We love Gulfstream’s Claiming Crown card. Moving the event from Canterbury Park, the Shakopee track giving it life, has not only resuscitated the event but has raised it several notches aesthetically. It’s now on every horsemen’s radar.
It’s a great betting event, too. If there is an issue, it always seems that most races are either dominated by horses enjoying a class edge or its completely chaotic. These races are way wide open. The tote board , always important, is especially so here. Every race is a challenge and guessing = losing.
Today we’ll point out a horse that is worth a rare across the board wager and an inclusion in the horizontal pool of your choice; a win in any one of them would blow up tickets from Hallandale to Hollywood. Naturally it’s your typical Gulfstream turf route.
Passion Plus (20-1) will be a good price because virtually all the major contenders are faster, many of those getting class relief, so something close to the early line is assured. She exits a key race that produced two next out winners, likes the game (20) 5-3-3 and the ground (6) 1-2-1.
The mini-turnback from 9- to 8-1/2 furlongs is not insignificant. The faster pace should help her late foot, as will the switch to strong finishing turf ace Jairo Rendon, talking a call from Antonio Sano. The trip hits her between the eyes, winning twice from three career runs. I need a minimum of 12-1 in this lineup.
