Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Friday’s racing taking place at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs.
More international racing tips for Friday
Sunshine Coast
Cranbourne
Kyneton
Port Maquarie
Gulfstream Park Best Bets
Race 1 (Maiden Claiming): No10 – HARMONIC THUNDER
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr – Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
A return to turf brought about a notable step when HARMONIC THUNDER finished second in a similar contest last time, when interestingly the blinkers used previously were removed. With the addition of Gaffalione the gelding has a good chance of going one better. Businessindubai is assured of the lead. He didn’t quite see out the mile last time and could last into the money at a price. Flowzano also has decent claims and should menace.
Prediction: 10-3-6
Race 4 (Maiden Claiming): No5 – FAST FRACTION
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr – Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
The Joseph barn looks to hold the key as FAST FRACTION drops from the $25,000 maiden claiming level into $16,000 claiming. The added blinkers worked positively for the selection, whose trainer has a 27% strike-rate with horses returning from 60-180 day lay offs. A Beautiful Day tried to wire his latest start on turf and may well prove the hare again in a slight cutback in trip that will suit. Garner State Park represents top connections and can earn if alert from the gate.
Prediction: 5-8-7
Race 6 (Allowance Optional Claiming): No6 – SNIPER SHOT (Nap)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher – Jockey: Luis Saez
Plenty of cash went the way of SNIPER SHOT before his striking victory in a $35,000 optional claimer here back in January. The gelded son of Shackleford showed no sign of stopping and will surely appreciate going a further furlong today as he bids to make it 3 from 4. He’s looked on the mettle in his workouts and should prove hard to stop. Looming as the main threat is Mihos, a stakes winner here who similarly steps up slightly in trip after going close in a similar contest after a six month absence. The son of Cairo Prince cost a king’s ransom and should challenge under Gaffalione. Create Again should lead up and be tracked through by the Nap. He’s a roughie that could hang in for minor money.
Prediction: 6-8-2
Race 9 (Allowance Optional Claiming): No6 – FORTIN HILL
Trainer: Chad Brown – Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Spotting FORTIN HILL has not been easy over the past two years but when the telescope found him it involved a taking debut victory followed by a similarly impressive triumph in an optional claimer in New York. Now the $575,000 son of Mucho Mucho Man needs to again prove his ability to handle a lay off as he returns from 10 months off for his hat-trick bid. Yodel E. A. Who has frustratingly missed out on his last two starts going a mile is looking to avenge a nose defeat in a $50,000 contest last time as he cuts back. Moonoverseba represents a trainer who does well with such horses returning from lay offs.
Prediction: 6-2-7
Tampa Bay Downs Best Bets
Race 4 (Claiming): No10 – TRAVEL AGENT
Trainer: Tom Foley – Jockey: Samy Camacho
Plenty take solid form into this but for sheer consistency there’s nothing to match the claims of TRAVEL AGENT. The son of Kitten’s Joy has gone 2334 in as many starts this year and the addition of first time blinkers can provide the extra adage he requires to prevail. Fine Spirit has started favourite on both outings for his new trainer, winning last time at the start of last month. He looks carded for a frame finish at least, while Boatswain is open to the improvement required to get involved.
Prediction: 10-3-7
Race 6 (Starter Optional Claiming): No10 – MATTY’S EXPRESS
Trainer: Michael Dini – Jockey: Samy Camacho
Camacho has a very good book and MATTY’S EXPRESS looks capable of continuing his progression, having gone 5421 in his outings this year. His acquaintance with the selection clicked over an extended mile here and the combination rate the ones to beat. Bronx Rumble has few miles on the clock and is closely matched with the selection as is Gator Posse who can also have a say from a barn that’s been hot in the last fortnight.
Prediction: 10-7-9
Race 8 (Allowance Optional Claiming): No9 – TOWN CLASSIC
Trainer: Gerald Bennett – Jockey: Samy Camacho
This rates the best race on the card and hopefully it will be a case of TOWN CLASSIC saving the best for last. The Speightstown 7yo has hit a rich vein of form and for Bennett has been unlucky not to prevail, hitting the woodwork in successive races here last month. Kitchen Fire has placed twice at this level since returning from a 300-day break and represents the best value in the race. He may give the selection most to do, but Divine Ambition can also earn.
Prediction: 9-3-8
