First leg key to Sunshine Millions Pick 3

A big day of racing will take place Saturday at Gulfstream Park, led by four Sunshine Millions stakes events. I believe that a heavy favorite in the first black-type contest might be ripe for the taking in her seasonal debut. And if she goes down, there will be excellent value attached to upsetting the mare in the horizontal exotics.

Race 8 -- Filly and Mare Turf

A field of 11 will contest the 1 1/16-mile turf affair. Grade 1 heroine and defending champ #7 Starship Jubilee (3-5) is the overwhelming choice to go back-to-back in the race, and she would be of no surprise with her class. However, the daughter of Indy Wind could be a bit vulnerable to kick off her 2020 campaign, and I think she can be beat at miniscule odds.

Chad Brown’s #1 Beautiful Lover (9-2) has posted 10 morning drills in preparation, and she is my top pick. $475,000 Arch filly graduated in style on the course 11 months prior, and she gets a fine draw inside to save ground throughout. Florida-bred has a big turn of foot and will be tough to hold off with Irad Ortiz Jr. riding.

I will also include #11 Vow to Recover (20-1) at sizable odds. Elizabeth Dobles pupil is a stakes winner on the surface, and I expect a big effort from the Broken Vow filly under Paco Lopez.

Race 9 -- Sprint

Eight will travel six panels in the dash in what is a wide-open contest. I would not be surprised by any entrant in the field, which prompts me to click the ‘all’ button in the middle leg.

Race 10 -- Turf

Conditioner Mark Casse holds a strong hand in the final leg of my Pick 3 with a trio of runners in the field.

#2 Curlin’s Honor (9-2), winner of  the Artie Schiller S. in his most recent performance, as well as Wise Dan (G2) victor #9 March to the Arch (7-2), who has Tyler Gaffalione in the silks, are the top duo. I feel confident in concluding the wager two deep.

Pick 3 ticket

• $1 Pick 3: 1,11 with all with 2,9 ($32)