0-for-1 on Thursday, with STREET CULTURE running a disappointing 6th @ 9/1 odds.
Gulfstream – Race 7
#6 BUCK MOON (8/1 ml)
Hawthorne import for Larry Rivelli ran a pretty solid race in his debut, finishing second behind barnmate ETCHED IN STONE in good time, while finishing just in front of third-place finisher DREAM KEEPER (note that it was 7 lengths back to the field after him). BUCK MOON was then flattered when ETCHED IN STONE returned to run second by a neck (behind an odds-on winner) in a quick 5-furlong turf allowance here on Feb 3. Meanwhile, DREAM KEEPER returned to run second in a two-turn race at Hawthorne, though it should be noted he was leading through 6 furlongs. As far as today’s rider (Victor Lebron) goes, Rivelli had used Irad Ortiz aboard ETCHED IN STONE in that recent Gulfstream allowance, but it looks like Lebron has struck for 27% winners w/Rivelli over the past year, so that certainly appears fine. Just no reason not to expect this horse to run well again, and potentially improve. Should offer good value. As for his competition, it should be noted that the Pletcher entrant DEMOCRACY logged a heads-up drill with Holy Bull favorite PRIME FACTOR back on Jan 17, albeit under some asking. He has a few other nice-looking drills (one with the interesting prospect CORE CURRICULUM who is entered @ Tampa today), and would be no real surprise. It should also be noted that the Saffie Joseph entrant COLLABORATE had very nice drill back on Jan 3 where he breezed past IRISH HONOR, who emerged from that drill to win an allowance race (in 123.34) on Jan 27. Would guess those are the main two threats.
Gulfstream – Race 10
#3 MUTASALLEM (9/2 ml)
Chad Brown firster worked four times in a row with LAMUTANAATTY, who came out of those drills to win his debut on Jan 9. Following that, MUTASALLEM worked with ST. JOE LOUIS, an older turf horse who I pointed out in this column last Sunday (ran second by a length @ Tampa). Most notably, and most recently, MUTASALLEM worked with the well-regarded colt HIGHLY MOTIVATED, a 2-for-3 stakes winner who is being is pointed to the Gotham Stakes next month. Obviously appears well-regarded, and should run well today.
That being said, I also need to mention #9 DRUM AND DRUMMER (5/1 ml). This Kelly Breen firster comes into this race having worked twice in a row (once from the gate) with SLUMBER PARTY, who came out of those drills to win by 7 lengths in her Jan 24 debut. DRUM AND DRUMMER later went with older 7yo barnmate FRONT LOADED, who has won 3 Gulfstream races over the last 6 months. Appears a serious contender.
ThoroBredPicks record:
Win record: 24-for-83 (29% winners)
Total mutuels: $206.30 ($8.60 average win price)
