Gulfstream’s featured ninth race is a turf marathon for preliminary allowance runners going a mile and a half. Per usual, that means a rider’s race with a long pedigree to match.
The first temptation is Todd Pletcher trainee Gloucestershire (7-2) for the resurgent Javier Castellano who was a god third in his U.S. debut despite a troubled start which hindered his tactical style, especially given outside position.
Clearly, there’s plenty of upside–see his U.S. debut at Aqueduct, NOV 14, Race 3– for the son of Flintshire is from a mare who produced two stakes winners.
The problem is that Gloucestershire is Jarreau (5-1) who has a experience with tougher sets recently and has a conditioning edge turning back from the 2-mile Jerkens Stakes.
His figures have improved since the Mike Maker claim and the switch to Tyler gAFFALIONE for the first time should produce a strong late finish, the kind of runs that win these events.
Betting Jarreau to win at 5-2 or greater and an exacta box with his Team Valor rival.
