A pick at price for Gulfstream Park on April 16

James Scully

April 15th, 2020

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.


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