Hammersly: Gulfstream pick three play for Sunday, Dec. 13

A filly who seems to have turned the corner and some price potential in a competitive maiden turf N1X give an early $1 pick three some appeal (races 3-5).

Race 3

STARSHIP LISA (#6) moved back to a mile, dropped to this level, and was teamed up with young apprentice Vincente Gudiel, and the result was two monstrous wins over this track in November. No reason she can’t make it three straight. TORMENTA DE ORO (#5) merits respect, however, as she comes off a win over this track at this trip at this level Nov. 18. That was a marked step forward after a few so-so races, so it could be she’s back on track. I O INES (#4) finished a decent third to Tormenta de Oro in that Nov. 18 race as the 7-5 favorite and might make amends.

A’s) 6
B’s) 4, 5
C’s) None

Race 4

TENNESSEE WHISKEY (#9) ran big here last winter/spring, winning her debut and running third in a strong optional claimer. She wasn’t seen for almost seven months before finishing a troubled fourth (she might well have won) at 16-1 Nov. 1 at Belmont (she was moved up to third via disqualification). Sorry, you won’t get such a price today, but that run shows she’s a big threat. TASUNKE (#12) tries turf for the first time, so that’s a hurdle, but she’s certainly bred for it. This $350,000 daughter of Indian Charlie has shown talent, and trainer Todd Pletcher has proven quite adept with this surface switch. MISS MARIANNE (#2) flashed ability in her first three starts but really put it all together last month when a romping winner over maidens, hinting she may have figured things out. DEA (#4) impressed out west when a romping maiden winner at Santa Anita last Dec. 26. She wasn’t seen again until Nov. 1 at Belmont, where she was a better-than-looked eighth (was sluggish early, very, very wide into the lane, and was beaten just 2 1/4 lengths in a race she surely needed). FROSTY FRIDAY (#1) showed talent out west last winter/spring. After two months off, she came back to be a dull 11th Aug. 9 at Saratoga and has been gone another four months, but it’s encouraging she returns with no class drop, with good works, and with a top rider aboard (Leparoux).

A’s) 9, 12
B’s) 2, 4
C’s) 1

Race 5

STARSHIP GALAXY (#7) is the one to beat after blasting maidens going a mile here Oct. 25 and finishing a clear second (4 1/2 lengths) in a race just like this here Nov. 25. TRUST UR INTUITION (#6) takes a significant drop. She has speed and versatility to give her rider options. COQUETONA (#1) has speed and can be scary if able to shake loose early.

A’s) 7
B’s) 1, 6
C’s) None