How to bet Gulfstream Park's Pick 4 - Feb. 9, 2013
Here's my race-by-race rundown of Saturday's pick four at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 9, 2013. I'm building my wager with TicketMaker, found exclusively on DRF.com. I'm betting in increments of $0.50, with a total budget of $120.00.
Race 9 (Gulfstream Park Sprint Championship Stakes)
BAHAMIAN SQUALL (#6) continues his superb form. He may have been defeated last time but his Beyer actually went up and he ran splendidly considering his poor start. FORT LOUDON (#5) tried a route last time to no avail. This is surely a better trip for him and he doesn’t face anyone like multiple Grade 1 winner Ron the Greek, who he chased last time.
Race 10 (Suwannee River Stakes)
INGLORIOUS (#1) has been knocking heads with some real toughies. She’s winless on turf but one reason is that all 3 tries came vs. top-class turfer Marketing Mix. ABACO (#8) won 4 straight impressively to close out her 2012 campaign and looks ready for this move into the deep end. CHANNEL LADY (#5) comes off a smart 2nd in the Grade 3 Marshua’s River here so she fits well. ROMACACA (#6) is a rugged old pro who continues her sharp form and loves this course (5 wins here). LEADING ASTRAY (#2) was troubled when favored in the Marshua’s River and may bounce back. HARD NOT TO LIKE (#4) hadn’t run in 8 months but still won the Grade 3 Marshua’s River. She’s 4 for 6 on turf and may improve.
Race 11 (Donn Handicap)
POOL PLAY (#9) finished full of run to be 2nd in the Grade 3 Hal’s Hope and with plenty of speed signed up may get a dream pace scenario. FLAT OUT (#2) would also benefit from a hot, contested pace and he’s a proven Grade 1 performer. ULTIMATE EAGLE (#5) is a scary West Coast raider who will gallop strongly and can carry his speed, but there’s other speed to worry about. TAKE CHARGE INDY (#8) came back sharp in the fall, should get a great stalking trip and has worked strongly.
Race 12 (Maiden Special Weight)
LEADER AVENUE (#12) ran on decently in his debut on turf last May. This $250K purchase has worked well. SWEET MIKE (#15/AE) has been knocking on the door with 3 fine outings. HARRYTHENAVIGATOR (#9) was a nice 2nd in his dirt sprint debut at LRL but this is what he’s bred for as his daddy was a multiple Group 1 grass winner in Europe. GENTLEMAN’S HONOR (#1) is royally bred, may like turf and gets blinkers. MORO TAP (#4) cost $350K, has flashed talent, is bred for turf and boasts a recent bullet work.
My wagers
With TicketMaker I'm able to put greater emphasis on my "A" selections while still having coverage with my "B" and "C" picks just in case. This allows me to maximize my budget for this pick four -- and end up $8.00 below budget.
