Gierkink: How I'll play Gulfstream on Sunday, Jan. 29

I’ll take a stab at the most appealing sequence of races on the program, the late pick four, starting with the ninth.

The favored SWEET ELLA (2) enters this first-level optional claimer off a clear-cut score in a $50,000 starter allowance. The other obvious protagonist in race 9 is MOON OVER PARIS (4), who nearly got the job done two weeks ago as a longshot in another 7 1/2-furlong turf tilt. Paco Lopez rode her for the first time then and retains the mount. He doubled up Friday.

There’s ample speed in the 10th race, a second-level optional claimer that could set up for the favored ICE CUTTER (10) or longshot SILVER DAGGER (8). They finished second and fifth in a similar spot Dec. 26 behind Ballagh Rocks, who subsequently won his third race in a row in a $100,000 optional claimer.

The 11th is a contentious first-level allowance/optional claimer for sophomores. I’ll play “all” while hoping to beat morning-line choice LEMONIST (4), who was disqualified from first to second after an ideal stalking trip in a similar event last month.

Off a trainer switch to Jorge Navarro, the dropping I’M THIRSTY (4) should be favored in the nightcap. The daughter of Stay Thirsty is bred to go long on top and short on the bottom of her pedigree, which makes her a little dicey going from six furlongs to a mile in this $12,500 maiden race. I’ll also use DRESSED IN HEELS (9), who’s stretching out off the claim by a live barn with the breeding of a router.

PICK 4 (RACES 9-12): 2,4 / 8,10 / All / 4,9