Mandatory Rainbow 6 payout on Sunday
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The popularity of the Rainbow 6 wager continues to grow, but cashing in on the jackpot has become increasingly difficult as the season has progressed. The last time the entire jackpot was hit outright, heading into Friday’s program, was May 2. The last time the jackpot was paid at all came May 22, when a $1.09 million mandatory payout pool resulted in multiple winning tickets worth $36,652 apiece.
Barring the jackpot getting hit Friday or Saturday, which occurs only when there is a single ticket sold with all six winners, there will be another mandatory payout of the Rainbow 6 at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, with the final pool expected to be around $1.5 million to $2 million.
The following is a look at the Rainbow 6 races, assuming the track will be fast and the turf firm Sunday.
Race 5: A six-furlong optional-claiming dash for 3-year-old fillies, the opening leg features the return of Sky Gold, who figures to be the odds-on favorite and a single on many Rainbow 6 tickets. The key question is whether she’s ready for her top effort following a five-month vacation with only three works on her résumé, including an okay, relatively easy five-eighths in 1:01.70 last Sunday. Sky Gold does figure to get tested early by Miss Dejavu, which could leave her vulnerable if not 100 percent fit for her return. It might be prudent to spread a bit, with Awesome Ice and Lastingfriendships perhaps the two best options.
Race 6: Bottom-level maiden claimers on turf is usually a good place to spread in the Rainbow 6. Pat M’s Image comes off a series of decent grass showings, the last behind 7-5 Lion Soul, and seems like a must-use from the rail. Ualltalkintome, who ran credibly despite checking at the top of the stretch and changing leads late in her only start, probably fits, although she did finish last of four in a main-track gate work this month. Grecian Lady could be the sleeper coming off a much-needed two-turn debut while exiting a race that produced a pair of next-out grads.
Race 7: Perhaps the most wide-open “baby” race of the meet thus far, with 12 entered, although expect trainer Stanley Gold to scratch one of his pair, most likely Year Book, who is the weaker of the duo. That would leave Abercorn, who has worked decently but does not have the speed of some of the others and might appreciate even more distance, being a kin to Argentine Tango. Some of the ones who have shown some real gas in the morning include Dream of Me, a half-brother to Overthespeedlimit, and Bullet Gone Astray, who easily won a set of three from the gate June 20, although he debuts without Lasix. Mr. Kisses comes over from Gulfstream Park West for trainer David Braddy and appears to have held his own in the morning with the barn’s recent runaway debut winner Li’l Meatball. Prayerandasong also has shown some promise in the morning. The best of the experienced ones is Law Master, who has trained well since turning in a promising debut behind runaway winner Awesome Banner. He should move forward off that effort.
Race 8: A low-level conditioned claimer on the grass with any number of potential winners, including Island Dude, lone speed Milton T (unless Excellent Prospect draws in), Plant City Robert, Ben Jacob, and U R So Perfect.
Race 9: The afternoon’s main event goes at seven furlongs for second-level optional claimers, with Phish Fan the one to catch after chasing runaway winner At Large in a well-graded six-furlong dash April 24. Shinning Powers brings a three-race win streak into the race and is a must-use, with Master Blender also worth considering while getting class relief for the nearly 50 percent Kirk Ziadie barn.
Race 10: Back on turf for the finale, with Wild About Jass, a five-time winner, well spotted in a field loaded with speed. Tatica for Ever is the quickest of the bunch and the likely favorite, while Holiday Stroll also must be included in her present form.
With Tuesday being the end of the fiscal year in south Florida, the regular racing schedule has been altered this week only. There will be live racing conducted here Tuesday and Wednesday, with Monday and Thursday dark. The marquee event of the summer session, the rich Summit of Speed, will be held next Sunday.