Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Thursday’s racing taking place at Gulfstream Park and Oaklawn Park.
Other international racing tips for Thursday:
Pinjarra
Wangaratta
Pakenham
Neil Morrice
Gulfstream Park Best Bets
Race 2 (Maiden Special Weight): No2 – LIME (Nap)
Trainer: Wesley Ward – Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Ward has vowed to return to Britain with a team for Royal Ascot should that fixture happen behind closed doors. His juveniles are therefore well worth following with the annual pilgrimage in mind. This certainly applies to LIME, whose owners Jim and Fitri Hay base the vast majority of their horses in England. The daughter of Iqbaal has pleased in her workouts and is a predictably sharp individual. Pretzel is also bred to be quick and can follow home the main pick.
Prediction: 2-7-1
Race 5 (Maiden Claiming): No14 – FLORADO
Trainer: Mike Maker – Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Representing top connections, FLORADO can make it third time lucky since her switch to the Maker barn. She may have needed her first run back when getting into the shake up, and duly got closer next time when second to Strike Magic over this course and distance. She faces plenty of competition but can see off the challenges of Summer In The City and Unforeseen.
Prediction: 14-11-9
Race 6 (Claiming): No5 – BOURBON CURRENCY
Trainer: John Kimmel – Jockey: Dylan Davis
BOURBON CURRENCY has endured a stop-start time of things of late with this only a fourth outing in almost 500 days. Indeed, he was coming back from a year off when chasing home a well-supported favourite over track and trip at the beginning of February, a run which will hopefully have done much to bring him to the boil. He deserves to take this good opportunity to make up for lost time and stave off the attentions of Lookin At Roses and Joyful Heart.
Prediction: 5-6-4
Race 9 (Allowance Optional Claiming): No5 – CHARLIE THE GREEK
Trainer: Robert Hess – Jockey: Paco Lopez
The value lies with CHARLIE THE GREEK who is doing well for the Hess stable. After an encouraging first run of the year, and for his trainer when fourth in an Optional Claimer when equipped with first-time blinkers, the selection cut back to a sprint distance to bag an Allowance Optional under today’s pilot. He makes another small step back in trip but is very much in the zone and can outpoint the unlucky Just Kidding, with He Iz Gone the potential value play.
Prediction: 5-9-3
Race 10 (Allowance Optional Claiming): No6 – CUCINA
Trainer: Bill Mott – Jockey: Edgard Zayas
The best race on the card can fall to CUCINA who defends a one race unbeaten record for his legendary trainer. After attracting a welter of cash he made no mistake and can follow up by taking a couple of notable scalps. Trev is certainly in that category after winning his last four but he’s now turned 10 and bigger threats should stem from Quarky and Macho Blue who have both been threatening to win. Quarky has hit the woodwork on his last three outings under a top rider who will be keen to put that frustrating record straight, and is a must include in exotics.
Prediction: 6-4-11
Race 11 (Claiming): No1 – SILENT TIGER
Trainer: Victor Barboza – Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
The rail is just where SILENT TIGER needs to be on his second start for the Barboza stable. He duly landed some good bets first time off the claim and confidence is added by the presence of Gaffalione. The combination may just have the edge over French Quarter who seeks a third win on his fourth start of the year, with the progressive Very Amusing also worth inclusion.
Prediction: 1-7-6
Oaklawn Park Best Bets
Race 3 (Claiming): No5 – TOP BRASS
Trainer: John Sadler – Jockey: Tyler Baze
TOP BRASS can regain the winning habit that’s seen him convert seven times from 21 career outings. The Arch gelding indicated he is coming to hand on his second run back last time. Pat Daddy has hit the board on both starts since coming back, giving him realistic hopes of taking the spoils, but the best value in the race lies with No Distortion.
Prediction: 5-2-4
Race 7 (Starter Optional Claiming): No7 – CHARLIE’SARCHANGEL
Trainer: Tom Amoss – Jockey: Joe Talamo
The progressive CHARLIE’SARCHANGEL is in the zone and after a win and a second in his two starts this term can consolidate for a trainer/jockey combo that always needs respecting. Carlos Sixes and Canadian Game figure to get into it and can take advantage should the likely race favourite make a slip.
Race 8 (Allowance Optional Claiming): No9 – NONNA MADELINE
Trainer: Todd Pletcher – Jockey: Joe Talamo
Candy Ride filly NONNA MADELINE is carded to start favourite for Pletcher, and can notch a first success of the campaign. She rewarded her owners with a bountiful 3yo season in which she took home cheques on four of seven starts. The one most likely to cause her problems in a race few can win is Mongolian Humor.
Prediction: 9-4-5
