A pick at price for Gulfstream Park on April 16
Racing at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
Gulfstream Park offers attractive wagering fare Thursday, with large and contentious fields an 11-race program, and I’m interested in the seventh race.
Gulfstream Park, Race 7: $25,000 claiming (1 mile on dirt, 4:15 p.m. ET)
This race drew 10 runners, and there is separation between the top three on the morning line — #2 Holy Muchacho (7-2), #3 January Moon (3-1), and #8 Dizzy Sight (9-2) — and the rest of the field. All three are vulnerable.
I may not select the correct horse, but this is the kind of race I like to play.
#6 Big Hambone catches a field lacking speed and should be primed for a top showing, off a solid turf prep. He tracked a hot pace last time out and finished a close third in his first outing for trainer Brendan Walsh, who wins at a 21% rate with horses making their second start for the barn.
Formerly based at Woodbine, the 4-year-old was claimed for $25,000 two starts back, out of a 6-furlong dirt sprint where he didn’t have the early zip to dictate terms. Thursday’s one-turn mile and pace scenario looks like a much better fit, and Big Hambone’s Brisnet numbers are on par with his main rivals.
Tyler Gaffalione represents a favorable jockey switch, and I expect a strong showing from Big Hambone on the front end.
Holy Muchacho beat a soft field in a race where the speed completely fell apart two starts back, and the gray colt lacks any tactical foot. January Won broke his maiden in a slow time last summer, and the confirmed closer will be overbet off the layoff, after a couple non-competitive efforts against stakes foes in the fall. Dizzy Sight switches to a low-percentage stable, after three consecutive unplaced clunkers.
Listed at 10-1 on the morning line, Big Hambone is my best bet at Gulfstream on Thursday.
Looking to scratch that sports-betting itch? Check out BetAmerica horse racing!
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