The end of the first weekend of 2021 is a prime time to jump in at Gulfstream Park, which presents a strong Late Pick 4 challenge. 

The Late Pick 4 on Sunday is stakes free but includes some quality claiming races that require leaving on the handicapping thinking cap for an extra minute or two.

I’m firing a $60 suggested ticket on the first weekend of the new year in Hallandale Beach. Here’s a look at how I see it:

GULFSTREAM PARK // RACE 8 (3:42PM ET) // CLAIMING

JANUARY WON was claimed last time by Sweezey, and that’s usually a good thing. Won the last time he was at two turns and can bring the heat late in the game.

STARSHIP ARAMIS tried going 1.5 miles on turf last time and is back to a much, MUCH better set of circumstances. Loves to be on the front end and could take them to the wire.

ICONIC was claimed last out by Johnson stable and while he lacks consistency, he has some starts that would make him difficult to beat if he has a flashback.

SURF SHACK takes a class drop and the Winebaugh barn is capable of scoring over this strip.

GULFSTREAM PARK // RACE 9 (4:13PM ET) // CLAIMING

MYAMANOI represents the Gargan barn, which is close to having a 50-percent success rate. Was a fast closing fourth in the Dania Beach Stakes here last year.

SHINING THROUGH ran on for third last time and has been on the board in both of his local starts. Can make up ground.

MAX’S CAUSEWAY was second last time when claimed by Maker and gets Irad Ortiz up for the first attempt for the new connections. Capable of showing late interest.

GULFSTREAM PARK // RACE 10 (4:45PM ET) // CLAIMING)

WELL DEFINED cruised to an easy win in a race that came off the dirt and now stays with main track. Troublesome out front.

BLESSED JOURNEY crushed N3L rivals last out and two back found it out for a win. Was claimed last out by Perez and fits here.

LIKE YOU has been with much better and this drop in class could be enough to get him home in fine fashion. 

GLORY OF FLORIDA has done a lot of good over the track was claimed last time by Cazares when he ran fourth. Does his best in these one-turn mile races.

LUSITANO ran two strong races just prior to an off-the-board finish on turf. Stretches out and can be a forward factor from the first stride.

GULFSTREAM PARK // RACE 11 (5:17PM ET) MAIDEN CLAIMING

ON A TOUR wasn’t a factor in her only start, which was in a MSW at Woodbine and his chances will improve with the start to his credit as well as additional distance. Has had several works since then and is likely to do much better here.

MISSION POSSIBLE lost a photo at this level last out in her first around two turns. Was outnodded last time and might be able to finish the job.

SUGGESTED 50-CENT LATE PICK 4 TICKET:

RACE 8: #3 January Won, #9 Starship Aramis, #10 Iconic, #11 Surf Shack.

RACE 9: #1 Myamanoi, #9 Shining Through, #11 Max’s Causeway.

RACE 10: #1 Well Defined, #2 Blessed Journey, #4 Like You, #5 Glory of Florida, #6 Lusitano.

RACE11: #3 On a Tour, #7 Mission Possible

TOTAL COST // 50-cent Pick Four: 3-9-10-11 with 1-9-11 with 1-2-4-5-6 with 3-7 ($60).