McGee: How I'd play Gulfstream on Saturday, Dec. 20

Took a long look at the first three races today and couldn’t find anything to recommend, so I’ll do a little Christmas shopping early on Panic Saturday before making sure I’m all set for race 4 (post 2:02 Eastern).

In race 4, we’ll take the base on balls being offered through class-plunging outside-speed loomer SCARLET COAL when starting off this pick-three ticket:

Race 4 – 8
Race 5 – 2, 4, 9
Race 6 – A: 12; B: 1, 2, 4, 7, 14

Hopefully that’ll be a hit, and we’ll have plenty to gamble on the rugged four-race stretch that ends the Gulfstream card.

In race 7, I’m very interested in the Josie Carroll returnee TOTZKE with Julien Leparoux. He’s 20-1 on the morning line and not without a shot.

In race 8, SKY FLIGHT was terrific in his Churchill win and appears to belong with this brand. He’s got the hedge, a 10-1 morning line, and standout turf jock Jose Lezcano, so I’m in.

Race 9 is just brutal, but I’m going to give another Leparoux longshot a chance: CROWN THY GOOD, who’s been pretty consistent for the Barbaro folks.

In the race 10 finale, no, DANCING HOUSE didn’t beat much in winning at 2-5 at Keeneland, but she’s not to be underrated … might get better than the 4-1 morning line.