Tag: florida derby

Florida Derby Saturday Picks — April 1, 2023 | Florida Derby Day at Gulfstream Park

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A racehorse being led by handlers at Gulfstream Park, showcasing the horse's athletic build and racing gear.

The turf races were moved to Tapeta Thursday, so the Conductor had to sit on his hands. He needs Saturday to get here sooner so he can fire with both fists. The weather looks good for Friday, but the card stinks. The Conductor will turn his attention to the stakes racing this weekend  This Florida Derby card looks like a gold mine. Skip.

Race 4: 1 Mile. OC 25000n1x

#1 Giant Game (9/2) – This colt showed talent last year and is now rounding back into form. He made an eye catching middle move last time and ran fast enough to win most races at this level. He broke slow last time, which is a concern, but he could run even better with a clean break 3rd off the layoff. The Conductor is happy to bet on a colt in form against a favorite, #9 Bright Future (2/1), who hasn’t run in more than 9 months.

Race 6: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Mdn 84k

#3 Good Value (6/1) – This filly was claimed from the Chad Brown barn after her debut at the MC 50000 level. She ran well enough that day to warrant the jump up in class on Florida Derby Day. She was finishing best despite the slow pace up front and she took a serious bump at the top of the stretch. Many filly’s would have quit after their momentum was halted like that, but she showed guts to re-rally. With a nice inside draw in an open race, she’s worth a bet at 5/1 or better.

Race 12: 1 1/16 Mile. F.G2 Gulfstream Park Oaks

#4 Affirmative Lady (10/1) – The favorites are luke-warm in this race and the Ductor can smell an upset. He likes this filly quite a bit in this spot. She’s proven she loves the distance and will be finishing best down the stretch. She got a slow speed figure last time because the race had a very slow early pace. Affirmative Lady ate kickback and was boxed in until the final furlong where she exploded. She looks primed for a career best race here.

Race 13: 1 Mile. (Turf) Appleton Stakes

*Gullet Shot of the Day #4 Fort Washington (4/1) – This race will have a wicked pace with many horses vying for the early lead. The Conductor is looking for a closer and this colt sticks out like a sore thumb. His return off the bench was solid vs a tougher group last time. He closed into a slow pace for a good 3rd an galloped out miles in front of the rest. 2nd off the layoff with a favorable setup, he’ll get to wire in time today.

florida derby

Race 14: 1 1/8 Mile. G1 Curlin Florida Derby

#11 Forte (4/5) – Nothing creative for the Conductor in the finale. He’s been the only standout thus far on the Kentucky Derby trail. He couldn’t have won the Fountain of Youth any easier and this field looks to be at his mercy.

Arkansas Derby, Florida Derby and Oaklawn Park Picks

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A group of thoroughbred racehorses running on a dirt track during a race with a jockey in pink silks leading.

Recording nightmare so you passengers will have to read like always. A great Saturday of racing is ahead of us with the Florida and Arkansas Derby. Time to make a dent in the couch today. Skip.

Oaklawn Park

Race 9: 1 Mile. G3 Oaklawn Mile Stakes

#10 Law Professor (8/1) – Exiting a Grade 1 on turf, he was up close to a scorching pace and ran well all things considered. His last two dirt efforts could beat this group and he has the speed where the outside post is no problem. Anything 5/1 or better would be delicious

Race 10: 1 1/16 Mile. F.G3 Fantasy Stakes

*2022 Pony a Day Challenge #6 Mariah’s Fortune (10/1) – 2nd off the layoff today, he ran very well off the bench last time dueling going 1 1/16 mile. Shortening in distance today with a race under his belt and Prat aboard, the Ductor sees him running a career best race.

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Race 12: 1 1/8 Mile. G1 Arkansas Derby

#6 Secret Oath (5/2) – This isn’t the strongest prep, but the Ductor is very excited for it. This filly has been visually impressive, and the Ductor will be rooting for her to take down the boys. A D Wayne Lukas filly in the Derby would be a treat.

