Ron Nicoletti: Gulfstream Bet $25, Get $5 Full-Card Picks | Thursday, January 8, 2026

The Pegasus World Cup Bankroll Builder begins Thursday for 1/ST BET and Xpressbet players. Bet $25 on the Gulfstream Park card and receive a $5 wagering credit to be deposited prior to the Jan. 24 huge day of racing in South Florida. The PWC Bankroll Builder will be offered each racing day through Jan. 23, giving 10 opportunities for players to earn up to $50 in credits. To help you get started, Gulfstream Park track handicapper Ron Nicoletti has his Thursday full-card picks.

Race 1:
7 Always Ready
9 Greatest
6 Reina Del Viento

Race 2:
1 Risk Factor
4 Nero Tulip (GB)
2 King Julien

Race 3:
3 My Girl Nina
5 Viable Asset
7 Coded Elegance

Race 4:
5 Face the Music
4 Speightfulelection
2 Sara’s Rose

Race 5:
3 Simo At the Big A
1 Spectacle
6 Eyes On the Ground

Race 6:
4 My Voodoo Doll
6 Java Buzz
1 Sticky McShnickens

Race 7
7 Coffee At K J’s
5 Adversary
3 Mila’s Wish

Race 8:
1 Laser
8 Complexed
4 Ramses the Great

Race 9:
6 Contrary (BB)
2 Sherbini
4 Palm Desert

Race 10:
5 Bramble Blast (LS)
1 Catalonia
8 Pulstar

Best Bet: Race 9 Contrary
--Stretches out to the 1-turn mile
--Sharp 2nd going 7-1/2 furlongs at Churchill Downs
-- B. Walsh 19% with the stretchout.

Longshot: R10: 5 Bramble Blast
-- Sharp maiden win sprinting going 6 on Aqueduct grass 2 back
-- Troubled trip at Laurel last out
-- Has speed and jock (J Ruiz) to spring the upset.

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