SUNSET SIX – 1/16/2026
LEG A, RACE 8 – GULFSTREAM PARK
SELECTIONS: 8-11-1-5
The rare race that will go with a bigger field off the turf as the AE #11 FAVORABLE SCENARIO is allowed into the field now that it’s on Tapeta. I will use him as well as my top pick, #8 PATRICK’S PROMISE, who rallied stoutly into a glacial pace last time out over the weeds. He has been equally adept on Tapeta, including an in the money finish when in the care of the late Christophe Clement early in 2025. He should get far more pace to run at this afternoon than he did in his last start.
LEG B, RACE 9 – GULFSTREAM PARK
SELECTIONS: 1-5-3-2
The class drop should do a world of good for #1 BATTEN DOWN, who was over his head when last seen nearly 10 months ago at Aqueduct. This is the first time he’ll get treated with Lasix since he broke his maiden at Churchill in 2024, and he is the controlling speed from the rail. Trainer Bill Mott has been on a tear of late and this son of Tapit figures to be very tough to handle with his typical effort. The interesting price horse is #5 MAGNA TIME, who makes his dirt debut in deep waters. He has, however, been training very well over this oval according to the clockers and might be interesting as the stranger in this field.
LEG C, RACE 10 – GULFSTREAM PARK
SELECTIONS: 10-7-11-8
One of the more interesting horses in this sequence is #10 MARY MARGUERITE, who was compromised last time out by a wide trip in a tougher race. She earned a 10 Thorograph number and that puts her in line with the best of this bunch. The move to Tapeta does her no harm, as she was a winner over this oval in strong fashion two starts back. This being the third start of her form cycle, she’s set for an improved run and this barn has been rolling of late with 3 wins from 6 starters last racing week. Both #7 SIMPLY STRIKING and #11 NORTH END LADY can win this race as they have good back form and have performed respectably on this oval.
LEG D, RACE 6 – SANTA ANITA PARK
SELECTIONS: 3-5-1
To me there’s little separating the 3 favorites in this field and #5 BULLARD is just as likely a winner as #1 WINTERFELL. The edge #3 PILOT COMMANDER possesses pertains to pace, as he is likely to be loose in this field. It is interesting that Juan Hernandez, who is trainer Bob Baffert’s main rider, opts to go to Winterfell. Nonetheless, use all three because separating them feels like a fool’s errand!
LEG E, RACE 7 – SANTA ANITA PARK
SELECTIONS: 3-1-6-2
#3 GYPSY TEARS is dropping back to the 20k level and has trained well of late according to the clockers. He fits better here after a failed bid against a salty group of 32k sellers last time out at Los Alamitos. The pace should be there for him to unleash a late run and the 5-1 morning line would be mighty appealing #1 MAN CHILD is the one to catch from the rail and improved last time out when 2nd against slightly lesser for trainer Jesus Uranga. If he is able to get the lead, he’ll be a major factor throughout.
LEG F, RACE 8 – SANTA ANITA PARK
SELECTIONS: 2-5-10-1
I love #2 CODE DUELLO in this spot. This is the perfectly misunderstood horse as he returns to turf for the first time since the end of 2024. In that last turf outing he was involved in the pace in a race eventually won by Motorious. He grudgingly gave way and ran a race that would win this by a pole. Trainer Craig Dollase has shockingly kept him on the dirt since and he’s won three races against QHs at Los Alamitos. This return to turf sprinting should bring out his best. I’ll use #5 PLEASE FOCUS as well as he is training well off the claim and goes to a barn that hits far more regularly than the one he left.
The Ticket: 8,11 with 1,5 with 7,10,11 with 1,3,5 with 1,3 with 2,5 = $144
