Nadeau: Gulfstream Play of the Day Sat 2.18.23

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  2/18/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 10      Race overview:  An odd AOC on the turf, as the entire field are Tapeta runners with very little turf form, with the exception of #3 EXCHANGE DAY (7-2), who has two local wins.       Pace:  It’s a turf sprint, so they’ll be moving early, though how many will be vying up front remains to be seen.      Trends:  Tactical speed—at the very least—is preferred on the turf, as horses just don’t come from too far back to win, especially sprinting.        Best…

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Play of the Day – September 30th, 2022

Play of the Day Race Date September 30, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 2 Overview A decent 50k claimer for 3yos, though it looks like #5 BLUE KENTUCKY (5-1) has a distinctive class edge. Pace There’s not a ton here, so expect a bunched field and a sprint at the end, which means tactical speed is a bonus. Trends The main track really seemed to tilt towards stalker/closers over the weekend, which is worth keeping an eye on as they come back for another five-day race week. Best Bet BLUE KENTUCKY Number 5 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview #5 BLUE KENTUCKY (5-1): Class dropper and turf-to-dirt runner…

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Play of the Day – September 29th, 2022

Play of the Day Race Date September 29, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 5 Overview A deeply competitive 25k claiming sprint, which could go any number of different ways. Pace It should be honest, as there are a few here who want to be involved early. Trends The main track really seemed to tilt towards stalker/closers over the weekend, which is worth keeping an eye on as they come back for another five-day race week. Best Bet MY MY MUNNY Number 6 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview #6 MY MY MUNNY (5-1): Class dropper didn’t run poorly for 50k last time, so this group should be to…

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Play of the Day – September 25th, 2022

Play of the Day Race Date September 25, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 9 Overview A competitive AOC for 3up sprinting, with several different ways to go, though a lack of pace could tilt it to #2 SPANKSTER (9-2) Pace As mentioned, there’s not much here to keep #2 SPANKSTER (9-2) company up front, and Lukas won a pair Wednesday and the cutback off the mile last time should work too. Trends The main track, on a whole, seemed fair Opening Week, though four racing days are hardly a safe barometer. Best Bet SPANKSTR Number 2 Morning Line (9-2) Best Bet Overview #2 SPANKSTR (9-2): The inside speed…

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Play of the Day – September 24th, 2022

Play of the Day Race Date September 24, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 7 Overview A very strong overnight stakes for 3yo fillies going long, with several who bring winning credentials and enter off strong runs. Pace It seems honest enough, as there’s some speed to the inside and some presser/stalkers to the outside, who won’t let anyone get away early. Trends The main track, on a whole, seemed fair Opening Week, though four racing days are hardly a safe barometer. Best Bet SCRATCH KAT Number 6 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview #6 SCRATCH KAT (5-1): Lightly raced and improving filly took a shot at the G1…

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Play of the Day – September 23rd, 2022

Play of the Day Race Date September 23, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 6 Overview A tough 32k claimer with several who come in with middling, class-dropping form, making it that much tougher to decipher. Pace There’s not a lot signed on here, so being close early seems like it will pay dividends late. Trends The main track, on a whole, seemed fair Opening Week, though four racing days are hardly a safe barometer. Best Bet AGRESSIVITY Number 4 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet Overview #4 AGRESSIVITY (3-1): Stalker has been in good form while a bit under the radar at Haw and Elp, though note he has…

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Play of the Day – September 22nd, 2022

Play of the Day Race Date September 22, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 6 Overview A competitive 50k N2L sprinting with some form to sift through, as several come out turf and/or route races. Pace It looks honest enough, as there’s some down on the inside to ensure no one gets free and clear early. Trends The main track, on a whole, seemed fair Opening Week, though four racing days are hardly a safe barometer. Best Bet BUTTON BOY Number 6 Morning Line (7-2) Best Bet Overview #6 BUTTON BOY (7-2): Class dropper has been running on the turf for the most part but has a huge Kee…

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Play of the Day – September 18th, 2022

Play of the Day Race Date September 18, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 5 Overview A competitive 40k claimer for 3yo fillies that could have any number of different winners. Pace There’s not much here, which means speed is at a premium, which should flatter #6 HIGH SPEED (6-1), who drew perfectly for her attacking style. Trends N/A Best Bet HIGH SPEED Number 6 Morning Line (6-1) Best Bet Overview #6 HIGH SPEED (6-1): Pace presser looked good winning at Belterra, and while this is a rise, she comes in in good form and has the ideal post as well. Picks & Plays Aggressive WP bet and a…

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Play of the Day – September 17th, 2022

Play of the Day Race Date September 17, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 3 Overview A very weak 50k starter-allowance with few who have winning credentials, while #1 NEPOTISM (3-1) has them in spades. Pace It looks on the slow side, so tactical speed is a big plus. Trends N/A Best Bet NEPOTISM Number 1 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet Overview #1 NEPOTISM (3-1): Tactical sort has been in good form at the level, as several of his recent runs would win this, and with this meek crew signed on, it alleviates the 12-1-5-5 record. Picks & Plays Aggressive WP bet and single in the early Pk5/Pk4 as…

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