Ace handicapper Anthony Fontaine has been burning the midnight oil again bring you his thoughts and selections on all the races at Gulfstream including the Fountain of Youth.
Race One Selections: 4-12-3-7
#4 Bondurant had a wide trip last out and finished evenly without making much of an impact. With a better trip this runner can surprise.
#12 Gunslinger quickly established position and was able to wire the field last out in a game effort. The post is no bargain today, but rider is known to be aggressive and I expect similar strategy today. #3 The Queens Jewels always tries hard and gives a solid effort. Should be fit and ready for a similar performance against this group at a good number.
Race Two Selections: 9-1-10-3
#9 Tigers Back has had some even works preparing for the debut. Rider is a bit underrated and can really put them in position early. Expecting a big performance at a nice price.
#1Ill Fight Dempsey has been working well for the debut however the rail is always tricky first out. Rider is one of the best ever and will do all he can to put this one in position out the gate. A major player. #10 Ashiham another making the debut that has been working well and should give a good performance. Post should allow rider to have options however it would be wise to try and break sharply as to not get too far behind early thus get discouraged.
Race Three Selections: 7-6-5-2
#7 Smash Factor has been running well and looks to continue against some better competition today. The last race saw this one wire to wire and I anticipate rider to attempt a similar approach. Should be tough to run down.
#6 Ournationonparade ran some nice races at Laurel and has trained forwardly for this event. Runner may get away at a good price as some of the local horses seem more appealing on paper however I think this one will outrun the odds and be a major force late. #5 Shivaree will be formidable in this spot as runner gets some relief from the last outing. Prior to that race runner was on quite a tear and will be the one to beat at a short number in this spot.
Race Four Selections: 2-1-7-8
#2 Bee Catcher closed well last out to break the maiden and dives into the stake end of the pool. Horses with this style are always at the mercy of the pace and traffic however with a good trip this one can score at a good number.
#1 Tiesto had some trouble out the gate last time and raced evenly after. Horse appears to have some ability and expect a much better performance today. #7 South Bend adds blinkers for this engagement after making a successful turf debut last out. Horse may improve off that performance and that would put this one in the mix approaching the wire.
Race Five Selections: 11-2-1-8
#11 Valedictorian always gives a good performance at any track and any type of turf course. The post is not ideal however connections are rock solid and rider is more than adept at getting them in an optimal spot. Should be formidable.
#2 Atomic Blonde has yet to run a poor race and runner appears to be getting better which is bad news for this field. Bred to be a nice runner with a good trip they may all be running for second. #1 Silver Kitten has the rail and speed which is always a good combination. Trainer has been having a banner meet and placing his horses in spots they are competitive. Expect a huge effort today.
Race Six Selections: 5-4-1-2
#5 Harvey Wallbanger came back to the races with a poor effort last out and did not make much of an impact. I think the horse will benefit from the race and can turn things around at a track he relishes at a nice number today.
#4 Squeezeadios has ran two solid races this year and will try to have a say in the outcome in this spot. Horse appears to fit with this group and should give a solid effort once more. #1 Scarsarecool will need to fortify himself late however I think this one has more ability than he has displayed in the last few races. This spot may be more to his liking and expect this one to be in the mix late.
Race Seven Selections: 11-4-10-2
#11 Raining Lemons has a tough post however the run to the turn should allow the rider an opportunity to tuck in without going too wide. With a good trip this runner can shock this field.
#4 Ferdinanda loves this course and always gives a solid effort. Although coming off a layoff this one has performed well in similar spots in the past. Major player. #10 Empressof the Nile returns off the bench with top connections. Rider is one of the best and although connections may have big goals down the road this one appears formidable in this spot.
Race Eight Selections: 4-11-9-7
#4 Awakened improved in the second start with the added distance. Trainer adds blinkers to get this one focused early and anticipate a big race today.
#11 Hero d’ Oro is an ultra expensive youngster making the debut off solid works. This one will take money at the windows by virtue of the connections however I have watched this one work and looks like a nice runner so a must include in multi race exotics. #9 Peddlers Pride broke slowly in debut, in fact practically dwelt yet somehow closed to finish third. Away since July debut this one returns with solid works and blinkers for this engagement and should give a good account of himself.
Race Nine Selections: 12-6-7-9
#12 Lost Ticket comes off a short break and dives into the deep end of the pool. This post is tough but this runner has ability and if the rider can somehow save some ground should be rolling late.
#6 In a Hurry does best running late. Rider is known to be patient and would love some pace to run at. Look for this one in the lane. #7 Abscond had a horrible beginning last out while favored yet somehow closed for a share. With a better start this one is strictly the one to beat.
Race Ten Selections: 7-6-9-5
#7 Bayerness may benefit from an anticipated heated pace up front. Runner has done everything right in both races to date and if the favorites duel each other into submission this one can get the money.
#6 Spice Is Nice had a sparkling debut where this one dispatched the competition with utter disdain and looked like a runner with a very bright future. One word of caution I try to apply when analyzing those types of debuts is can I anticipate runner to have another ideal setup and trip as the level of competition improves, and how will horse react to adverse conditions. This one may very well be head and shoulders the best but will be a very short price and I am willing to try and beat this one today. #9 Tonalist’s Shape appears a solid second choice in this race. Horse is undefeated but the waters are deeper today. This one will give a good account as well and I anticipate a very good race.
Race Eleven Selections: 8-5-4-2
#8 English Bee returns in this tough spot trying to rebound from the last race where this runner ran evenly and finished midpack. Horse normally gives a good effort and tries hard and rider is great at working out good trips so expect a nice effort.
#5 Sombeyay ran a solid race last out and just feel short for the victory. Horse is rock solid and looks like a good fit with this group. #4 Hembree was extremely wide last time and rider will need to workout a better trip today. Horse has ability and should be formidable late.
Race Twelve Selections: 2-9-8-3
#2 Haikal reunites with Maragh for this return race. Horse has ability and with the race at Aqueduct last out should be primed for a major effort. Looks spotted for action today.
#9 Mr. Freeze ran a big race last time in the Pegasus for a nice runner up effort. Horse has worked well since that effort and should find this field to his liking, strictly the one to beat. #8 Rare Form was in position last time to make an impact however flattened late. Top rider takes the call today and this one can have a major say in this race.
Race Thirteen Selections: 7-6-4-3
#7 Admission Office has teased at major ability throughout the career yet has not been able to provide that signature performance to date. Had lots of traffic difficulty last time and finished evenly. Runner needs pace and a clear path through however I feel today is the day this one lights up the tote board.
#6 Zulu Alpha won a nice race last out where the rider worked out a masterful trip and got a big payday. Runner is dangerous right back however it should be noted that horses with this style are at the mercy of traffic and will need the red sea to part once again for a repeat. #4 Sadler’s Joy is a solid competitor that tries hard however rarely visits the winners circle. Rider is very good and they would love some pace to run into today. A contender that you hate to leave off the ticket as they have major ability.
Race Fourteen, The Fountain of Youth, Selections: 5-11-10-7
#5 Dennis’ Moment looks to begin the three year old trail for the roses in this spot. Horse stumbled badly in the juvenile and never got involved so should be given the opportunity to have a say today.
#11 Ete Indien gave a good performance last out and should improve off that effort. This one is the most likely to produce a big race if the favorite falters. Major player. #10 Shotski ran well and fell a bit short late last time. Horse has worked well and has a top rider in tow for todays race so should be given serious consideration.
