We finally get another great card in 2019 via Gulfstream Park. A bit overshadowed by the all important Fountain of Youth, the 14th race isn't a snoozer.
Golden Dragon: Quite a bit in over his head and the connections have no problem sticking this guy where he doesn't belong. In his last 8 races he has gone off at 34/1 or greater in 7 of them, including 104/1 or better in 3 of his last 4. This shouldn't be any different. At least the connections will have a nice seat for the previous 13 races today.
Village King: Former Argentinian star hasn't embarrassed himself in the States. 12 panels was too much for him last out, so I'm not sure that 11 is his preferred trip.
Melmich: The wiley ol' Woodbine veteran has racked up quite a career north of the border on the fake stuff. Was chalk in his prep for this one at 8 1/2 furlongs while getting beat at this venue. That simply wasn't long enough for this guy. A very interesting entry at what should be some long odds. Contender at a price.
Hunter O'Riley: Distance is never a problem with this guy, but recency certainly is. Has only raced twice since November of 2017 and those are apart by nearly calendar years. This will be his 2nd start in 45 days for the first time in a long time. Has ran against better than what he'll face today, but this is tough one to pull the trigger on for the top spot.
Vettori Kin: Another former Argentinian/Brazilian entry with some crazy breeding lines. If the pace becomes a crawl and a simple sprint to the finish, he can't be dismissed. Interesting.
Zulu Alpha: Maybe the one to beat coming in off a victory on yielding turf in his G3 win at this very track. Maker and Irad are as good as any in this field, and his 12 for 18 board hitting style on the green stuff is appetizing. Maybe not the price you want, but winning 4 of his last 6 amid solid company is hard to ignore.
The Best Candy: 0 for 4 on the turf and prepped for this one by going 8 panels on the dirt at Tampa amid OC $16K company. A pick 3 on Keno using your birthdate looks like a better option.
Highland Sky: This is simply a bad ML of 9/2. Sure, his Thorograph and Sheets numbers look great, but this guy has 2 wins in his last 13 and no other Exacta finishes. While he has ran against solid company his last 3, the
has spanked him in each of those efforts and he hasn't raced since September. Gotta let this one beat me.
Kulin Rock: Maker is full in on the Ortiz brothers with this entry, and he isn't without a chance. Yes, this is a massive step up in class, and yes, he has a lone victory in 12 starts. Maybe not a winner, but definitely an exotics booster that could relish the added distance.
Montclair: Claimed just 2 back for $16K, this is yet another odd entry. Dead chalk in 5 of his last 6, maybe he needs the competition to really get him going? He has won 5 of his last 9, but at 9YO this might not be the most opportune time to take a shot with this old war horse.
Channel Maker: The most accomplished horse in the field has over $1.5 million in career earnings. He has been competitive on the front, middle, and from well back in the pack. Gets back to a firm turf course which should be to his liking, but he is 0 for 3 at Gulf, with 0 board finishes. The one to beat if he is ready to run, but also one you likely want to bet against.
SUMMARY: Good betting race to end a great betting card. I keep coming back to the
Vettori Ken for some reason, and that
grouping.