Gulfstream Park: Race 14: 1 1/8 Mile. G1 Curlin Florida Derby

#6 Cherge It (7/2) – This colt dominated to break his maiden last time and now takes a major step up in class. The word on the street is that this colt is the goods and his works have been astounding. The Ductor thinks he separates from this group and stamps himself as a major Derby contender today

#9 O Captain (20/1) – There will be plenty of early pace in this race and this colt will make one run from the back of the pack. He ran 3rd at 87/1 last time without much of a setup and Rosario is the best rider on deep closers in the country. The Ductor sees him hitting the board again at a big number.

Gulfstream Park: Florida Derby Day Key Horses

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Exterior view of Gulfstream Park, featuring a large building with arches and palm trees.

I hope you passengers got some rest. We have quite the pony day in store for us down at the Florida Derby. Mandatory Pick 6 Payout and stakes races, that’s just what the Ductor ordered. Skip!

Race 9: 1 Mile. (Turf) OC 62500b

#8 First Primo (8/1) – He needed that last race off the bench and his 2020 campaign was marred by layoffs. He has the back class to beat this bunch and the Conductor sees him running his A race today.

Race 10: 1½ Mile. (Turf) G2 Pan American Stakes

#7 Moon Over Miami (5/1) – The Conductor thought he ran huge last time off the bench closing into a slow pace. He’ll like the added distance and be flying late.

Race 11: 1 Mile. (Turf) Cutler Bay Stakes

#8 Step Dancer (6/1) – Making his first start as a 3 year old, natural maturity puts him ahead of this group in the Conductor’s opinion. His races last fall were very strong and he’s working well leading into today

Race 12: 1 1/16 Mile. F.G2 Gulfstream Park Oaks

#1 Con Lima (3/1) – In a race without much pace, this filly will be the controlling speed and she’s tough as nails. She’s yet to miss the exacta on turf or dirt.

Race 13: 1 3/8 Mile. (Turf) F.G3 Orchid Stakes

#4 Morning Molly (8/1) – Another girl whose tough as nails, this mare continues to progress up the class latter and run winning races. She looks to get a nice tracking trip and first run on the speed.

Race 14: 1 1/8 Mile.G1 Curlin Florida Derby

*Gullet Shot of the Day Spielberg (4/1) – The Conductor is going against Greatest Honour one more time. The California runners are a cut above this Florida crop and this colt is working his best entering today. He’ll use his speed to get a good position early and Greatest Honour will be just a little too late.

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The Conductor’s Florida Derby Day Plays at Gulfstream Park

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Exterior view of Gulfstream Park, featuring a large building with arches and palm trees.

Hold on to your nuts Gulfstream Park its Florida Derby time. Let’s Ride

Race 1: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) Clm 16000

#5 Billy Big (5/1) – Whenever he drops to this level, he is a major contender.

Race 2: 7 Furlongs. F.Clm 6250

#1 Is That Magic (2/1) – She looks best to the Conductor, no strong opinions here.

Race 3: 1 Mile. Mdn 80k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #8 Jamaican (12/1) – Stretching out for the first time, he’s working well and showed real ability as a 2-year-old.

Florida derby

Race 4: 1 Mile. G2 Gulfstream Park Mile

#6 Guy Caballero (12/1) – He has good early speed in a race without much pace. He ran very well in his 1st career start on dirt last time.

Race 5: 6 ½ Furlongs. F.Clm 12500

#7 Sonoma Storm (4/1) – The Conductor has that feeling in his left knee.

Race 6: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Sanibel Island Stakes

#3 A Bit Special (9/5) – There is nothing to knock about this filly.

Race 7: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.Mdn 80k

#2 Niko’s Dream (9/2) – The Conductor liked this girl’s 2nd last time from the 10 post. She is steadily improving.

Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. G2 Gulfstream Park Oaks

#5 Champagne Anyone (6/1) – He hasn’t had pace to run at in the last few.  With a hotter pace today he’ll have every chance.

