King: Gulfstream Park pick four for Sunday, March 13
Keying two horses in the ninth race Sunday at Gulfstream – Muntji and Unbridled Juan – along with spreading in the final two races is my strategy for the late pick four. Below is an analysis of the four races that make up the sequence, with the capitalized horses ranked either as ‘A’ or ‘B’ runners based on their chances of winning.
Race 9
As noted, MUNTJI (9) and UNBRIDLED JUAN (1) appear best based on speed figures, class, and consistency, and they are well suited to racing a one-turn mile. Both go down as ‘A’ runners.
Race 10
SUNRISEBERNSTEINI (4) ran well at first asking with a near-miss second and would appear to be a move-up candidate for her second start, which makes her the most likely winner of this maiden grass race. She is the lone ‘A.’ CATNAPPED (7) also comes off a promising runner-up finish in her last start, though at Tampa, where the competition is easier than at Gulfstream. So, she is a ‘B.’
Race 11
With half the field returning from layoffs in this second-level allowance, it is a puzzling race, and it seems best to spread. MY SWEET GIRL (6) comes out of seemingly stronger second-level allowances at Belmont Park after winning at Saratoga but is one of the aforementioned comebackers. So, if she ends up needing a race, this contest becomes wide open. MY SWEET GIRL (6) goes as an ‘A,’ backed up with four ‘B’ runners in ITWONTGOBAD (8), CALI THIRTY SEVEN (1), THINKING OF MOM (2), and FIVE HEARTS (3).
Race 12
Typical of a $16,000 grass race, the nightcap looks competitive, and the advice is to use a number of horses. The ‘A’ horses are SILENT ADMIRER (11), CLEARER VIEW (9), and FORALL THE MARBLES (2), plus one backup in MAKE IT GOLD (3), whose last race on a sloppy track can be excused. Horseplayers are advised to take note of any scratches that allow for either of the also eligibles to draw into the race. Saffron Hall in particular would warrant inclusion in the pick four if he gets to start.
The tickets
Inserting the above-mentioned horses into TicketMaker, for $58, an all ‘A’ ticket can be played for $1.50; any combination of three ‘A’ horses and a ‘B’ for $1; and two ‘A’ horses and two ‘B’ runners for 50 cents.
:: See Byron King's pick four ticket in DRF TicketMaker and bet it with DRF Bets.