Betting the Place Payout Carryover at Gulfstream Park Sunday

The Place Payout was not hit last Sunday at Ellis Park and TwinSpires is carrying the promotion over to Gulfstream Park on Sunday. Players who hit a $5 Place bet in every race will share a $12,000 bonus and you can share in smaller bonuses just for participating.

Be sure to “Opt In” from the TwinSpires Offers page.

With a focus on a top-two finish, here is my analysis:

Race 1

#4 Sunfest, the 7-2 second choice on the morning line, drops into a favorable spot and appears more than capable of offering a serious challenge in this turf race.

Race 2

Tough to go against the favorite, #5 Pure Style, who towers over these rivals from a BRIS numbers perspective.

Race 3

Giving the edge to #4 Noble Venezuela, who returns to the main track following a solid turf effort and has placed in his last three dirt attempts at Gulfstream. #1 Players Luck, the 9-5 morning line favorite, looks vulnerable from the innermost post in my estimation.

Race 4

Out of juvenile stakes winner, #5 Olivia’s Dream is bred to run early and shows a solid worktab in preparation for her debut with no gaps. Super Saver filly has appeal in this spot.

Race 5

#6 Awesome Mass draws a favorable outside post in a short but speed-laden field and makes her third start off the layoff for Stanley Gold. It’s easy to like the 102 BRIS Speed rating she earned two back and she should be in position to challenge for the win turning for home.

Race 6

Some inconsistent performers in this 12-horse field and I will pass on the top four morning line choices and tab at 8-1 #9 Katie’s Champ, who rallied well for fourth after being steadied early last time. The 4yo filly exits a trio of encouraging efforts and can put her tactical speed to good use in a field lacking pace.

Race 7

Bottom-level 2yo maiden claimer has five firsters among its nine entrants and #8 When It’s Love must be considered a top contender for Kathleen O’Connell, who wins at a 21% clip when debuting at the maiden claiming level. Overanalyze filly shows a bullet work in preparation and Edgard Zayas takes the call on the decently-bred miss.

Race 8

The 7 ½-furlong turf affair lacks a standout and looks like a good spot for #10 Parmel Landing to return to the win column. He ran well in a pair of attempts at this distance before heading to the sidelines last fall and returned with a solid effort sprinting on July 12. Joe Orseno trainee should appreciate the stretch out and should be rallying well in the latter stages.

Race 9

#3 Vow Me Now receives a favorable class drop from maiden special weight to maiden claiming and was bet in his first start at Keeneland in April. A poor start cost him when returning from a freshening last time and the Broken Vow colt should show more today.

Race 10

With some pace entered in this full field of 12, #9 Steelin Magnolias should receive a proper set-up for her late kick. The lightly-raced 4yo returns from a freshening for new trainer Angel Penna Jr. and shows a fast series of works in preparation. She’s earned BRIS Late Pace numbers as high as 90.

Race 11

#5 Curlin’s Approval drops down in class for a confidence-builder here and can prove much the best.

Race 12

#4 Rocky Strange brings improving turf form and first-rate BRIS numbers into the finale. He could be difficult to deny under Miguel Vasquez.