They don’t get much trickier than today’s Gulfstream feature, a 5-1/2 panel dirt sprint in which five of the seven entrants would represent no big surprise. Put another way, an excellent opportunity to play American horseplayer’s favorite game: Beat the Favorite.
No doubt that, ironically named America of Course (9-5) will be a tough out for Kathleen O’Connell and Tyler Gaffalione. Her natural speed and mid-gate draw is a good setup for a possible stalk and swoop try at today’s trip. But we’re looking for a little more upside and better price. Enter Domineer (4-1) in the day’s ninth event.
Another speedster, this gal is a true trip specialist, boasting a (3-1) 2-1-0 slate at the distance for an outfit that’s been on a roll, as Luis Saez takes the call for Jose D’Angelo. This team is two for their last four when hooking up, the trainer an eye-opening and profitable 31% effective first tine off the claim.
Did we mention the sharp blowout for this and that she’s exiting a key race that produced two next out winners from four subsequent starters? An outside draw and the meet’s leading rider should have her on the engine throughout.
We’re taking Domineer straight at 3-1 or greater and key-boxing multiples 1-2 with the favorite, the fast working and pole sitting Freak (7-2), and price shot, cozily drawn Kozy Dreams (10-1), exiting the same race as Domineer. If you need further validation, check out her win on this date here last year, Race 10.
