What we thought would happen last week didn’t because our top Pick Sunflower Girl stopped after looking very contentious, but our saver Surprise Again was right there with her and kept going to rack up the win at a generous $14.60. (Tab Sunflower Girl back, she looked short). Surprise Again was one of 19 BreezeFigs maidens who won last week including six first timers, five of which were playable on the figs and stride lengths (SL).
I’ll bring a couple of resolute opinions into the last four races (8-11), all graded stakes, on a terrific Saturday card at Gulfstream. Here’s the layout:
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Race 8: Just trying to get alive by using the three inside fillies – Electric Forest (1), Tweeting (2), and Tapa Tapa Tapa (3) – and hoping Tapa returns to her best form (look at those Tampa works!) at the best price of the trio.
Race 2: Awesome Adversary (#5)
Showed significant improvement after being gelded prior to his third start.
Ran a competitive speed figure while facing much tougher company last time.
Drops in for a tag for the first time.
6-1 on ML
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Race 4: Miss Marilyn (#4)
The stakes slate nationally is a bit sparse this weekend, but the championship meet at Gulfstream Park is in full effect, with five graded stakes races scheduled to be run on Saturday. There’s a 50-50 chance of rain in the forecast, but hopefully that doesn’t develop, and the turf stakes can be run over firm going. I’m interested in both graded races on grass, as well as a one-turn mile for fillies and mares.
Fort Lauderdale Stakes
Aqueduct | Race 1 | Post Time 12:50 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
Race 1: Connolly’s Beads (#5)
Took a big step forward when last seen in a race that may have been faster than it seems.
Gets his chance to race over a fast track for the first time.
DRF Formulator Fact: Over the past five years, Gary Gullo is 4 for 9 (44 percent, $3.36 ROI) with maidens coming off layoffs of 180 days or more in dirt sprints.
9-2 on ML
Aqueduct | Race 5 | Post Time 2:47 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
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Race 5: Cariba (#3)
Was very green in her debut, attempting to lug in throughout the stretch drive.
Had trained well prior to her first start, and has a right to do much better with that experience under her belt.
Kiaran McLaughlin gets a 94 TimeformUS Trainer Rating with second-time starters, as opposed to his 57 Rating with firsters.
7-2 on ML