BetAmerica’s horse racing pick of the day: June 30, Gulfstream Park

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Tuesday, June 30

Gulfstream Park, Race 7: Allowance/optional claiming (5 furlongs on turf, 3:09 p.m. ET)

Early speed is the dominant force in 5-furlong turf sprints at Gulfstream Park, and #6 Sea Lover (5-2 on the morning line) appears to be the “speed of the speed” in Tuesday’s allowance dash.

The improving son of Midshipman is 3-for-3 overall and 2-for-2 in 5-furlong turf sprints. He won an allowance at Tampa Bay Downs, then nabbed a $25,000 open claiming race May 14 at Gulfstream.

In the latter win, Sea Lover led all the way, through blazing splits of :21.20 and :43.68, to win by a half-length over favored Bahamian Prince, with the rest of the field half a dozen lengths behind.

With Brisnet Speed ratings of 95 and 91, Sea Lover is the fastest horse in Tuesday’s field, and it’s possible he could show improvement in his first start for hot trainer Mike Maker, who is renowned for his success turning claimers into stakes winners.

Sea Lover is the runner to beat, so we’ll bet him to win and play him in a cold exacta, with #8 Legendary Prince (3-1), who is likewise 2-for-2 dashing 5 furlongs on grass.

$20 to win on #6 Sea Lover
$5 exacta: 6 with 8
Total: $25

Good luck!