$500K up for grabs in Rainbow 6 jackpot

Gulfstream Park will open its race week Thursday with a $509,084 carryover in the Rainbow 6 jackpot, and a mandatory payout looming on Monday. The jackpot has not been hit for the past 26 race days. The bet, which has a 20-cent minimum, will run on races 5-10 on Thursday.

The sequence Thursday includes three maiden-claiming races, one with a field of 12 and the other two with fields of 11. Below is a look at the chief contenders making up the Rainbow 6 races Thursday:

Race 5: Southern Stroll looks like a leading contender as he has faced tougher rivals than the $12,500 conditioned claiming foes he will take on over 7 1/2 furlongs on turf in this race. He is, however, turning back in distance. Wildcat Kitten, who showed speed in a quick mile race last out, might have a tactical edge. Another win candidate is Whisky Ding.

Race 6: This appears to be the most challenging leg as there are a number of capable candidates in the $50,000 maiden-claiming sprint for 2-year-old fillies. D’ chief Source is back in the maiden ranks after a stakes start, and when last facing overnight rivals she ran third. Dudes Rockin Lady shows some strong five-furlong works for trainer Bill Kaplan, who wins at an above-average rate with first-time starters. Others to consider include Makeyourselfathome and Joyous Affair.

Race 7: Cheyenne Nation looks like a major player in this $8,000 claiming race at a mile on turf, as he faced the $16,000 claiming crowd at Monmouth last out. He has experience over the local course and a series of strong Beyer Speed Figures. Other contenders include Becky’s Kitten, Determinate, and comebacking Starship Avenger.

Race 8: The chief contenders in this $12,500 conditioned claiming sprint for fillies and mare look like Little Twitch, Wild Cat Magic, and Corinthian’s Glory.

Race 9: A packed field hits the turf for a $50,000 maiden-claiming race for 2-year-old fillies at 7 1/2 furlongs. Beautiful Sin has run well over the Gulfstream turf and is bred to appreciate the distance as a daughter of General Quarters. She will also be first Lasix. Other contenders include Queen G, who has a nice foundation of races for the move to two turns, Sweet Summer Star, and Hiram’s Mistress.

Race 10: Kodiak Kate split a better field in her debut and now moves to the $16,000 maiden-claiming ranks. She is part of a 12-horse field of 2-year-old fillies going 5 1/2 furlongs in the finale Thursday. Other contenders include Allyouneedislovin and Dancing Cool.