Friday 1/16/26 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 07:59 AM

Frank Carulli: Gulfstream Park Pick 4 Analysis | Friday, January 16, 2026

by Frank Carulli

Gulfstream Park will offer a 50-cent Late Pick 4 to close its 10-race card this Friday, Jan. 16. Our suggested $48 play listed below is a bargain if you take advantage of Xpressbet and 1/ST BET’s “Bet $25, get $5” promotion for races at Gulfstream.

GP 7th race (3:20 p.m. EST) -- DRINK DEEPLY was hard-ridden on the turn on a sloppy track, but she caught the drifting leader in early stretch and burst clear in the final eighth to win at this distance. The improving 4-year-old gets in light-weighted again and draws the rail. MY LADY JAMES earned nearly two-thirds of her $250k bankroll on synthetic tracks, but she handled the switch to conventional dirt well enough recently to snap out of an 18-month winless streak. She was second at the top of the stretch two starts back at 5-1/2F but proved no match for winner Pop Rox, who came back to repeat under these conditions with a 76 Beyer. Then she stalked the pace at 6F last out, drew clear in the mid-stretch but couldn’t stop the onrushing favorite from winning three in a row. If she handles the 7F distance for the first time in her career, she can upgrade to a win.

GP 8th race (3:50 p.m. EST) -- If the Chad Brown-trained FAVORABLE SCENARIO draws into this 7-1/2F optional claiming race on the turf, he is the clear favorite and the one to beat after he rallied to finish second to Grade 3-placed Capitol Hill (2-7, $165k on turf). If he doesn’t get in off the also-eligible list, it looks like a low-80 Beyer that several entrants produced recently will win it. The speedy QUEREME PASS, stakes-placed grass sprinter FLAT TO DA MAT, consistent $236k turf earner RUSE, and sharp Maiden Special Weight winners CRUISE THE NILE and BITE AND STRIKE all make the ticket.

GP 9th race (4:20 p.m. EST) -- BATTEN DOWN and STARS AND STRIPES worked forwardly and in tandem in December for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, but both are looking to recapture their best form. BATTEN DOWN won the Grade 3 Ohio Derby and ran second in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy at Saratoga during a $697k 3-year-old season, but he only raced twice last year and was well-beaten in $150,000 Excelsior at Aqueduct when last seen in April. STARS AND STRIPES was a smashing second-out winner at Aqueduct and follow-up six-figure allowance victor at Saratoga in July, but he returned four months later and trailed in the Dwyer Stakes. SOLO VENTURI was ‘in range’ of Grade 1 winner and 1-to-9 favorite Tappan Street, but the well-traveled 4-year-old was out-kicked in the stretch in a one-mile optional claimer at Gulfstream. He posted a fastest-of-76 workout since that race and trainer William Walden is 44/8-6-5 with route runners since August 20. MAGNA TIME arrives from Woodbine in top form and fired a pair of bullet workouts for her first start on dirt. She lived up to favoritism in her first two starts with Lasix, then overcame an awkward start to lead until late in a 1-1/8-mile allowance. She’s worth using at a good price.

GP 10th race (4:50 p.m. EST) -- CHEEKIEST followed the 3-wide move of the winner on the final turn and ‘improved position’ in the stretch, but she couldn’t reach the two favorites for the place and show spots in her first start off a four-month layoff. The top five finishers in the race equaled or bettered their top turf speed figure, so use the six-figure grass earner with Irad Ortiz Jr. summoned to ride. READY TO BATTLE tracked a soft pace and the dueling leaders while in-hand, but she responded with a winning run when asked on the final turn, edging away late in a longer grass route at Woodbine. She could sit a similar-type trip in here.

Suggested 50-Cent Ticket
GP 7th Race: 1, 6
GP 8th Race: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11
GP 9th Race: 1, 2, 4, 5
GP 10th Race: 1, 8
Cost: $48

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:00 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Charles Town
PURCHASE

Charles Town - Race 2	Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Daily Double (Races 2-3) Pick 3 (Races 2-3-4) / Pick 4 (Races 2-3-4-5)
Allowance • 4 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 77 • Purse: $31,700 • Post: 7:32P
FOR ACCREDITED WEST VIRGINIA-BRED FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR WAIVER CLAIMING OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 16 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 16 ALLOWED 4 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $12,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN WEIGHT ALLOWANCES).

Contenders				Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds	Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * CRY TOUGH: Today is a sprint, horse is a Front-runner with an inside post position. Toda y is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. GOLDEN CIRCLES: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. ALL ABOARD: Jockey/Tra iner combination return on investment is at least +20. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). SYMPTOMATIC: Horse is dropping in class, has an inside post position and isn't a Trailer. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation.
2	CRY TOUGH	8/5	5/1
7	GOLDEN CIRCLES	2/1	6/1
5	ALL ABOARD	6/1	6/1
4	SYMPTOMATIC	5/1	6/1

P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
5	ALL ABOARD	5	6/1	Front-runner	71	75	92.4	66.8	59.8
2	CRY TOUGH	2	8/5	Front-runner	68	78	75.2	68.6	62.1
1	SING ME TO SLEEP	1	15/1	Front-runner	59	57	48.0	44.4	30.4
3	OUR MEMORIES	3	12/1	Stalker	65	60	64.0	55.6	45.6
4	SYMPTOMATIC	4	5/1	Alternator/Stalker	78	77	68.4	69.0	64.5
7	GOLDEN CIRCLES	7	2/1	Alternator/Stalker	72	77	66.8	69.4	63.9
6	AUDIBLE THE PLAY	6	10/1	Alternator/Non-contender	61	65	64.4	62.0	54.0

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:00 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Sam Houston Race Park
PURCHASE

Sam Houston Race Park - Race 5	WPS / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Daily Double (Races 5 - 6) Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7)
Maiden Claiming $10,000 • 7 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3-5 • CR: 61 • Purse: $11,000 • Post: 8:22P
(PLUS UP TO $440 ATB) FOR TEXAS ACCREDITED MAIDENS, THREE, FOUR, AND FIVE YEARS OLD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000, IF FOR $7,500, ALLOWED 2 LBS.

Contenders				Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds	Race Type: Dominant Stalker. DRAMA KING is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * DRAMA KING: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in t he top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
8	DRAMA KING	5/2	2/1

P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
5	OKLAHOMA FLAME	5	4/1	Alternator/Front-runner	73	58	49.6	39.3	31.3
8	DRAMA KING	8	5/2	Alternator/Stalker	71	54	59.4	60.4	58.4
1	GUS CAUSE	1	6/1	Alternator/Stalker	55	49	55.3	46.4	38.4
2	OTHERBROTHERDARYL	2	12/1	Alternator/Stalker	63	59	48.0	42.4	35.4
6	DOC HENRY RIDGE	6	8/1	Alternator/Trailer	63	55	25.2	46.4	38.4
3	CAUSE IM THE KING	3	20/1	Alternator/Non-contender	58	50	44.2	33.9	22.9
7	LAST AFFAIR	7	6/1	Alternator/Non-contender	0	0	39.5	36.8	24.8

Unknown Running Style: TOMMY KAT (3/1) [Jockey: Fuentes Mario - Trainer: Silva Miguel Angel].

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:01 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Cross Country Pick Four

PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 5 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $35000 Class Rating: 83

AQU - R8 - FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 9 MALDINI 9/2
# 2 KAVANAUGH 8/5
# 5 WAIT FOR ME 8/1

I've got to go with MALDINI. Overall the Equibase Speed Figs of this animal look strong in this contest. KAVANAUGH - Has performed admirably recently in route races, posting a nifty 80 avg Equibase Speed Figure. Ran a strong last race. WAIT FOR ME - Has recorded sound Equibase Speed Figures in dirt route races in the past. Duggan has a sharp win percent with horses racing in dirt route races.

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:01 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE

Turfway Park - Race #3 - Post: 6:55pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $26,800 Class Rating: 83

Rating:

#8 NO SHOW (ML=4/1)

NO SHOW - That 68 fig this mare garnered in her last event tells me she's a key player this time out. Taking a trip down the ladder based on class; has the form to make her presence felt. Came home fast in the last race at Belterra Park. That type of move bodes well for her chances right here.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 FASCINATOR (ML=2/1), #7 FLOWERY PATH (ML=5/2), #6 KAM'S ROCKIN GOLD (ML=8/1),

FASCINATOR - Oct 29th is the last time we've seen this mare around. Have to be a little bit leery. FLOWERY PATH - Just cannot invest in this vulnerable equine. Didn't show me anything positive in the last race or on December 10th. Won't be easy for this entrant to beat this bunch off of that last speed figure. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's Equibase class figure, so put her on the vulnerable contenders list. KAM'S ROCKIN GOLD - Tough to wager on any thoroughbred to turn things around if there is no value to taking the chance. Finished sixth in her most recent performance with a quite unimpressive speed rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this bunch.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Bet on #8 NO SHOW to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	Skip
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	None

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:01 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Gulfstream Park

PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 8 - Optional Claiming - 7.5f on the Turf. Purse: $86000 Class Rating: 100

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $20,000 ONCE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR RESTRICTED OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $25,000. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 16 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $25,000 MAIDEN RACES

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 2 QUEREME PASS (ARG) 9/2
# 3 IRONSIDES 5/1
# 7 CRUISE THE NILE 4/1

My choice in here is QUEREME PASS (ARG). Has run admirably when racing a turf sprint race. Zayas has a winning percentage of 23 over the last 30 days. Don't overlook this horse in your propositions - very dangerous with Zayas aboard. IRONSIDES - The speed figure of 95 from his most recent race looks very good in here. I like the jockey on this gelding - very good chance to win the contest.

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:01 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE

Fair Grounds - Race #3 - Post: 1:45pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $22,000 Class Rating: 73

Rating:

#2 STRONG (ML=8/1)
#8 STANDARD DEDUCTION (ML=8/1)

STRONG - He has the topmost earnings per start (EPS). Check out this horse. Desormeaux is hoping to get a little more out of this colt by adding blinkers today. STANDARD DEDUCTION - Loveberry rode this racer for the initial time in the last race and comes right back this time. Block drops him down to this level. You don't need too much more handicapping info to figure that this thoroughbred should run well at this level.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 ONE TOUGH ROAD (ML=5/2), #6 MORAL MAN (ML=9/2), #3 STRUCK OUT (ML=5/1),

ONE TOUGH ROAD - Awfully difficult to wager on this less than sharp equine when he hasn't been showing any signs of life of late. Won't be easy for this racer to beat this group off of that last rating. Improbable to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's Equibase class figure, so put him on the possibly overvalued contestants list. MORAL MAN - Didn't hit the board on Nov 27th at Fair Grounds. Followed it up with another lackluster effort. The speed fig last time out doesn't fit very well in this affair when I look at the class figure of today's race. Mark this animal as a vulnerable competitor. STRUCK OUT - 5/1 is just not enough of a price to take on this participant.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	#2 STRONG is going to be the play if we are getting 7/5 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [2,8]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Pass

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:02 AM

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at The Meadows

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 11 - Post: 4:05 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 83 - Purse:$6900 - CD ALL AGES NW $2000 L4 STS. W/O $50,000 IN 2025 NE MORNING LINE: 5-1-6-2 B.BROWN - #2 OR 3 A.MERRIMAN - #5 OR 9

