Another forgetful Friday at Gulfstream Park. The Conductor wants no part of another rain effected card. The only reason he plays Gulfstream is for the turf races. Whatever, shut up and bet. Skip.
Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. (All-Weather) Clm 16000n2L
*Gullet Shot of the Day #8 Basketball Jones (8/1) – Moving into a new barn last start, this gelding took a big step forward on the turf. He pressed a hot pace while wide and still hung on for 3rd. Now he drops in class and switches to the Gulfstream all-weather course for the first time. His numbers on synthetic at Woodbine fit with this group and there isn’t much other early speed in here. 5/1 or better would be great value for the Conductor.
Race 9: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) Silks Run Stakes
#6 Kanthari (4/1) – The Conductor is happy to play against #2 Big Invasion (7/5) today. He’s clearly the class of the field, but he’s making his 1st start of the year and it’s very tough to close and win going 5-furlongs over this Gulfstream turf course. Plus, the Conductor wouldn’t trust Rosario to give him a good ride these days either. Kanthari dominated on the front end off the bench last time and the Conductor sees the same scenario playing out here. She’s the quickest early and if she improves off that last effort than this race is over.
Race 10: 6½ Furlongs. F.G3 Hurricane Bertie Stakes
#7 Libban (12/1) – This filly ran better than it looks like on paper routing last time. She pressed a quick pace between horses and rightfully tired late. Now Saffie Joseph cuts her back in distance, where she’s clearly her best. She’s 3/4 with a 2nd in one turn races and has won at this distance at Gulfstream before. Her numbers sprinting fit with this group and she looks to get a beautiful outside stalking trip. Today’s her day.