Race 9: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) Mdn 80k

#8 Social Paranoia (3/1) – If he doesn’t win here, he never will.

Race 10: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.100K Sand Springs Stakes

#9 Proctor’s Ledge (4/1) – 2/2 at Gulfstream in her career, her late kick is thunderous.

Race 11: 7 Furlongs. OC 25000n1x

#4 Roc Doc (8/1) – This horse keeps getting better with each start.

Race 12: 1 Mile. (Turf) OC 62500n2x

#5 Black Sea (20/1) – This gelding has very strong late pace figures.  The Conductor will key him in the trifecta.

Race 13: 1½ Mile. (Turf) G2 Pan American Stakes

#2 Melmich (6/1) – 3rd off the layoff, the Conductor loved his last race, closing into a slow pace. He’s a warrior.

Race 14: 1 1/8 Mile. FlaDerby-G1 Xpressbet Florida Derby Grade I

*Never a Doubt Lock of the Day 1 Hidden Scroll (5/2) – He set a torrid pace last start and won’t have that problem today. With a better ride from Castellano the Conductor sees him putting on a show and becoming your derby favorite.

Florida derby

27-1 Gullet Shot Victory! Gulfstream Park Time

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Large bronze sculpture of a winged horse battling a dragon, set against a blue sky.

Chooooooooo!!!!!! Chooooooooo!!!!!! Go Charlie! Go! That’s how you rip a gullet out Conductor!  Now we have a little cash to play with heading into Gulfstream. Let’s Ride.

RACE 8

Off at: 4:55   Race Type: Claiming
Age Restriction: Three Year Old and Upward
Purse: $7,000
Distance: Six And One Half Furlongs On The Dirt
Track Condition: Fast
Winning Time: 1:16.88

VIDEO RACE REPLAY 
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
7
 Charlie Again Kassie Guglielmino 56.80 14.60 7.40
5
 Stax On Stacks Francisco Arrieta 2.60 2.20
6
 Cecil the Cat Leslie Mawing 3.00

Race 1: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.MC 50000

#5 Always Lucky (6/1) – Johnny V hops aboard this well-bred 1st time starter.  The Conductor has questions about the favorites.

Race 2: 6 Furlongs. Clm 35000

#5 Leaky Cup (5/1) – Making his 1st start as a 3-year-old, this colt ran a competitive figure for this level in his maiden breaker last year.  With natural progression he’ll be more than dangerous.

Race 3: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) Clm 16000n1y

#6 City Rock (12/1) – She’s got an early pace advantage over this group.  If she can clear to the front, look out.

Race 4: 7 Furlongs. F.MC 50000

#2 Eye’s Reward (9/5) – Dropping in class to the maiden claiming level, his last two starts make him ultra-tough.

Race 5: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) S.OC 16000n1x

#4 Swagger (5/2) – The Conductor likes this guy’s attitude.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. F.MC 20000

#3 Sky Chaser (4/1) – Dropping in class, she’s working well and Irad takes the mount for the 1st time.

Race 7: 7 Furlongs. OClm 10000

*Never a Doubt Free Golf Weekend Lock of the Day #2 Charlie the Greek (7/5) – This gelding looks like an easy winner shortening a furlong after a strong 2nd at Gulfstream last time.

gulfstream

Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.Mdn 50k

#1 Live Young (20/1) – This filly didn’t show much in her debut, but she was a cool 425k at the Keeneland sale. The Conductor will give her a shot to hit the board at a monster number.

Race 9: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.OC 25000n2x

#7 Go Rose (3/1) – She looks to get a perfect trip.

Race 10: 6 Furlongs. F.OC 62500n2x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #4 Awesome Mass (8/1) – 2nd off the layoff she dueled to set a hot pace at Gulfstream last time. She also has past figures to make her competitive.  She shortens a furlong too.

gulfstream

Race 11: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.MC 16000

#10 You Cant Catch Her (20/1) – She’s dropping in class and moved early into a hot pace last start. This race is disgusting.