Gulfstream Park’s exotic wagering opportunities are many, and a big one hits you right off the bat.

And we’re jumping right in.

The Pick 5 runs from races 1-5 and has some competitive heats and there’s an opportunity to beat some of the chalk – which is often makes the payoff more than what you’d expect.

Here’s a capsule look at the Pick 5 races on the Saturday card from Hallandale Beach.

Race 1
There’s a potential spread race right out of the gate, but we’re keeping it at three – Unnamed Soldier, Thorpe d’Oro and Mister Storm.

Mister Storm is 7-5 and will be on most tickets but has lost his last three when he looked good in each of those. He’s included but I see it necessary to include others.

Unnamed Soldier was a solid second two races back and then broke inward and finished fourth last out. He gets a switch to the hot-riding Edgard Zayas and that certainly won’t hurt his chances. Thorpe d’Oro is the best late threat and just missed vs. similar last time out. There’s always a lively pace at five furlongs and it could work in his favor today.

Race 2
Another trio gets the check marks here – Boy Scout, Cash On Hand Starship Taxi.

Boy Scout is in from Tampa and was on the board in his last three, including his last one when he was second in a ‘non-winners of three’ race for a higher price on turf. Despite having had 17 tries, he’ll be a player if he runs back to his last one. Cash On Hand is the favorite and has the speed, and Starship Taxi is second to none on the front end. There will be a lively pace and the survivor of this trio can get the graduation cap.

Race 3
Two on the card should get it done here as Sweet Kayden has terrific speed from the rail and Venezuelan Warrior has an adjustable running style. Neither will be much of a price, and for good reason. Sweet Kayden’s races have been at a higher level, especially those on dirt, and he’ll likely take command from the rail post.

Venezuelan Warrior lost by a nose last time and his last two after a class drop have made him a solid player for this $6,250 claiming price.

Race 4
This is second of two races will three runners on the ticket – Five Str Recruit, Johnnythetireman and Goldenlineof.

Five Star Recruit ran second on the turf three races back and his connections tried to keep him on grass but weather and course conditions sent those races to the main track. He nearly survived fast fractions but finished second in his last turf attempt and will be a strong player if he runs back to that. I see no reason to believe he can’t.

Johnnythetireman never reached contention in his only start, but had an excuse with a rough start. He drops in class and will move up with a clean run at it.

Goldenlifeof set the pace and tired going five furlongs and could sprint free on the front end here. It’s a price play and will be dangerous if rider Jose Gallego him to relax. If so, he could around for the finish.

Race 5
We’ll bookend this one with Chiseled along the rail and So Sublime on the outside.

Chiseled is an eight-time winner at this mile distance, has speed and gets apprentice rider Cristian Torres, who has shown a steady hand on the front end. With the inside post, he’ll have to go and should be solid with his pacesetting duties.

So Sublime is the biggest threat and has a good chance to get right on Chiseled flank early. He hasn’t won since September 2018 but has come down the claiming ladder and has shown improvement in his last two. Continued progress could land him in the winner’s circle.

Here’s a suggested ticket for the Pick 5 Saturday at Gulfstream Park:
1) #2 Unnamed Soldier, #6 Thorpe d’Oro, #7 Mister Storm.
2) #4 Boy Scout, #6 Cash On Hand, #7 Starship Taxi.
3) #1 Sweet Kayden, #6 Venezuelan Warrior.
4) #2 Five Star Recruit, #5 Johnnythetireman, #8 Goldenlineof.
5) #1 Chiseled, #8 So Sublime.

50-cent Pick Five:
2-6-7 with 4-6-7 with 1-6 with 2-5-8 with 1-8 ($54).