King: How I'd play Gulfstream on Saturday, Jan. 31

With the feature race, the Allen Jerkens Stakes, being a two-mile contest on the turf – the type of race rarely run in North America – this handicapper will steer clear of it and focus on other races instead. Betting it is just too much of a shot in the dark, with horses generally not having raced this far and jockeys being unaccustomed to riding in races of such length.

With 10 other races, there is no shortage of other spots from which to play.

Race 6

Although favored at 2-1 on the morning line, Goodtimehadbyall (#7) looms an attractive play in the sixth race and in multi-race gimmicks.

He embodies much of what I love in a racehorse: consistency, a winning history, and humble beginnings. Formerly a mid-level claimer, he has developed into a high-priced claiming performer and minor stakes horse.

Entered here in an optional claimer against allowance horses, he might go off a tick or two higher on the board than he should, even if he is favored.

Although unraced for nearly two months, expect him to fire fresh. He has maintained steady workouts and typically has run well with time between starts.

Race 7

A race later in the seventh, Ironicus (#1) is an overlay at his 4-1 odds on the morning line. Somehow doubt he will stick that price, particularly with leading rider Javier Castellano up, but if he does, it is time to bet.

This is a horse with excellent turf form, and he is well drawn on the inside, where he can save ground early and likely more in touch with the leaders. And that may be all this closer needs. Last time out, he just missed in a paceless race, losing by a nose at Aqueduct.

Race 10

The last of three spot intriguing plays comes in the 10th, a maiden race on the turf that drew a large field, thereby leaving Steel Sky (#4) at a fair price at 7-2.

This horse doesn’t have flashy connections, but his form is difficult to fault on grass. He has twice been the runner-up in turf races here, losing his last by only a head.