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Friday, February 5: Frank Carulli's Stronach 5 Picks

by Frank Carulli

February 4, 2021

LEG A // GULFSTREAM PARK // RACE 7 (4:15PM ET)

FRENCH REEF just missed when claimed out of a 12-horse field at this level two back, then was slowed some by traffic congestion until the stretch as the beaten favorite last out. He lures Irad Ortiz Jr. to ride, so he should be included on the ticket. GRAINGER COUNTY regressed after a promising debut victory sprinting on the dirt as a 3-year-old, but he returns as a first-time gelding for a barn that can get them ready. BERNIN THRU GOLD gets class relief and may finally get to show his stuff on turf after 3 of his last 8 starts were moved to the main track. He will need to find a passing gear and doesn't offer much value, but use him nonetheless.

LEG B // LAUREL PARK // RACE 9 (4:29PM ET)

EXTRA DANGEROUS rallied mildly into a fast pace as the beaten favorite for twice today's claiming price. KORCZAK blew clear stretch leads at one mile and 1-1/16 miles in his last three starts and looms dangerous while shortening up in a paceless race. PASCAL CHANT was fractious entering the gate and nearly erased a 10-length deficit on a day when closers fared well.  

LEG C // SANTA ANITA PARK // RACE 3 (4:35PM ET)

CROSS INDIAN has suspect turf breeding, but he showed good zip last out and just missed in a 5F sprint. Both of PRO BONO'S full sisters were multiple turf winners and he could be a live price play for a trainer that recently sent a string of horses to Southern California. AMANOFMYSTATURE took money but wilted under fast fractions in his local debut at 6F for Miller but can use his speed well in this spot.

LEG E // GOLDEN GATE FIELDS // RACE 3 (4:53PM ET)

Four runners in this field were separated by 1-3/4 lengths in the same spot January 15. TRIBAL NATION was content to track the 2-1 pace setter to the far turn, moved past him while in-hand at the quarter pole and finished second to the stretch-rallying winner. JIMMY BLUE JEANS arrives off a well-bet -- and useful -- debut sprint. He backed off an early 3-wide duel from post 9, re-bid while 3- and 4-wide in early stretch and faded late. His dam was first or second in 11 of 32 starts, so expect a good follow-up try at a decent price.

LEG F // GULFSTREAM PARK // RACE 9 (5:17PM ET)

BLIND AMBITION cut back in distance off a layoff and finished 3-3/4 lengths behind multiple graded stakes winner Imprimis and six-time, graded stakes-placed Extravagant Kid in :54.4. MAY TY ONE ON rallied for two wins and a near miss in his last four 5F turf sprints at Gulfstream Park.  

SUGGESTED TICKET
Leg A: 4, 7, 8
Leg B: 2, 3, 5
Leg C: 3, 4, 8
Leg D: 3, 6
Leg E: 2, 6
TOTAL COST FOR $1: $108