Handicapping

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  1/9/25      Featured track  Gulfstream Park      Race number  7       Race overview  A very competitive MSW for fm4up going 1 3/8 miles on the turf.       Pace  There’s seemingly none here other than #1 Mizoula (5-2), who should be able to set up shop easily on the lead, over a group filled with several who have no early zip at all.      Trends  The turf has been a paved highway, with horses routinely wiring on the front end—regardless of how fast they go early.      Best Play  #1 MIZOULA…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  1/8/25      Featured track  Gulfstream Park      Race number  6       Race overview  A competitive bottom-level claimer for 4up at 6Fs on the main.       Pace  It looks honest enough, as more than a few have shown they want to mix it up early and often.      Trends  Speed typically plays sprinting on the main track, so tactical speed—at the very least—is preferred.       Best Play  #1 APOLLO CODE (8-5): Stalker was in way too tough last time in a salty 3yo stakes and now drops stiffly, and while that…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  1/5/25      Featured track  Gulfstream Park      Race number  4       Race overview  A deep and competitive OC/SAL for 3yos at 5 ½ Fs on Tapeta.       Pace  It looks hot and contested, which suggests a hint of rating gear will come in handy.      Trends  Tapeta sprints play to speed, so at the very least, you need to be close early, as things rarely fall apart in the lane.      Best Play  #5 Venezuelan Is Gold (2-1): Two-time winner looked awesome settling and kicking on strongly off the far…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  1/4/25      Featured track  Gulfstream Park      Race number  10       Race overview  A tremendous renewal of the Mucho Macho Man for 3yos at 1-mile.       Pace  There’s a ton on paper, as more than few want to roll fast early, which suggests things will be hot up front, and turn into a battle of attrition off the far turn.      Trends  The one-turn mile races are a bit tricky, as the fields can be gapped out, which makes it tough to make up significant ground unless you’re in position entering…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  1/3/25      Featured track  Gulfstream Park      Race number  9       Race overview  A relatively modest 50k N2L for 4up at 7 ½ furlongs on the turf.       Pace  There’s not much here, so expect a bunched group early, and a sprint off the far turn.      Trends  Speed plays on the turf, as races rarely fall apart in the lane, so tactical speed, at the very least, is preferred.       Best Play  #5 DEADPAN (8-5): Stiff class dropper blew the start last time and was behind the eight-ball immediately…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  1/2/25      Featured track  Gulfstream Park      Race number  3       Race overview  A deep and competitive 35k MCL’er for 3yfs at 6Fs on the main.       Pace  There’s not much here, so expect a bunched group early, and a sprint off the far turn.      Trends  Speed is tough sprinting on the main, as you rarely see runners coming from too far off the pace.      Best Play  #5 LADY MEGHAN (5-2): Barboza runner was a decent 4th on debut for a barn that never cranks them, but is a…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  1/1/25      Featured track  Gulfstream Park      Race number  5       Race overview  A deep and competitive 35k MCL’er for 3yos at 5 ½ Fs on Tapeta.       Pace  It looks honest enough, as more than a few who have shown early speed, and at this trip, you have to think others will want to as well.      Trends  Speed plays sprinting on Tapeta, as races rarely fall apart in the lane, so tactical speed should be viewed a as a premium.      Best Play  #2 AYMAN (5-2): Dirt-to-Tapeta runner…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  12/29/24      Featured track  Gulfstream Park      Race number  9       Race overview  A strong 100k overnight handicap for 3upfm at 1 1/8 miles on Tapeta.       Pace  It looks on the slow side, as there’s very few with early speed, which means #7 SAND AND SEA (9-5) should be able to make the front without much difficulty.      Trends  Speed struggles a bit more routing on Tapeta, but class horses can see it out on the front end.      Best Play  #7 SAND AND SEA (9-5): Local lover (3-for-5)…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  12/28/24      Featured track  Gulfstream Park      Race number  2       Race overview  An extremely weak 12.5k MCL for fm3up at 5 ½ furlongs on Tapeta.       Pace  It looks honest enough, as more than a few on the inside want to be involved and close early.      Trends  Speed plays sprinting on Tapeta, as races rarely fall apart in the lane, so tactical speed should be viewed a as a premium.      Best Play  # BAM BAM (8-5): Cutback sprinter made the lead routing last time and tired, drew…