Handicapping Articles

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  2/25/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 6      Race overview:  A very modest 12.5-10k N2L sprinting on the Tapeta with little options, and not much speed either, both of which should flatter #11 OAXACA (4-1).       Pace:  There’s not much here, which means tactical speed is at a premium, and #11 OAXACA (4-1) has plenty of it, and drew perfectly too.      Trends:  You need to be close in the Tapeta sprints, as horses just don’t make up significant ground, seemingly no matter how quick they go up front.      …

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  2/24/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 4      Race overview:  A competitive 25k starter-allowance routing on the turf, with several different ways to go, though more than a few enter off suspect form, which is not the case with #7 DONTMESSWITHTESS (3-1).       Pace:  There’s enough here to keep things honest up front, and not let anyone get away with setting soft splits.      Trends:  Tactical speed—at the very least—is preferred on the turf, as horses just don’t come from too far back to win.       Best Play:  #7 DONTMESSWITHTESS…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  2/23/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 4      Race overview:  A deep and competitive 16k claimer sprinting on the Tapeta.       Pace:  There’s not as much early heat as you’d expect for a Tapeta sprint, so expect a bit of a bunched group, therefore tactical speed will be at a premium.      Trends:  That aforementioned tactical speed—at the very least—is preferred going one-turn on the Tapeta, as horses just don’t make up significant ground, no matter how fast they go early.       Best Play:  #1 ISLAND MAGIC (6-1): Endured a…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  2/22/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 4      Race overview:  A modest OC/SAL routing on the turf, which means it may be the perfect spot for a class riser like #4 CLOUD STORAGE (3-1).       Pace:  It looks on the slow side, so the ability to lay close is key.      Trends:  Tactical speed—at the very least—is preferred on the turf, as horses just don’t come from too far back to win.       Best Play:  #4 CLOUD STORAGE (3-1) (turf only): Sharp MCL winner really took to the turf, as…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  2/19/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 3      Race overview:  A modest 8k N2L routing on the Tapeta, with a few sketchy proven runners, which means the class riser #9 BELLA MIURA (4-1) has a big chance to win right back.       Pace:  Expect a bunched group, as there’s not a ton of true early speed.      Trends:  Stalker/closers have been the way to go routing on Tapeta, as horses in front early—no matter how slow they go—have trouble lasting late.       Best Play:  #9 BELLA MIURA (4-1): Rousing MCL…

“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…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  2/17/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 8      Race overview:  A solid 16k routing on the turf, though #4 SELFMADE (3-1) seems to hold all the aces on the stiff class drop.       Pace:  It should be very honest, as several in here have shown a penchant for running on, or just off, the early lead.      Trends:  Typically speed has held well on the turf, especially if a horse is able to shake loose early (which doesn’t seem likely here).       Best Play:  #4 SELFMADE (3-1) (turf only): Aforementioned…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  2/16/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 5      Race overview:  A strong MSW routing on turf for 3yo fillies with several top barns that have runners eligible to make a dent, though it’s the invader #4 GALILEO’S JEWEL (4-1) who looks primed.       Pace:  It should be honest, as a few have show speed and a few more stretch out and will see a first turn for the first time.      Trends:  Tactical speed—at the very least—is preferred on the turf, as horses just don’t come from too far back to…

“Play of the Day” by Brian Nadeau Date: 2/15/2023 Featured Track/Race: Gulfstream Park – Race 5   Race overview: A very good 35k claimer sprinting on the turf that could go any number of different ways.   Pace: They’ll be moving early, as several in here want to be on or just off the early lead. Trends: Speed plays sprinting on the turf, so at the very least you better be close early since horses just don’t come from far back late.   Best Play: #6 TOUGH CHARLIE (5-1) (turf only): FG invader has big turf sprint form, drew perfectly for his pressing style and it’s significant that…