by Jerry Shottenkirk
September 16, 2017
Gulfstream Park is back in play after nearly two weeks off.
The track was down due to Hurricane Irma, but it certainly is not out and is back to action with a robust 13-race card on Saturday.
The late Pick 4 is in the crosshairs today and includes a pair of restricted stakes races that are chock full of promising runners.
The sequence runs during races 10 through 13 and the biggest challenge is the opener of the exotic play.
The 10th race is for $10,000 maiden-claiming fillies and mares who have collective had a multiple of challenges and will be pressed to get the seven furlongs. Accordingly, it’s the “spread out” race. Five in the 11-horse field are represented on the suggested Pick 4 ticket, and those chosen for this leg range from clear contenders to long shots that have an opportunity to answer this wake-up call.
The Miss Gracie Stakes for 3-year-old Florida-bred fillies is the 11th and the Sea Of Grass Starter Handicap for fillies and mares is the 12th, and they make for a strong middle of the sequence.
Surprise Wedding leads the field in the Miss Gracie, but will have her share of stout competition as Two Step Blues, Katinka and Gran Cherry are all worthy of a Pick 4 ticket appearance. Surprise Wedding rates an edge off a nine-length win vs. state-bred fillies last out.
Lirica, Money Or Love and Mama Joyce look like a tough trio in the Sea of Grass. Lirica will be the best price of the three, and the closing filly should be difficult to hold off as she gets back to a mile. She won her only previous try at that distance.
The best is for last as Telling Tony is a single in the 13th. He was claimed two back by Antonio Sano, ran back at the $10,000 claiming level and was an impressive winner. He stays at that level and has an excellent chance to repeat.
Here’s the suggested Pick 4 ticket:
Race 10: #2 Candy Sue, #3 Grace B, #5 Ola Yola, #10 Charming Hostess, #11 Selfie Day. (2-3-5-10-11)
Race 11: #7 Surprise Wedding, #8 Two Step Blues, #9 Katinka, #5 Gran Cherry. (7-8-9-5)
Race 12: #6 Lirica, #7 Money Or Love, #1 Mama Joyce. (6-7-1)
Race 13: #1 Telling Tony. (1)
50-cent Pick 4: 2-3-5-10-11 with 7-8-9-5 with 6-7-1 with 1. ($30)