Florida Derby winner Tappan Street returns from a nine-month layoff as an overwhelming favorite in a $62,000 allowance optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park this Friday, Dec. 19. He could be one of several odds-on favorites in the Pick 4 sequence that spans races 5 through 8. Here’s a closer look and a suggested $2 Pick 4 ticket that costs $36:

GP 5th race (2:27 p.m. EST) -- REZASROLEX will try to the put the finishing touches on an unbeaten 4-year-old season and surpass $250,000 in lifetime earnings with his eight win in a row, spanning 18 months. But he will have to do it in a speed-laden 5F sprint, his first start on turf since a one-mile maiden win at Betfair Park more than two years ago. MY VOODO DOLL is winless in five starts this year, but he looms a potential upsetter with two 80-plus Beyers in two starts at this distance on the Gulfstream lawn. He rallied to a 3-length maiden win over the likes of Rebel With A Clue -- who sped off to a maiden win in 56.36 here last Saturday -- then he steadied in traffic on the turn and recovered with a wide run for third as the pace-setter back-pedaled last out. SABIAN also merits a second look in his turf debut off a 1-1/2-year layoff. When last seen, he pressed REZASROLEX on the inside after a bumpy start, only to fade in the stretch. He is working forwardly for trainer Victor Barboza Jr., who is on a 22-for-97 run with new acquisitions.

GP 6th race (3:00 p.m. EST) -- GYPSY makes her first start on a synthetic track, but she is today’s solo play after three in-the-money finishes in MSW company. She rallied for second as a debut favorite on the turf, then broke outward on a sloppy track but willingly chased the 3-1 winner until mid-stretch in her second go-round. She took on the boys last out and dueled with next-out MSW runner-up Cup of Coffee (62 Beyer) before the 4-to-5 favorite passed by both of them for the victory. (If Gypsy scratches, use first-time starter MUST BE THE SHOES in her place.)

GP 7th race (3:30 p.m. EST) -- TAPPAN STREET, the last horse to defeat Kentucky Derby, Belmont and Travers winner Sovereignty, makes his first start since that win nine months ago in the Florida Derby. He has a strong foundation of workouts for trainer Brad Cox, who excels with layoff types, gets Lasix for the first time and should sit an ideal trip with STEPPE and FLYING LIAM ensuring a solid pace. SOLO VENTURI ‘sustained pursuit’ while 4-wide in the stretch after razor sharp winner Thoughtthatcounts rallied to win a six-figure optional claiming mile at Churchill Downs. He adds value to the Pick 4 ticket.

GP 8th race (4:00 p.m. EST) -- ROXY ‘shook free’ to a repeat victory over mid-60 Beyer type Maerdama, now steps up in class in lieu of her third consecutive win for different connections. BEAUTIFUL CRAZY has speed and can use it well as the light weight in the field in her second start off a six-month layoff. She couldn’t catch Vindicate Cha Cha (5-18, $192k), who led through the opening half-mile in 12 of her last 14 starts. HOT CARGO has tactical speed, plays to a steady beat and returns to her claim level, but she’s 0-for-13 on the synthetic track.

Suggested $2 Ticket
GP 5th Race: 4, 7, 8
GP 6th Race: 2
GP 7th Race: 3, 5
GP 8th Race: 1, 4, 6
Cost: $36