Handicapping Articles

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  1/1/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 9      Race overview:  A head-scratcher of a Mucho Macho Man for newly minted 3yos going 1m on the main, as it brings about a mixed bag trying to find their level and figure out if they belong on path to the Florida Derby.       Pace:  It looks honest and potentially contested, as this is a trip that’s new to most, a few of which are stretch out sprinters.      Trends:  You don’t want to drop too far out of it at this trip, as…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  12/31/2022      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 4      Race overview:  A relatively meek 35k claimer on the turf, with little proven form, save #3 CLASSIC LADY (5-2), who lays over these based on her recent efforts.       Pace:  There’s not a ton here, so tactical speed, at the very least, should be viewed at a premium.      Trends:  The turf has not been kind to closers, and horses with early speed have held very well.       Best Play:  #3 CLASSIC LADY (5-2) (turf only): Stalker has by far the best…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  12/30/2022      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 6      Race overview:  A seemingly modest MOC sprinting on the main, with two firsters (#1 and #5) who could need this, and a slew of proven runners—aside from #6 MAMA MARIA (6-5)—who don’t inspire.       Pace:  It looks honest enough, as there are multiple runners who have shown a penchant for being on or just off the early lead.      Trends:  You need to be close sprinting on the main, as it’s tough to make up significant ground entering the far turn.      …

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  12/28/2022      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 7      Race overview:  A competitive 12.5k N2L sprinting on the Tapeta, with several in with a chance, though the maiden #8 FUNNY ENOUGH (3-1) looks dangerous based on her placement.       Pace:  It’s a Tapeta sprint, so there will be plenty, as several in here want to be involved early and often.      Trends:  Horses rarely make up significant ground sprinting on the Tapeta, no matter how quick they go up front, so you better be tactical, at the very least.       Best…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  12/29/2022      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 6      Race overview:  A relatively weak 10k claimer routing on the Tapeta, which means #1 THENORTHREMEMBERS (5-2) will really appreciate what is a hidden class drop.       Pace:  It looks honest, even for a shorter field, as there are ore than a few here who want to be involved early.      Trends:  The Tapeta routes have been dominated by stalker/closers, as the speed doesn’t often hold—no matter how slow they go early.       Best Play:  #1 THENORTHREMEMBERS (5-2): Goes turf-to-Tapeta and has run…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  12/26/2022      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 3      Race overview:  A competitive 6.25k claimer sprinting 6Fs on the main.       Pace:  It looks honest though not overly heated, as several want to be close, but none have true sprint speed either.      Trends:  You need to be close on the main track, as it’s hard to make up significant ground, especially sprinting.       Best Play:  #3 STARSHIP NUGGET (2-1): Dangerous pace player was 3rd to a few here (#8 and #4) but now goes off the claim for Figueroa (6-for-15/40%)…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  12/24/2022      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 7      Race overview:  A seemingly modest 2yo MSW for Florida breds, which means a firster like #1 HIHELLOHOWAREYOU (5-2) could be tough.       Pace:  It should be honest, as expected favorite #1 HIHELLOHOWAREYOU (5-2) has worked lights out in the morning, though no one else (on paper) looks fast enough to run with her.      Trends:  You need to be close spiriting on the main track, as horses just don’t make up a ton of ground late.       Best Play:  #1 HIHELLOHOWAREYOU (5-2):…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  12/23/2022      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 5      Race overview:  A wide-open OC/SAL routing on the turf, with several who have winning credentials.       Pace:  There’s not a ton on paper, which could compromise the chances of the closers, while flattering those with early foot.      Trends:  The turf has played to early speed since its return, and several who have flown early have stuck late, so, at the very least, you better have tactical speed.       Best Play:  #2 Pegs A.K. Girl (5-1) (turf only): Class dropper has been…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  12/22/2022      Featured Track/Race:   Gulfstream Park – Race 7      Race overview:  A strong AOC sprinting 7Fs on the main that marks the return of multiple graded stakes winner #2 Dr Post (7-5), but off a 13-month layoff, the time is right to beat him with the equally classy, and in-form #1 ENDORSED (2-1), who has a big recency edge as well.       Pace:  There’s plenty of speed to the outside, so things should be cooking up front.      Trends:  You need to be close on the main track, as it’s hard to…

PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau Date: 12/21/2022 Featured Track/Race: Gulfstream Park – Race 8   Race overview: As good a 10k claimer as they’ll run sprinting on the Tapeta, as there are countless who enter with winning credentials, which means value abounds.   Pace: It figures hot and contested, as several want to motor early. Trends: The Tapeta sprints are won by speed/stalkers, as coming from well out of it just doesn’t work.   Best Play: #1 COOP TRIES HARDER (8-1): Stalker should be close early and comes out of a key race for 20k, where he was a decent 5th, but note his other two…