GULFSTREAM PARK WEST // RACE 5 (2:33PM ET) // #3 VENEZUELAN HUG (5/1)

Was no threat in the Belmont Derby-G1 last month but is much more realistically spotted today in this Florida-bred middle distance turf affair at Gulfstream Park West that promises a favorable race flow to compliment his closing style.  The son of Constitution prefers patient handling and in a field loaded with pace-types the D. Gargan-trained 3-year-old should have every chance to produce a winning late kick.  At 5-1 on the morning line he’ll offer wagering value in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics.

WOODBINE (TB) // RACE 8 (4:58PM ET) // #1 FIELD PASS (2/1) 

Exits a series of much tougher races and today faces a group his best can handle in this year’s edition of the Ontario Derby-G3.  A graded stakes winner in his only prior outing over a synthetic surface, the son of Lemon Drop Kid is favorably drawn on the rail and projects to enjoy an ideal ground-saving, pace-stalking trip.  With speed figures good enough to win, he’s the logical top pick and is worth a play at or near his morning line of 2-1.