Illman: All-stakes pick five play for Saturday, Jan. 24
Let's take a look at Saturday’s 50-cent all-stakes pick five at Gulfstream.
Race 7
I like DOM THE BOMB (3) cutting back in distance for the Hutcheson Stakes. He earned some big numbers at 2 in Illinois and can stalk the early speeds.
BARBADOS (7) is the logical threat off his nice win in the Spectacular Bid Stakes.
Handicappers with deeper pockets could consider BRIDGET'S BIG LUVY (2), a recent maiden winner after chasing Frosted after his first two starts.
Caveman:3,7
TicketMaker
A: 3,7
Race 8
Although QUALITY ROCKS (4) hasn't won on turf, she gave a good account of herself in Keeneland's Grade 3 Jessamine Stakes before being overmatched by the very good Lady Eli in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. She has enough tactical speed to stay close to the expected moderate pace and should be in prime position when the field turns for home.
CONSUMER CREDIT (7) stepped up successfully in the Wait a While Stakes at Gulfstream West for trainer Chad Brown. She made a strong three-wide bid on the turn under a confident Edgard Zayas and won comfortably, despite drifting out in the stretch. She is very logical, but this looks like a tougher spot.
MISS TEMPLE CITY (3) arguably has the most upside of any filly in the race. Perfect from two starts, she handled her route debut with a minimum of fuss earlier in the meet. She has a good late kick. Further improvement is expected.
Caveman:3,4,7
TicketMaker
A: 3,4
B: 7
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Race 9
UPSTART (8) has been receiving rave reviews from our DRF clockers as he prepares for his 3-year-old debut in the Holy Bull. He gave a nice effort in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and was just pipped for second after making a solid three-wide bid on the turn. He isn't the best gate horse in the world, but I doubt he'll end up far, far behind in the early going.
FROSTED (1) raced wide over an intensely inside-speed-favoring track in the Grade 2 Remsen. He has talent and draws a comfortable inside post position this afternoon.
BLUEGRASS SINGER (3) looms the main speed, but I don't like the fact that he failed to change leads in the stretch of his two victories at this meet.
Caveman:1,8,3
TicketMaker
A: 1,8
B: 3
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Race 10
I think ENCHANTRESS (6) has big talent for Coolmore/Pletcher/Velazquez. She drubbed an entry-level allowance field with a big Beyer Speed Figure last month and could work out a good pace-tracking trip while racing clear of traffic.
I wonder if SEDUIRE (5) and TAYLOR S (3) will end up in a prolonged pace battle. The latter is very, very fast, but Seduire is no slouch from a pace standpoint as well.
Caveman: 6
TicketMaker
A: 6
Race 11
DUBAI SKY (4) was three to four wide when surging to the front of his local debut and was dead-game when dead-heating for the win. He has a strong pedigree, a versatile running style, and top connections.
CRONINTHEBARBARIAN (8) has been knocking on the door and should be rallying late along with CHIEF KITTEN (9), a gray colt with virtually no early lick. Deeper tickets will include DR NO, who had trouble in his North American debut as the chalk.
Caveman:4,8,9
TicketMaker
A: 4
B: 8,9
