The Gulfstream Championship Winter Meet goes in to full swing today with a solid card we haven't seen in the states in weeks.
The featured race is a dandy, that fields 14 horses going 9 Furlongs on the Gulfstream dirf.
Glorious Empire: The conditions of the turf course at Churchill obviously weren't to the liking of this guy, and he faded more than an Al Capone gangster photo. He likes the front end, and would need to gate to wire this bunch to have any hope. Prefer many others.
Quarteto de Cordas: The Brazilian went off at 135/1 in the BC Turf and ran like a 135/1 shot. While famous down south, hard to see a massive turnaround for this guy today. Pass.
Projected: Chad Brown/Javier Castellano alone should pique your interest, but this one always seems to be the bridesmaid as opposed to being the bride. Solid exotics player, but hard to see on top.
Qurbaan: Two races in the States are pretty solid while not taking a ton of money in either effort. A sneaky entry in whose odds will likely drift upwards of the 5/1 ML. Interesting player in an interesting field.
Hi Happy: Earlier this year, he was as good as any turf horse in the states. He has certainly leveled off since then and wasn't much of a factor in the BC Turf. He now returns to the venue of what is likely his career best effort in the March G2 Pan American. He'll run better today, but not sure he is good enough at a likely low price.
Blacktype: A true front running turf distance horse that has wired his last two fields on good to yielding turf courses. Dangerous if they let him have his way, and solid exotics player regardless.
Almanaar: While he finished 10th in the BC Mile, it wasn't that horrendously awful. Rosario won with this guy at this very venue at this very distance back in February. Could we get a Chad Brown entry as an overlay?
Oscar Nominated: A solid Kitten's Joy for the Ramseys, but he is far from great. Not sure he belongs in here with many of these.
Mr Havercamp: If you are looking for a shot, this guy could be your play. Certainly in form as he has won 3 of his last 5 races and 7 of 11 in his career thus far. Gets Johnny V in the irons and really hasn't ever ran a bad race to date. His two ships to Belmont and Saratoga didn't bear much fruit. Will he find the goings better in Florida?
Divisidero: The battle-tested veteran ran his guts out in the BC Mile to only get a disheartening 4th. He is as good as any in here on his best day and has ran solid at this venue. Hard to leave out of exotics.
Postulation: Hard to see. Looks to be way in over his head.
Zulu Alpha: Interesting entry that is in form with 3 wins in his last 4 starts. Seems a bit outclassed, but could be a definite exotics booster in the 2/3/4 hole.
Doctor Mounty: Really nice win 2 back, but that took a career effort to get done. Post position is against him, and there are many others in this field who have taken this guy down. Hard to see.
Inspector Lynley: Hasn't ran a bad race in '18 and is always in the mix. Hasn't beat many of his rivals in here, but is always right there. A dangerous 'outsider' with Jose Ortiz in the irons.
WP:
EX BOX: