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Scott Shapiro: Gulfstream Wednesday 10X Points Picks

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January 7, 2025 | By 1/ST BET

Gulfstream Park reopens for the first time since racing fans saw a massive payout of over $36k to those fortunate enough to piece things together in the Rainbow 6 last Sunday. Much like last Wednesday, Xpressbet and 1/ST BET are offering up 10X 1/ST Wager Rewards Points on races in Hallandale Beach. It is a no-brainer to get involved. Here are a few horses I will lean on over the 9-race card.


Race 1:

A wide-open maiden claimer at two-turns on the sod kicks off the week of racing and I like #5 Goddess Soteria. The 3YO filly did not do much running in two tries sprinting over the dirt to start her career, but took a noticeable step forward on the move to the grass and stretch out to a route of ground on December 20. The Kathleen O’Connell trainee had a less-than-ideal voyage stalking just off the speed in that last start, but was easily able to dispose of the pacesetter before giving way to two runners from off the pace. Expect a career best effort and the first trip to the winner’s circle for this daughter of Maximum Security’s in her second run over this course.


Play: #5 Goddess Soteria (6-1 ML)

Race 7:

The morning line choices in this MSW event for 3YO fillies at 5.5-furlongs over the all-weather are tough to endorse. The Todd Pletcher duo of #1 Amande and #2 Cantora certainly do not stand out to me from a win early pedigree perspective. Plus, despite his dominance in south Florida, Pletcher is just 2 for 18 over the last two years with 3YOs debuting over the Gulfstream Park synthetic. Michael Trombetta trainee #7 Mischief in Motion is likely to take a lot of public support as well. The $525k Keeneland September 2023 purchase could be the class of the field, but Trombetta is not known for having his runners cranked at first asking. The break towards open space from her outside draw also makes a short price tough to swallow.

Instead, I will try a runner with 3 starts under her belt, #3 Pretty Thing. The Jorge Delgado filly made three starts over the grass in Great Britain during the first half of 2024, but has been on the sidelines since. She comes in off a steady series of drills and attracts a rider that has turned heads a bit in David Egan. Her fitness and racing experience should do her well against these.

Play: #3 Pretty Thing (8-1 ML)


Race 9:

The Wednesday proceedings conclude with a $75k maiden claimer for 3YO fillies at 1 1/16-miles over the grass. #8 More for Sure looks tough to beat. The Fernando Abreu trainee dropped in for a tag last out in her first start over the Gulfstream Park grass and ran a better than looks third. The Irish-bred broke slow and had no shot of getting to the winner who was loose and lonely on the lead at 3-5. Irad Ortiz Jr. sticks around for her first start of 2024. With a more honest pace to run at, this gal should have no issue running them down under one of the best off the pace turf jockeys around.

Play: #8 More for Sure (3-1 ML)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

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Mahoning Valley - Race #3

#10 Country Style	Price won't be much here, but I think she's supposed to be tough with some pressing pace from a good outside draw in a race without any serious finishers on paper to come get her late. Puts them away into the lane.
#6 Shes a Storm	She has given away ground late in both races, but she seems capable of something better than she showed last time around, and the price might be playable with some tables to turn on some who beat her last out.
#2 Pink Racer	She was never really in the mix at first asking with special weight company, but she has some upside today while going second out and getting some class relief. Chance.
Race Summary	Country Style should be in a great spot throughout -- she's quick enough to keep tabs on anyone who wants to have a go for it from the inside, and she might come forward just a bit today in the second start off the layoff.

Mahoning Valley - Race #5

#2 Private Drive	Nothing to write home about from the last one, but there are some running lines on the page that would make him competitive here, and he might offer an OK price off the dud.
#8 Wildcat Bill	Tactical speed should be in a good spot throughout, but he is also prone to taking a step back off big efforts, so I am not totally sold that he's going to run right back to that last sharp one.
#3 Nick Can Fix	He still brings hard-hitting form with him into his 12-year-old debut, and he has some honest finishing ability that would serve him well if a few of these hook up early on.
Race Summary	Private Drive has always been inconsistent, so I'm willing to guess that he can bounce back here -- something like the two-back run might do.

Mahoning Valley - Race #8

#6 Goldeneye Magic	She might wind up in a good spot while relaxed just a tiny bit off the more committed pace players, and that first-jump kind of move she made last out might serve her well again today. Lots to like.
#8 Spirited Ride	She has already proven to be a pretty reliable finisher through three starts, and she's probably going to be an OK fit with this local allowance crew out of those Delaware tries.
#3 Trotter	She rises off the Turfway claim last out, and she wasn't overmatched when racing at this level at Horseshoe Indianapolis this summer. She should be in the right spot turning for home, I just wonder if someone might outkick her late.
Race Summary	Goldeneye Magic has some upside after just the one lifetime start, and she looked good that day while tracking the pace the whole way -- a similar trip could be the winning one today.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

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Delta Downs - Race #3

#4 JOJO BEAN (3-1)	Promising debut for top barn, extra furlong should help lead to winners’ circle.
#1 THAT’S UNBELIEVABLE (	Showed pulse at FG after dull try as debut fave, wears blinkers.
#6 GRACEFUL STAR (9-2)	Has speed, but can she travel her longest distance thus far?
Race Summary	JOJO BEAN rallied 4-wide and passed the odds-on favorite in the stretch, but she couldn’t reach the 5-2 winner in a well-bet long sprint. She gets Lasix again for a red-hot barn that could sweep the daily double. Bet to win and place and play 4-1, 4-6 and 1-4 exactas.

Delta Downs - Race #4

#2 I’M A NIGHT TRAIN (7-	Runs for Rodriguez, late burst fell just short from post 8 in same spot.
#1 DADDY’S FINEST (2-1)	Got first run off dueling leaders, passed eventual winner who fought back.
#3 TOMMY SIX FINGERS (5-1)	Has improved but tired in unfamiliar lead role off the claim in latest.
Race Summary	DADDY’S FINEST looked home free with a 3-wide bid to a clear mid-stretch lead, only to be denied by the rival he passed. He could take catching from the rail with an alert start tonight, but I’M A NIGHT TRAIN offers better value in the rematch. He willingly pursued ‘Daddy’ and joined the blanket finish with a 4-wide rally to finish third. Bet on I’M A NIGHT TRAIN to win and place.

Delta Downs - Race #2

#5 HE’S JUST LUCKY (3-1)	Better good than lucky, perfectly spotted to continue allowance streak.
#6 DOCTORED DEAL (6-1)	Battle tested on front end in long sprints, adds value to exotic wagers.
#2 MARK’S PROMISE (5-2)	Beaten fave in 4 of his last 7 starts can make good use of his speed in here.
Race Summary	HE’S JUST LUCKY got a late start to his career, but he won two allowance races to cap an $80,000 season in 2024 and remains eligible for this spot under the non-winners of 4 condition. It’s hard to look past him in this field of Louisiana breds, but don’t expect 3-1 morning-line price. Bet to win and place and play 5-2 and 5-6 exactas.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Delta Downs
PURCHASE

Delta Downs - Race 1	Exacta/Trifecta (.50 min.)/Superfecta (.10 min.) Daily Double (Races1-2)($1 min.)/ Pick 3 (Races 1-3)/ Pick 5 (Races 1-5 )
Claiming $10,000 • 5 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 76 • Purse: $18,000 • Post: 4:50P
FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 8, 2024 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 8, 2024 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $7,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ESTIMATING ALLOWANCES).

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. SALT SPRAY (IRE) is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SALT SPRAY (IRE): Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and trainer's win percentage with horses coming off a layoff is at least 25. Horse is dropping into a race which has an Class Rating at least five points lower than the Class Rating of its last race. Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and horse has run well in the past in its first and/or second starts after a long layoff.
5	SALT SPRAY (IRE)	3/5	3/2

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
5	SALT SPRAY (IRE)	5	3/5	Front-runner	94	86	104.2	84.7	80.2
4	K R POWER STORM	4	12/1	Front-runner	69	74	84.8	62.0	52.5
2	ACHROMEDOUTCAT	2	10/1	Front-runner	68	76	74.6	48.8	37.3
7	SUPERHERO	7	20/1	Front-runner	66	59	64.0	44.6	27.6
10	PATEK	10	8/1	Alternator/Front-runner	70	65	66.0	51.8	37.3
8	NATURAL HIGH	8	20/1	Stalker	71	65	49.0	61.2	49.2
3	MR. RONNIE	3	20/1	Stalker	60	60	48.0	56.2	42.2
9	MR. TEXAS CHARM	9	12/1	Alternator/Stalker	66	67	61.0	60.2	51.2
1	MAJESTIC PALACE	1	10/1	Alternator/Stalker	70	82	51.6	67.2	59.7
6	VOYANT	6	20/1	Alternator/Non-contender	79	73	50.4	56.8	47.3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Mahoning Valley Race Course
PURCHASE

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race 5	Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta / 10 cent Superfecta / Double 50 cent Pick 3 Parlay (Races 5-6-7) 50 cent Pick 4 Parlay (Races 5-6-7-8) 50% Carryover
Claiming $8,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 77 • Purse: $21,500 • Post: 2:06P
FOR REGISTERED OHIO BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 8 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $7,500 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 * RAISE THE PURSES: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. WHAT A RUSH: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. PRIVATE DRIVE: Horse ranks in the top three in ave rage Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). GOLDEN MONEY: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Ho rse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
6	RAISE THE PURSES	5/2	9/2
5	WHAT A RUSH	5/1	5/1
2	PRIVATE DRIVE	20/1	8/1
9	GOLDEN MONEY	15/1	9/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
12	SPIRIT OF AKRON	12	20/1	Front-runner	67	68	45.8	55.0	34.0
2	PRIVATE DRIVE	2	20/1	Alternator/Front-runner	75	64	70.6	60.8	53.8
5	WHAT A RUSH	5	5/1	Alternator/Front-runner	79	72	59.0	67.6	57.6
10	MUCHO PRIMO	10	12/1	Stalker	74	65	60.0	60.4	42.9
8	WILDCAT BILL	8	4/1	Alternator/Stalker	72	69	70.2	64.4	53.4
7	DERBY INCLUDED	7	6/1	Alternator/Stalker	82	68	61.0	56.2	40.2
6	RAISE THE PURSES	6	5/2	Trailer	85	76	41.2	75.6	69.1
9	GOLDEN MONEY	9	15/1	Trailer	77	70	37.4	60.6	49.1
4	GAPPER	4	20/1	Trailer	74	59	37.0	60.6	53.6
3	NICK CAN FIX	3	10/1	Trailer	73	65	29.6	64.6	52.6
1	HOTROD BOBBY	1	12/1	Alternator/Non-contender	64	67	69.0	57.8	40.8
11	THE PINK Z	11	20/1	Alternator/Non-contender	80	74	64.0	56.8	41.8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Turfway Park - Race #8 - Post: 9:25pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $21,600 Class Rating: 82

Rating:

#10 HASKELLED (ML=6/1)
#13 TUDDENHAM MILL (IRE) (ML=20/1)
#2 MERLIN'S MAGIC (ML=6/1)


HASKELLED - My handicapping know-how tells me to be on the alert for this mount in this race TUDDENHAM MILL (IRE) - Forgive the outside the top 3 finish on the off track last out. With the benefit of a fast track, has a shot in this event. MERLIN'S MAGIC - You always have to be on the prowl for profit making rider/trainer combinations; we have an instance right here. Personally, I wouldn't worry about where he finished in his last race (fourth). Should rebound right here, with some pretty good odds. Look at this pattern of improvement. 67/79/82 are the last 3 Equibase speed figs.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 ACTING DEBUT (ML=7/2), #4 GUCCI MAN (ML=4/1), #3 COWBOY IMAGE (ML=9/2),

ACTING DEBUT - You should normally wager against probable favorites that haven't raced or show no activity in the morning over the last 3 weeks. Finished first in his most recent race with a common fig. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this bunch. GUCCI MAN - This animal just hasn't looked fit of late. This questionable contender hasn't won in his last ten efforts. He's not worth the value today. COWBOY IMAGE - This steed will have a tough time winning this 1 mile dirt race. He just doesn't win races very often. This horse just hasn't looked ready lately. Garnered a mediocre speed figure last time around the track in a $15,000 Claiming race on Dec 21st. Not probable to see an improved performance off of that fig.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Have to go with #10 HASKELLED on the win end if we get at least 5/2 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	10 with [2,13]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Box [2,10,13] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	[2,10,13] with [2,10,13] with [2,3,8,10,13] with [2,3,8,10,13] Total Cost: $36

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Charles Town

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

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Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $17400 Class Rating: 62

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500, IF FOR $10,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 2 MIDNIGHT KOA 5/2
# 5 BAYTOWN SUNDANCE 3/1
# 3 VERNOR'S JUNCTION 4/1

MIDNIGHT KOA is my choice. His 53 average has this colt with among the best speed figures in this race. Recorded a sound Equibase Speed Fig in the last race. Can run another good one in this contest. Has been running soundly and has among the best speed in the race for today's distance. BAYTOWN SUNDANCE - Always tough to beat McEntee and Mendez working together, winning 24 percent of their races. Will most likely compete soundly in the early pace battle which bodes well with this group. VERNOR'S JUNCTION - With Araujo aboard him, this gelding should be able to break out quickly in this event. Always hard to beat Bailes and Araujo working together, winning 20 percent of their races.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Gulfstream Park - Race #4 - Post: 1:56pm - Maiden Claiming - 9.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $27,000 Class Rating: 79

Rating:

#5 TAKE YOUR SEATS (IRE) (ML=5/2)


TAKE YOUR SEATS (IRE) - This thoroughbred should make a move at the top of the lane. Great late speed Gaffalione was aboard this gelding last time around the track and was impressed enough to take the equine right back. Have to forget about that last grass race. This gelding should do better hitting the dirt today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 OPERATNTHUNDERBOLT (ML=3/1), #1 LIVE TO RIDE (GB) (ML=7/2), #3 IRON TAP (ML=4/1),

OPERATNTHUNDERBOLT - This pony didn't do too much last time finishing sixth. Don't see any chance of any improvement in today's event. LIVE TO RIDE (GB) - Don't think this mount will do much running in today's race. That last speed fig was somewhat easily forgotten when compared with today's class rating. IRON TAP - Just cannot play this less than sharp equine. Didn't show me anything last out or on February 29th.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - TAKE YOUR SEATS (IRE) - I'm investing on this one today. Easier company is going to make a big difference. Will be tough today.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Go with #5 TAKE YOUR SEATS (IRE) on top if we're getting at least 1/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	5 with [6,7]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Skip
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Pass

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing

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

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Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $19000 Class Rating: 61

FOR MAIDENS, FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 125 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000 PENNSYLVANIA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $12,500.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 4 D DAY 8/5
# 2 AVES MAKIN' WAVES 6/1
# 5 PINE ALLEY 5/1

D DAY looks to be a formidable contender. His 66 average has this gelding with among the most respectable speed figures for this race. Should expect a much improved attempt with the drop. Has to be carefully examined in this race if only for the strong speed fig posted in the last race. AVES MAKIN' WAVES - His 54 average has this gelding with among the most favorable Equibase Speed Figures for this event. Could best this group based on the speed rating - 59 - of his last race. PINE ALLEY - Has to be given consideration against this group of horses in this race displaying very good figs recently and an average Equibase Speed Figure of 53 under similar conditions. Have to take a chance on this horse with the sound earnings per start in dirt sprint races.