McGee: How I'll play Gulfstream for Sunday, Jan. 22

Duly inspired by all the greatness on hand here Saturday night at Gulfstream Park for the Eclipse Awards, we’re going to try to be equally great at the betting windows Sunday afternoon. I will take a stand in a couple of spots in the early pick five by trying to leverage some strong opinions.

In race 1, DERO D (6) is the 2-1 morning-line favorite, but he has been far shorter in similar nonwinners-of-two-lifetime spots and looks like he will finally get through that condition at a short price when dropping back in for $6,250 for the highly competent Jane Cibelli.

In race 2, we will nearly buy the race by taking five of the eight starters, including all the logical contenders. Hopefully, one of the pricier fillies gets it done.

In race 3, more blanket coverage when merely looking to stay alive.

Race 4 is where I will go out on a limb with WINNING FOR SARAH (4), who was a mainstay in the local stakes ranks last year, then was game in a last-out victory when Jena Antonucci gave her a confidence-builder. Been keeping tabs on this mare for quite a while and feel she’s quite capable at this level, especially off the last out.

In race 5, Kelly Breen and Nik Juarez have the obvious one to catch in DAY BY DAY (2), but Todd Pletcher has a very dangerous-looking Medaglia d’Oro first-timer in GHALIA (5), a $600,000 purchase who comes well-armed with tons of morning prep.

See Marty McGee’s pick five play in DRF TicketMaker and bet it with DRF Bets