Jeff Siegel’s National Day Makers for Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Gulfstream Park First Race – Post time: 12:35 ET
10-Hardly Social (8-1)

Ran better than the line shows in her debut in September at Delaware Park ,where she was wide and rank early, moved up midway to be within range while continuing to lose ground, and then stayed on with interest to finish sixth, beaten less than five lengths while competing for this same maiden $25,000 tag. She returns three months later for new trainer S. Joseph. Jr. while removing blinkers (love that angle), so we’re expecting the daughter of Social Inclusion to produce a significant forward move despite the disadvantageous outside draw. Her recent work tab looks steady and healthy, and with the barn’s “go-to” rider L. Saez taking the call the Florida-bred juvenile has a reasonable chance to pull off an upset at 8-1 on the morning line.

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Gulfstream Park Eighth Race – Post time: 4:08 ET
6-Abilene Trail (7/2)

Backs up to a one-turn mile after racing far below her true form when fractious at the gate and then fading readily in a similar spot at Gulfstream Park West last month. Assuming she minds her manners today, the daughter of Curlin certainly can bounce back, and with the switch to I. Ortiz, Jr. in a race without much pace, she’ll have every chance to regain her winning form. Two nice breezes should have her sharp and ready, so let’s try the T. Pletcher-trained sophomore in the win pool and in rolling exotic play and hope to get close to her morning line of 7/2.