BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview
by: Ed Meyer
Gulfstream Park
Race #6 – The G3 Sugar Swirl – 6f – 2:30 pm EDT
BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – Lady’s Island / #3 – A Bit of Both / #6 – Stormy Embrace
#4 Lady’s Island comes from the Georgina Baxter barn winning 33% at the meet. She is 7 for 7 ITM at GP and seeks her 5th win in a row. She’s been on the shelf for 45 days and sports a quick turn of foot from the break. She makes the turf to dirt switch and has a sharp work to prepare for Emisael Jaramillo. #3 A Bit of Both is the daughter of Paynter for Jason Servis and Paco Lopez aboard. This is her 3rd off the layoff and the barn wins 26% on this move. She’s a solid stalker and 5 for 5 ITM at GP. Look for her up close tracking the leader. #6 Stormy Embrace comes in for trainer Kathleen O’Connell and is 10 for 13 over the strip. She cuts back from 7f and has the services of Luis Saez. Look for a stalking trip in mid pack and Saez to cut her loose at the top of the lane.
Race #8 – The G3 Rampart – 1 mile – 3:30 pm EDT
BetPTC.com Selections / #9 – Baccarat Fashion / #7 – Pink Sands / #3 – Molto Bella
#9 Baccarat Fashion comes from the barn of Peter Walder winning 29% at the meet shooting for three in a row. She’s been off for 51 days and sports a sharp workout. She’s a stalker with Albarado in the irons. #7 Pink Sands is a long range closer for Shug McGaughey. This daughter of Tapit is 2 for 3 ITM at GP and goes from a sprint to a route where they win 24%. Jose Ortiz is in the driver’s seat. #3 Molto Bella comes in for Ian Wilkes and B.J. Hernadez in the saddle. A mid pack stalker shipping in from CD and gets added distance to run at today.
Race #9 – The G2 Ft. Lauderdale – 1 1/8 on the turf – 4:00 pm EDT
BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Channel Cat / #8 – Admission Office / #7 – Cross Border
#5 Channel Cat is a son of English Cat for Todd Pletcher and John Velasquez. He is 4 for 5 ITM over the course and ships in from SA in the BC Turf. The drop in class and brief rest may have this closer in top order. Pletcher is off to a great start at the meet and winning 50%. #8 Admission Office is a son of Point of Entry. This is his 3rd off the layoff where Brian Lynch wins 19% and his last race was a good indicator of things to come. #7 Cross Border comes in for trainer Mike Maker and ships down from AQU off a win. He’s a mid pack closer and Saez wins 19% with closers.
Race #10 – The G-3 Harlan’s Holiday – 1 1/16 – 4:30 pm EDT
BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Prince Lucky / #3 – Red Crescent / #5 – War Story
#1 Prince Lucky is a speedy gelding for Todd Pletcher. John Velasquez draws the mount and gets the rail. He’s been off 49 days and the trainer has been red hot the past two weeks going 6 for 8 ITM. Catch him if you’re going to beat him. #3 Red Crescent is a son of Overdriven and has Tyler Gaffalione in the irons. He’s a mid pack stalker and should get a solid pace to monitor. #5 War Story comes in for Elizabeth Dobles and has a good deal of early speed. Luis Saez gets the nod and will have to do battle with Lucky Prince. He’s faced some tough players and can easily bring his “A” game to the table.