by Jerry Shottenkirk
December 4, 2020
Gulfstream Park’s Championship Meet on Sunday completes its opening weekend with different and competitive levels of runners in it's Late Pick 4.
There are no stakes races on this day, but that shouldn’t be a deterrent for those wanting to end the week on a high note.
The suggested Late Pick 4 play this week is on $48 ducat and approaches it with a 3x4x4x2 game plan.
Here’s the look at the final four on the docket Sunday at Hallandale Beach:
Race 7 (3:38 p.m. ET, claiming)
GLITTER BAY caught a field she liked last time and broke her maiden by 12 lengths. The competition gets stronger in this one, but it’s not so difficult that she is not a threat to repeat.
ROYAL HABIBI’s only off-the-board run came in a stakes race last out. She clearly fits at this level and is a quality stalker. Has enough late energy to be a serious threat.
PINK FIZZ got clear in her last two and stayed in her latest, which was a race that came off the turf. Responded to Lopez last time and the veteran reinsman gets a return engagement.
Race 8 (4:09 p.m. ET, optional claiming)
PARDON MY HEART was far back early last time and made a huge run. Loves running from the back of the pack and has been consistent with a finishing move as of late.
ALL COME TRUE was up in time at Chantilly in her only start, and the French filly is in good hands with Graham Motion for her first U.S. appearance.
BEAN COUNTER was a sharp third off the pace at Saratoga two races back and was sharp in sprints in her last two. Will be close to the early action going long is capable of another solid performance.
SEA OF BLUE broke her maiden at Gulfstream and tired in her only start at Churchill. She comes in off a 6.5-month layoff and trainer Brendan Walsh is 21 percent with horses that have been off more than 90 days. She has some good works for her return and can be a player from the beginning.
Race 9 (4:40 p.m. ET, claiming)
NORTHERN won the last three times he raced at this level and was claimed by the Kathy Mongeon stable last out. Changing barns hasn’t really been a problem, especially when he runs against bottom claimers. Will take it to them early and will be tough to beat.
YOUNG RAYMOND closed with a rush and won going away against N3L company last time, and those types often do well against the veterans. He’s in good form and can run into contention in the stretch.
KAREN’S COVE ran a solid 6.5 furlongs two races back at Guflstream and can benefit from following a rapid pace. Can pounce if the front-runners weaken.
STARSHIP APOLLO didn’t do a lot of running last time but often has a late move that bring him into the mix. Was claimed by the sharp Kent Sweezey barn.
Race 10 (5:11 p.m. ET, claiming)
CASH CALL KITTEN took a while to get clear last time but once he did, he went from eighth to third in the stretch. Has won six of 12 starts over the Gulfstream Park green and likely will bring his ‘A’ game for this.
NATIONAL HONOR was up in time at a higher level at Parx last out and has the powerful late move on occasion. Rider Luis Saez will likely have him in range earlier and there’s a good chance he can be along in time.
50-cent Late Pick 4 Sunday at Gulfstream Park:
7) #1 Glitter Bay, #2 Royal Habibi, #4 Pink Fizz.
8) #3 Pardon My Heart, #7 All Come True, #9 Bean Counter, #10 Sea of Blue.
9) #3 Northern, #6 Young Raymond, #9 Karen’s Cove, #10 Starship Apollo
10) #6 Cash Call Kitten, #12 National Honor.
50-cent Pick Four: 1-2-4 with 3-7-9-10 with 3-6-9-10 with 6-12 ($48).