With the Kentucky Derby and Oaks just seven weeks away (scheduled for May 1 and 2 at Churchill Downs), racing programs across the country are gaining momentum. Whereas Friday’s card at Gulfstream Park doesn’t feature any graded stakes races, a competitive slate of allowance, maiden, and claiming contests provides ample opportunity for handicapping. Expert selections for today’s races, which start at 12:50 p.m. ET/9:50 a.m. PT, offer insights for horse racing enthusiasts.
One analyst, known as Mr. Ed, spent considerable time evaluating Friday’s seventh race – a $54,000 Allowance Optional Claiming turf sprint for state-bred fillies and mares – ultimately settling on #1 I’MWISHINGONASTAR (3-1 morning line) with Luis Saez set to ride. The selections below represent Mr. Ed’s exclusive picks for the day, offering a detailed look at potential winning contenders.
Race-by-Race Selections for Gulfstream Park, March 13
Race 1 — $50 Maiden Optional Claiming (State-Bred 3YOs, 5 Furlongs): Mr. Ed favors #5 AMBASSADOR BLUE (4-1 morning line), trained by Danny Gargan. The horse is a new gelding dropping in class, receiving Lasix, and shortening the distance, with Junior Alvarado in the saddle.
Race 2 (1:20 p.m. ET/10:20 a.m. PT) — $24.5K Claiming (Fillies and Mares, 4YOs & Up, 1 1/16-Mile on the Grass): Three horses are highlighted: #3 BOMB SQUAD (8-5 morning line) with trainer Luis Duco and Edgar Perez riding; #6 DIALITHIC (2-1) under excellent trainer Victor Barboza; and #7 CAMM’S PRINCESS (3-1) conditioned by Eniel Cordero with Juan Rodriguez up. An Exacta Box of 3, 6, and 7 is recommended.
Race 3 (1:50 p.m. ET/10:50 a.m. PT) — $34K Maiden Claiming (State-Bred 3YOs, 1 1/16-Mile on the Tapeta Surface): The pick is #6 STAR OF THE GUN (7-2 morning line) trained by Antonio Sano, with Edgard Zayas retaining the mount.
Race 5 (2:51 p.m. ET/11:51 a.m. PT) — $84K Maiden Special Weight (State-Bred 3YOs & Up, 1 1/16-Mile on the Turf): #4 LIMITED EDITION (2-1 morning line) is the selection, benefiting from a rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz, Jr., for trainer Philip Antonacci.
Race 6 (3:22 p.m. ET/12:22 p.m. PT) — $40K Claiming (4YOs & Up, 1 Mile): Three horses are considered: #2 REAL MACHO (5-2 morning line) for trainer Rohan Crichton with Micah Husbands riding; #5 UNCLECHARLIESGIFT (5-1) with Nick Zito and Dylan Davis; and #7 SPEAK EASY (2-1) for trainer Martin Drexler with Irad Ortiz, Jr. An Exacta Box of 2, 5, and 7 is suggested.
Race 7 (3:53 p.m. ET/12:53 p.m. PT): A $10 to Win and Place wager is recommended on #1 I’MWISHINGONASTAR.
Pick 3 Strategy for Races 8-10
A $1 Pick 3 is suggested with the following selections: Race 8: 9, 10, 11; Race 9: 4, 7; Race 10: 4, 6, 7, 9. The total cost of this wager is $24.
The total amount of wagers recommended for the day is $144.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ed will return on Saturday with selections for the 12-race card at Churchill Downs, including projected finishers for the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs. Unsettled weather conditions are currently forecast for both East Coast locations.
The upcoming races at Churchill Downs will be closely watched as horses continue their preparations for the Kentucky Derby, a cornerstone event in the world of horse racing. Stay tuned for further analysis and insights as the season progresses.
What are your thoughts on these picks? Share your own selections and insights in the comments below!
