Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Gulfstream Park.
Other international racing tips for Thursday:
Werribee
Pinjarra
Kember Grange
Townsville
Leeton
Neil Morrice Tips
Gulfstream Park Best Bets
Race 1 (Maiden Claiming): No6 MYFIRSTEXWIFE
Trainer: Jorge Abreu – Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr
The grey MYFIRSTEXWIFE knows this track and trip like the sound of her own hooves and is poised to make it third time lucky following a couple of near misses. She has a good post from which her new rider has options, and can repel NO NO NINA. The latter has contested two warm maidens and shown promise without suggesting she’s entitled to start favourite. BUSINESSINDUBAI has earned on each of her three outings this year, and with Luis Saez aboard is ready for a repeat.
Prediction: 6-2-7
Race 4 (Maiden Claiming): No5 GARNER STATE PARK
Trainer: Todd Pletcher – Jockey: Luis Saez
On her third start and after a couple of very solid efforts in defeat it’s hard not to see GARNER STATE PARK having a big say, with her post five off the rail arguably better than market rival CARIBBEAN KITTEN’s, out wider. The selection was unraced as a juvenile but signals suggest she will quickly make up for lost time. Caribbean Kitten has similarly earned with two board finishes at the Fair Grounds and, representing top connections, is an obvious danger.
Prediction: 5-12-4
Race 6 (Maiden Special Weight): No5 VICTORY TOWN
Trainer: Mark Casse – Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
VICTORY TOWN didn’t show much in two starts at Woodbine, but having strengthened up has earned in both maidens he’s contested over course and distance. The grey son of Speightstown was heavily bet when unable to withstand Whiskey Sunrise last month but looks in a good spot to go one better. The main stumbling block is CELTIC BROTHERHOOD, whose debut second is going to derive improvement while SANDYS BLAZE can have a say if ready after his break.
Prediction: 5-1-7
Race 9 (Starter Allowance): No 2 LIDO KEY
Trainer: Kenny McPeek – Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr
LIDO KEY is the joker in the pack, having a first start for the McPeek barn following a win and a second in maidens at Tampa. She’s in here off a 62-day break and could represent a value play against BEAN COUNTER and MIKE’S GIRL who figure to start shorter. Bean Counter broke her maiden at Belmont last fall but has been expensive to follow in two starts here. Mike’s Girl was a model of consistency on the New York circuit in her three-year-old season, and shaped with a bunch of promise when fourth in an allowance over this track and trip. She appeals as a dangerous class dropper.
Prediction: 2-10-3
