Gulfstream: How to bet the Mr. Prospector Stakes

An intriguing field of seven will go postward in Saturday’s $100,000 Mr. Prospector S. (G3) at Gulfstream Park. The seven-furlong tilt on the main surface pits a well-matched cast of talented sprinters in the one-turn feature.

Mr. Prospector S. Wagers

• $30 exacta 2 with 4 ($30)
• $10 exacta 4 with 2 ($10)

I will give top billing to #2 Wind of Change, who is the inside pace of the race. One of two in the field for trainer Saffie Joseph, the bay son of Forestry has shown some improvement since moving to this barn In March, finishing first or second in four of his five races since the move.

The fleet Brazilian-bred led until late stretch in this race last year before finishing fourth at a huge 39-1, and while we won’t get that same price on Saturday, I still think that he may offer a hint of value in a field lacking a standout. A pair of recent bullet morning drills, combined with the presence of jockey Edgard Zayas, are also appealing to me.

#4 Endorsed has finished in the top three in six of his last eight outings and is an ideal exotics player for trainer Mike Maker. The five-year-old son of Medaglia d’Oro has been running with some top competition this season and makes a lot of sense with his best performance on Saturday. The Kentucky-bred has never missed the board on this oval.

I think that the contest will come down to the aforementioned duo, as I have issues with the other contenders in the contest.

#1 Flap Jack is unproven with stakes foes on the surface, and his lone win on the dirt came over an ‘off’ oval.

#3 Poppy’s Pride had a very good juvenile season, but the Michael Yates trainee is yet to build upon his 2020 accomplishments.

Grade 3 victor #5 Dennis’ Moment has obvious ability and comes off a sharp allowance win, but the Dale Romans pupil lacks consistency overall.

#6 Doc Amster led throughout on the oval most recently but will not enjoy such an advantageous trip on Saturday. Midshipman colt would be a surprise on this occasion.

#7 Officiating is unproven, in my eyes, on a fast dirt surface against this caliber of horses.