Gulfstream Park: Tapeta Takes Center Stage Wednesday 12/22

Gulfstream Park put in a tapeta surface during the Flamingo Meet this year. Wednesday’s card will see a majority of races run on the new surface.

Betting the Tapeta

The synthetic surface at Gulfstream Park has been a stark change from the other 2 courses at the track. Gulfstream has always been a notoriously speed favoring track. However, the tapeta surface has played much more to late charging horses.

When speed wins it typically does so by clearing off and saving ground along the rail. Inversely most of the winners from off the pace tend to do so out in the middle of the tight track.

Wednesday Analysis

Gulfstream Park Race 1

Post: 12:30 PM ET; Purse: $35,000 Maiden Claiming, About 1 Mile 70 Yards on All Weather Track; Entries: 8

In maiden claimers I always like to find a price that I think has a chance to pull the upset. #4 FISHING FOR FUN (5-1) has the best recent speed figures and could be ready to break the maiden here. #6 SONIC KITTEN (7-2) should be in the right spot early to give this horse a chance to get the job done. If they don’t go with this one the race may be over. #8 CADET CORPS (9-2) the breeding suggests this one could like the distance. #5 FOOD BANK HELPER (4-1) comes from a barn who does well in the claiming ranks.

Selections: 4-6-8-5

Gulfstream Park Race 2

Post: 12:58 PM ET; Purse: $31,000 Claiming, About 1 Mile 70 Yards on All Weather Track; Entries: 7

#2 APPOINTED (5-2) is a major player based on speed figures. #1 MIDNIGHT BELLA (3-1) has run against better recently and should relish a little class relief here. #5 WONDER BLONDY (7-2) has pace numbers that make it competitive and the barn is solid overall. #7 MONEY FACTOR (5-1) has been running well of late and could be ready to run a big race here.

Selections: 2-1-5-7

Gulfstream Park Race 3

Post: 1:26 PM ET; Purse: $23,000 Maiden Claiming, About 5 Furlongs on All Weather Track; Entries: 8

#2 MR MAC QUHAE (7-2) isn’t a great price in this type of race, but this one has the best speed figures thus far. #7 ON HIS TOES (2-1) is well bred for these sharp sprint races. #4 DANLEY (20-1) has some foundation and offers plenty of value at 20-1. Another bomb worth a look is #5 CUPID’S GHOST (20-1). This one will be forwardly placed and while I don’t love that on tapeta, it is good in 5 furlong sprints regardless of the track.

Selections: 2-7-4-5

Gulfstream Park Race 4

Post: 1:58 PM ET; Purse: $41,000 Claiming, About 5 Furlongs on All Weather Track; Entries: 7

#4 GONE NUTS (7-5) is worth a look here given the connections. This one has already proven to be a good bet on the synthetic surface. #1 BACKATYA (15-1) is an interesting player at a big price running in good form of late. #3 LUCAGO (8-1) looks to have to have kept the best company in the previous starts. #5 RAYO COLORADO (4-1) is proven as a good bet to at least hit the board under today’s distance and surface conditions.

Selections: 4-1-3-5

Gulfstream Park Race 5

Post: 2:28 PM ET; Purse: $36,000 Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 9

#6 STAR SIGN (12-1) could spring a major upset on the dirt with edges in speed & power rating. #7 INTER MIAMI (6-1) could get a perfect pace scenario today. #2 SEPTEMBERTEN (9-2) looks good on paper. This one isn’t the likeliest winner, but would hardly be a surprise. #4 WITH VERVE (7-2) will be forward early and that’s never a bad place to be on the Gulfstream main.

Selections: 6-7-2-4

Gulfstream Park Race 6

Post: 2:58 PM ET; Purse: $34,000 Starter Allowance, About 5 1/2 Furlongs on All Weather Track; Entries: 7

#5 ODRAMARK (3-1) makes a ton of sense here on speed & form. #4 AWSUM ROAR (8-5) is proven as a good bet to at least hit the board under today’s distance and surface conditions. #1 FOLLOW ME MOM (12-1) comes from a good barn and will be forward in the early stages. #7 TREVESS (9-2) is worth a look here given edge in stamina.

Selections: 5-4-1-7

Gulfstream Park Race 7

Post: 3:28 PM ET; Purse: $37,000 Starter Allowance, About 1 Mile 70 Yards on All Weather Track; Entries: 9

#6 KATZ A DREAM (4-1) could get a perfect pace scenario today. #4 ROSA STAR (10-1) has been running against better. A drop in class could wake this one up at a price. #7 ACT LIKE ARTIE (7-2) should be competitive based on the overall power rating which has it tops in the group. #2 RIVETING SPIRIT (6-1) is worth a look here based on connections & record at the distance.

Selections: 6-4-7-2

Gulfstream Park Race 8

Post: 3:59 PM ET; Purse: $24,000 Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 6

#1 LIFE IN SHAMBLES (5-2) looks like a major threat with a good record at the distance & pace numbers. #5 RESERVENOTATTAINED (7-5) looks a worth favorite with advantages in speed & power rating. #4 ALL AROUND (9-2) looks to be the class of the field. #2 PALADIO (4-1) should be able to outlast the others if there is a late stretch duel.

Selections: 1-5-4-2

Gulfstream Park Race 9

Post: 4:32 PM ET; Purse: $34,000 Starter Optional Claiming, About 1 Mile 70 Yards on All Weather Track; Entries: 7

#3 ETERNAL REST (5-1) would be a steal at this price given the power rating and speed figures possessed by this runner. #4 VENEZUELAN TRIUMPH (7-2) comes into the race signaling a big performance in the near future. #2 PANORAMA TRUCK (3-1) wouldn’t be a total surprise to hit the board or even find the winner’s circle. #6 MAMITA LINDA (8-1) is a longshot worth a look that could provide a little value.

Selections: 3-4-2-6

Gulfstream Park Race 10

Post: 5:05 PM ET; Purse: $36,000 Claiming, 1 Mile on Turf; Entries: 10

#9 COALITION BUILDING (5-2) looks tough in this spot based on speed figures. #2 SYSTEMATIC (8-1) enters at a price with the best in the money percentage at the distance. #8 MEET THE BEAUTY (4-1) has to be respected based on the connections. #6 MISS DELICIOUS (10-1) is worth inclusion for underneath plays in the gimmicks.

Selections: 9-2-8-6

Betting News Handicapping Products

Although the slate is fairly quiet heading into Christmas, racing will heat back up on December 26th with the opening of Santa Anita. Don’t forget to check out the Betting News free handicapping tools to help you solidify all of your selections over the weekend of racing.