Late Pick 5 sequence:
Race 7 SELECTIONS: 3 – 6
#3 Wicked Fast may not have run in higher level races like many of the competitors he will face today but, he did show the propensity to be well placed and finish strong. Making his first start for trainer Jorge Abreu, this son of Tourist gets Lasix for the first time and should have an opportunity to win at a price. #6 Credibility was given a two month rest after his strong 2-year-old campaign. With the foundation of those robust stakes races under his belt, he has the most potential for a strong start to the year. He has an affinity for the Gulfstream Park turf as this is where he broke his maiden on debut.
Race 8 SELECTIONS: 3 – 6 – 10
#3 Rita Marga ran a solid race on debut for trainer Kelsey Danner. Today she returns to the same level and retains the same jockey hoping for a 2 length improvement. #6 Mitigation is a Into Mischief filly that will be making her fourth lifetime start for Bill Mott. This filly fits the profile of a horse that is primed to get that maiden score. She has shown improvement in every start and now is making her second start for a patient trainer that is dropping her into a level that she seems to fit well; also gets Lasix for the first time. #10 Butterbean was a beaten favorite last time out at Churchill Downs going this exact distance. During that contest she stumbled at the start then rushed up to take the lead before getting caught at the wire. If she can get away from the gate cleanly, she should be in with a chance.
Race 9 SELECTIONS: 2 – 8 – 10
#2 Lucky as a Seven is a hard trying 4-year-old that is always within reach of the victory but has only experienced that winner’s circle walk once. Today this gelding will be making his third start off the layoff for solid claiming trainer Juan Avila. The added distance at this level should make a huge difference and allow this runner those extra furlong or two to get up. #8 Impressive Speed is a presser type that ships in from Woodbine that should also benefit from an increase in distance. The surface change is the key here as this Martin Drexler trainee will be running on the dirt for the first time in a long time. #10 Big Blue drops in class for trainer Rusty Arnold and this will be the second race into a new form cycle. He does his best running late and with Saez in the irons, I am envisioning him being closer to the pace and kicking home strong in the final strides.
Race 10 SELECTIONS: 2 – 7
#2 Sister Otoole is the only runner that I think has what it takes to beat the favorite. This 5 year-old mare competed in tougher races late last year before she was given a break. In those races she showed good versatility but was ultimately done in by pace. Today she returns after a two month break and should be ready to put in a solid effort. #7 Sugar Fix is a speedy front runner that has the natural early turn of foot that can make this one a merry-go-round, and could take this field gate to wire. She wont be a great price on the board but is hard to exclude from any type of multi-race wager.
Race 11 SELECTIONS: 5 – 6 – 12
#5 Millennium Condo is making his 3-year-old debut for trainer Herman Wilensky. In both of his races at this same level he has shown speed in different segments. With the addition of Lasix and jockey Paco Lopez the anticipation of improvement is looming. #6 Fishing for Fun failed as the favorite last time out but not by much. Returning today and getting Lasix for the first time this 3-year-old gelding is running for the red hot barn of Ronald Spatz. #12 Catatumbo is looking to make his third lifetime start a winning one for trainer Antonio Sano. Returning from a layoff after trying the synthetic and finishing a respectable second beaten only by less than a length.
Let’s Make it Happen!!!
