McGee: How I'd play Gulfstream on Sunday, Feb. 8
Race 1
Going to start off this 13-race marathon by trying to get Patricia Farro off the Gulfstream duck with POOR ETIQUETTE (#9), who ran creditably first off the claim and might be able to get first run on a couple of the other logicals in here. Obviously, Farro is a far better trainer than her oh-fer suggests, and I’m looking for things to pick up for her sooner than later.
Races 2-5
As documented in our pick four feature for today, I’m bullish on MCLOVIN IT (#8) getting a good outside trip in race 2 and being better than the vulnerable favorite DESERT VALLEY (#7). Singling in a pick four that ends with the Mott favorite in race 5, XTRA SPICE (#5).
Here’s the ticket:
Race 2 – 8
Race 3 – 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
Race 4 – 1, 3, 4, 6
Race 5 – 5
Race 6
SUN BONNET (#1) just might not be any good, but if she’s 20-1 (her morning line) for Brian Lynch in a wide-open field, I’ll be giving her a shot. By Successful Appeal, she’s liable to show more speed than her so-so workout tab suggests.
Race 7
C. ZEE (#7) is going to be over-bet because he was second to the eventual Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Work All Week in his final start as a 3-year-old. Thinking he’s going to need one and will instead tie up CITY OF WESTON (#2) and outside TELL TALE FRIEND (#6) in gimmicks. This is one of my stronger plays of the day.
Race 8
SWEETGRASS (#2) is one of those typical Wilkes youngsters that most likely needed her first start and now stretches out when getting Lasix. Forget the Goncalves numbers (2 for 107). He’s far more capable. Will single her in multi-race plays while also saving with IMPROV (#10), who had a big debut and comes well drawn here.
Race 9
CLEVELAND SOUND (#8) is very interesting. He’s been gelded and now adds blinkers and goes first turf after being regrouped following a four-month layoff by Graham Motion. Should lift out of the 60-range Beyers today. Doesn’t find the toughest of spots.
Races 11-13
Will end the card with a pick three, singling BELISARIUS (#3) in the 12th. She’s been a twice-beaten favorite for these same conditions here but should get the job done this time. Will surround her on both sides with a smattering of logicals and longshots. Here’s the ticket:
Race 11 – 1, 2, 8, 9, 10
Race 12 – 3
Race 13 – 1, 3, 5, 6, 11, 14