McGee: How I'll play Gulfstream for Saturday, Feb. 17

The 12-race Saturday card at Gulfstream, stacked with highly competitive starter-allowance races, is a real doozie, and some fans will find themselves having a difficult time sorting it all out. I’ll try to take an edge by singling Starship Jubilee in race 10 and otherwise trying to cover some bases with this late pick 4 play:

Race 9: Even using more than half the field (6 of 11 starters), this 7 1/2-furlong turf race is a minefield of unknowns, but we’ll rely on one of Erre Erre (2), Espresso Caliente (5), Ride to the Sunset (6), Seattle Treasure (7), King Angelus (9), or Forever Taken (10) to keep us alive to the next leg.

Race 10: Starship Jubilee (8) is a remarkable 7 for 12 over the Gulfstream turf and has never been better after winning the Sunshine Millions F-M Turf four weeks ago. She’s the second morning line choice in this spot, but might actually come favored; in any case, she seems like the most reliable play on the card.

Race 11: Both over the Gulfstream main track, Flowers for Lisa (2) won the Claiming Crown Jewel and Jay’s Way (8) won the Sunshine Millions Classic. If neither of those hard knockers can come through again, then the $1.7-million earner Page McKenney (3) should be enough insurance in keeping me covered in this wickedly tough renewal of the Old Hickory.

Race 12: As with race 9, this one could fall any number of ways, but I’ll take my chances with Purely Boy (1), Barney Rebel (2), Sinatra (3), Montclair (8), and Racings My Game (10).

Here’s the straight-A play:
R9: 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10
R10: 8
R11: 2, 3, 8
R12: 1, 2, 3, 8, 10
50-cent ticket = $45

Here’s the DRF TicketMaker™ link: http://drfticketmaker.com/pick4?wagerType=pick4&date=17-Feb-2018&track=GP&trackName=Gulfstream+Park&countryName=USA&raceNumber=9&maxBudget=45&horses=10-8A,11-2A|3A|8A,12-1A|2A|3A|8A|10A,9-2A|5A|6A|7A|9A|10A