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Here are a few horses I will be leaning on this Thursday in Hallandale Beach:
Race 1:
#1 Grade A stretches out to two turns-for the first time for trainer Jeremiah O’Dwyer. The Army Mule filly comes off a pair of runner-up efforts sprinting over the Gulfstream Park all-weather, including her first start of 2025 where she chased 3-5-favorite Spirited Boss all the way around the racetrack. O’Dwyer has yet to earn a victory this winter in Hallandale Beach, but has had 6 out of 20 starters hit the board. This filly’s inside draw and speed from the gate should give her a huge edge early and the ability to seal the deal late under jockey David Egan.
Play: #1 Grade A (4-1 ML)
Race 5:
This second-level allowance event that kicks off the late Pick 5 is no doubt one of the best races on the Thursday afternoon agenda. There is not a ton of speed signed on in the one-mile voyage over the grass, which is likely to lead to forward trips from #1 Public Sector and #5 Union Trail. It should also allow #9 On Thin Ice to find good forward position despite an outside post under new rider Luis Saez.
The More Than Ready gelding was purchased for $38k at the FTD October sale after 16 starts for trainer Mark Casse, including a win and a second in 4 runs over this course. In the 6YO’s first try for veteran conditioner James Toner in late December, he saved ground much of the way from his rail draw, but did encounter some traffic issues in the lane. He was never going to win that day, but potentially was cost a placing. Expect him to be ready for his best after shaking off the rust last out.
Play: #9 On Thin Ice (8-1 ML)
Race 8:
This $97k allowance over the all-weather is another quality race on the Thursday card. I am hoping 5-2-morning line choice #6 Tank gets pressured in the early stages. The Adios Charlie colt makes his second start of the year after controlling the pace early, but being unable to hold off odds-on favorite Dream On in the lane. The Florida-bred could be tough against this group if he is once again able to control the early tempo under Luis Saez. That said, he is likely to be an underlay regardless.
I will try to run him down late with #4 Scarecrow. The son of Neolithic came from last-to-first in his debut maiden victory over this surface on October 6 and has followed it up with three decent runs against quality competition on the lawn. He was beaten a neck by Tank last out, but did not get much of a setup, yet still put in a strong late run to finish third. The Jorge Delgado trainee should be rolling late under jockey Edgard Zayas.
Play: #4 Scarecrow (4-1 ML)
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