pace scenario and expect runner to give a solid performance.
