by Jerry Shottenkirk
July 14, 2018
The Treasure Coast Stakes highlights the late Pick 4 at Gulfstream Park, and it marks another opportunity for upstart Lipstick City to add to her growing credentials.
The David Fawkes-trained daughter of City Zip will be the likely favorite when he moves into the gate for the 1 1-16th-mile turf event which goes as the 11th race and third leg of the Pick 4 on the 12-race card on Saturday.
Lipstick City is oh-so-close to being a single on the suggested ticket after an easy win vs. restricted stakes company last time. She was an impressive third with an outstanding late run two back vs. open rivals in the Powder Puff. Jockey Miguel Vasquez has gotten a lot of run out of the filly in his two attempts aboard and will like have her flying again.
A potential upsetter, and a second entrant used in the Pick 4, is Unbridled Courage, who was a sharp second for trainer Aubrey Maragh in a state-bred stakes race. Maragh claimed the Leroidsanimaux mare for $25,000 two races back and just about hit a nice jackpot in her 1st attempt for the new barn. She’s a consistent closer and seems better than the 10-1 odds she’s predicted to take into the gate with her.
The 12th race also has two representatives on the ticket while the 9th and 10th have four and five, respectively.
Hard Worker will likely get considerable play in the 12th, but Little Todd looks ready for a big effort and is worth keeping an eye in that dash.
The first two races in the sequence are the toughest handicapping challenges. Night Rhythm, Hot and Heavy, Vigas and Giant’s Voice have run well lately and deserve some attention in the 9th. Vigas could be the best price of those and will probably show a good closing move in a race that will probably have a fast pace.
The 10th is even more of a riddle as five horses are used: Don Fager, Salary Cap, Amanecer, J J Junior and Beau Splash are worthy of attention.
Here’s the suggested ticket for the Late Pick 4 at Gulfstream Park:
9) #4 Night Rhythm, #5 Hot and Heavy, #7 Vigas, #8 Giant’s Voice.
10) #1 Don Fager, #5 Salary Cap, #8 Amanecer, #9 J J Junior, #10 Beau Splash.
11) #4 Unbridled Courage, #6 Lipstick City.
12) #3 Little Todd, #10 Hard Worker.
50-cent Late Pick 4: 4-5-7-8 with 1-5-8-9-10 with 4-6 with 3-10 ($40).