The racing week at Gulfstream Park concludes this afternoon with an 11-race card that kicks off at 12:20 PM eastern. The slate includes a number of playable maiden races and an attractive Tropical Turf Pick 3 that kicks off in Race 5. Remember, the Tropical Turf Pick 3 has a $3 minimum denomination, a 15% takeout, and is conducted over the last three turf races on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Here are a few horses I plan to build my Sunday wagering in Hallandale Beach around.
Race 5:
The Tropical Turf Pick 3 kicks off with this first-level allowance for 2YOs where there is a plethora of early speed types signed on. #2 Strategic Reserve and #3 Skipping Stars along the inside are almost certain to get aggressive rides from the gate, as well as #6 Hard Storm and #8 Alpyland from the outside. This should work out perfectly for #4 Omaha Storm. The son of Omaha Beach was keen early on debut at Saratoga for a barn that does not do much winning first out, but bounced back with his maiden victory over the Aqueduct sod on October 2. The Mark Hennig trainee was outrun in the Central Park in his first start against winners, but finds a softer spot this afternoon, He has the tactical speed to not be too far out of it early, but his ability to settle early and finish late should serve him well in his first start outside of New York. Junior Alvarado takes the call for the first time.
Play: #4 Omaha Storm (6-1 ML)
Race 10:
There is little doubt this state-bred first-level allowance at 7-furlongs over the main track goes through 9-5 ML favorite #4 Skellig Michael. The son of Battalion Runner broke through for his maiden victory in mid-October after failing the public twice at odds-on and did so in quick fashion. If he makes an easy lead again, he will be tough to catch, but I expect him to be take more heat than he did in his maiden score. I am hopeful this allows #1 He’s a Beast to run down the likely chalk. Two-back, He’s a Beast did not break well in the race Skellig Michael dominated on the front end, but rallied late to finish a non-threatening second. Since then, the David Fawkes trainee overcame some adversity to break his maiden in mid-November setting up a rematch of the two Florida-breds. With a more contentious pace to chase this time around, I give He’s a Beast a big chance to turn the tables at what should be a solid price.
Play: #1 He’s a Beast (6-1 ML)
Race 11:
The racing week at Gulfstream Park concludes with this MSW for 2YO fillies going one-mile over the lawn where second-time starter #1 Empress New Groove looks tough to beat. The daughter of Seeking the Soul debuted at Keeneland back in early October and took advantage of a favorable ground saving voyage to finish second at nearly 10-1. Since then, she was purchased for $42k at the OBS Open sale and shows up the Saffie Joseph Jr. barn. The Kentucky-bred has had four maintenance drills over the main track in Florida since the purchase and draws the rail for her first local try. She will not be a huge price, but makes for a potential single in all of the late horizontals with jockey Micah Husbands jumping aboard for the initial time.
Play: #1 Empress New Groove (5-2 ML)
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