Gulfstream: How to bet the H. Allen Jerkens Stakes Dec. 24

Nine turf stayers will travel two miles on the Gulfstream Park green in Friday’s $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens S. Trainer Mike Maker will have a major impact in the race with four entered for the contest, led by my top selection #6 Jarreau (5-1).

Allen Jerkens Wagers

• $15 win and place #6 Jarreau ($30)
• $3 exacta key box 6 with 3,4,8 ($18)
• 50-cent trifecta 6 with 3,4,8 with all ($10.50)

Claimed for $40,000 out of a race at Belmont Park in July, the gelded son of Pioneerof the Nile has moved forward in four starts since the barn change. Jarreau has been runner-up in three of his last four outings, including a smart second-place result in an allowance tilt at Aqueduct most recently.

The four-year-old takes a big class hike on Friday but has plenty of reason for appeal as an improving sort who has the right running style for the fray. The Kentucky-bred has ample tactical foot in a field with numerous one-run closing types, and I really liked his first marathon try on the green last time out. The dark bay gelding has solid turf pilot Emisael Jaramillo in the stirrups.

I will use a trio of contenders with my top pick. #3 Abaan (4-1) led throughout in toppling my selection most recently for Todd Pletcher. The Will Take Charge gelding has taken a big step forward since stretching out on the turf, and he has the look of controlling speed in the tilt. The chestnut will be ridden by Luis Saez.

Maker’s #4 Ajourneytofreedom has knocked heads with some strong distance horses on the grass in 2021 and has a minor class edge over many of his foes in this endeavor. The gelded son of Hard Spun doesn’t win all that often, but he lands in a very reasonable spot to make the frame with Paco Lopez taking the reins.

#8 Bluegrass Parkway was sharp in eclipsing stakes foes at Ellis Park three back, and a repeat of that performance will give the five-year-old a chance inside the final furlong. The Kentucky-bred Quality Road gelding is a winner on the surface, and he will be coming on late at a decent price under the guidance of Edwin Gonzalez.