CONSORTIUM CHOICES
	# 5 GROOVY JOE 5/2
# 1 WAR MACHINE 7/2
# 2 CHIEF MATE 5/1

The pick today is GROOVY JOE. Considered a solid bet based solely on his high victory percent. Drawing the 5 position at this track has lead to a better than expected win percentage. 100 percent of the time this driver and horse pair end up hitting the board. Big players for this one. WAR MACHINE - Take a good look at making this horse your win bet based on very high win rate alone. Many expert selectors know speed is of the utmost importance. This solid standardbred has credentials with a 88 avg ranking. CHIEF MATE - Overall numbers look very nice. Can't throw him out of the picture. Take a look at this contender's average speed rating of 84 and compare to today's class rating. Looks like a nice bet.

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:02 AM

Handicapped by TrackMaster Greg at Meadowlands

P#	PP	HORSE NAME	M/L	DRIVER - WIN%	POINTS
RACE 12
3	3	GLUTES HANOVER	6/1	Borjas, Anibal - 7	571.77
2	2	NET WEIGHT	3/1	Ahle, Johnathan - 9	564.02
9	9	EXQUISITE TASTE	5/2	Lachance, Pat - 10	561.57
8	8	SHE'S SPICY	15/1	Marohn, Jim Jr - 10	498.69
6	6	TRUMP THE WARRIOR	10/1	Siegelman, Austin - 9	488.22
5	5	BRUHA	15/1	Keim, Cote - 9	433.81
4	4	TEQUILA TALKING AS	6/1	Kelly, Colin - 9	428.98
7	7	FIFTYSHADESOFBLU	10/1	Cutting, Jacob - 10	428.60
1	1	ZENMEISTER S	5/1	Beckwith, Brett - 18	0.00

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:02 AM

Handicapped by TrackMaster Greg at Woodbine Mohawk Park

P#	PP	HORSE NAME	M/L	DRIVER - WIN%	POINTS
RACE 2
5	5	D A MISS UNIVERSE	2/1	Whelan, Michael W - 6	530.94
4	4	DREAMFAIR DIAMOND	3/1	Macdonald, James A - 20	514.27
2	2	REGIL WHITESOCKS	9/2	Plante, Jean Rene - 9	434.46
6	6	SHURI	6/1	Borth, Tyler J - 9	414.91
3	3	TORNADO RAIN	7/2	Hensley, Ed F - 9	398.78
1	1	EA MONEY MAKER	4/1	Cullen, Travis A - 11	312.42

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:02 AM

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Woodbine Mohawk Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 9 - Post: 9:31 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$12000 - FILLIES & MARES, NW $2,850 LAST 4 STARTS OR NW $8,000 LAST 8 STARTS.

CONSORTIUM CHOICES
	# 2 ONE MORE BET 9/2
# 5 CHIEFS DREAM GIRL 7/2
# 7 COZ IM SPECIAL 3/1

ONE MORE BET has a formidable shot to take this competition. May provide us a victory based on respectable recent TrackMaster Speed Ratings - earning an average of 83. This solid standardbred looks strong considering the high class numbers. Don't throw out of any exotics. CHIEFS DREAM GIRL - Starters win from this slot at Woodbine Mohawk Park with better than average regularity, suggesting this terrific wager. Is a sharp choice given the 77 speed rating from her most recent gathering. COZ IM SPECIAL - Sometimes you just have to go with good feelings, love this one's chances. Achieved a 79 TrackMaster Speed Rating in last race. A duplicate showing here should get the triumph in this contest.

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:03 AM

Free play from Mike Wynn

Free Pick: CBB Chicago Pk over Brooklyn

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:03 AM

Free play from Totals4U

Friday's Free Selection: Ohio Bobcats/Ball State Cardinals under 146

**ConleyPicks** · 01-16-2026, 08:03 AM

Free play from #1 Sports

Friday's Free Play: Kent State Golden Flashes - 4 1/2

Friday 1/16/26 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Friday 1/16/26 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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