Gulfstream mandatory-payout pick six play for Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023
RACE 6: MAKE DECISIONS (#1) looked good beating cheaper and may be a timely claim. He’s beaten more expensive before. GRAND SOIREE (#12) comes here in good form and was claimed by D’Angelo, who has super off-the-claim numbers. WICKED GENIUS (#7) comes off a smashing win here Oct. 15. GOOCH GO BRAGH (#2) ran third as the 8-5 favorite in a race like this here Nov. 4, but that was his first start in a while. (4)
RACE 7: JAMES GANG (#1) was a game second versus cheaper Sept. 3 at Del Mar. He was claimed and returns up in price off the freshening, which is most encouraging. COOL MEMORY (#3) looked good whipping maidens here Aug. 13. It’s his first time versus winners, but these are all maiden winners only. SMOKIN BOW (#8) has been knocking on the door. (3)
RACE 8: NO ONE TO BLAME (#2) comes here in good form. He faced some toughies in Kentucky in his last two. ATONE (#5) is the proven class and dropping out of the graded stakes ranks may be just what the doctor ordered. RUNNINGWSCISSORS (#11) looked good whipping statebreds last time out at Aqueduct. (3)
RACE 9: ME AND MR. C (#9) found Grade 2 foes too much to handle last time out. He’s been freshened, drops, and returns to footing he loves. SKYRO (#5) has been facing tougher, and the drop and return to synthetic might prove key. VOLCANIC (#2) blossomed on this track this spring and summer. (3)
RACE 10: R HARPER ROSE (#5) is unbeaten and untested in three starts. She’s no doubt the one to beat, but all that came sprinting so it’s a new, longer game here. HONEY DIJON (#1) was second and well beaten by the top pick Oct. 21 but maybe the move to this longer game can help her turn the tables. (2)
RACE 11: CRUZIN MAN (#1) has speed and the rail. He returns to a course he’s handled well after a couple of nice efforts in Southern California. LISTENTOTHEMUSIC (#9) showed ample promise last fall and winter. He hasn’t been seen since but has worked well for a trainer who is super off the bench. (2)
THE PLAY: 1, 2, 7, 12 / 1, 3, 8 / 2, 5, 11 / 2, 5, 9 / 1, 5 / 1, 9 = $86.40 ticket