Gulfstream Park Graded Stakes Plays for Feb. 29

A massive 14-race card, led by the $400,000 Fountain of Youth (G2), will be hosted by Gulfstream Park on Saturday. There are 10 stakes races on the impressive slate with nine of the graded variety, and I will highlight a horse of interest to me in each of the big events.

Fountain of Youth (G2)

I am intrigued by #7 Country Grammer (15-1) at a healthy number. Expensive Tonalist colt lands in a very ambitious spot for his sophomore debut, but I think it says a lot about what the connections think of his abilities. The price is right, too.

Mac Diarmida (G2)

#7 Admission Office (15-1) has knocked on the door on numerous occasions in the graded stakes ranks. I am uncertain if he will thrive going 1 3/8 miles, but the Lynch pupil has a big turn of foot and is better than his last effort. It is hard for me to ignore his price.

Gulfstream Park Mile (G2)

I am a big fan of the turn of foot that #2 Haikal (10-1) possesses. The exciting colt smoked a bullet half-mile at Palm Meadows most recently, and he will be ready to run them down late in a second appearance off the long absence.

Davona Dale (G2)

Sensational debut winner #6 Spice is Nice (7-5) is the horse on the card that I am most excited to watch compete. Curlin filly showed professionalism combined with push-button acceleration at first asking, and she galloped out like a horse who was just getting warmed up. Her ceiling appears to be especially high.

Canadian Turf (G3)

Tom Proctor’s #2 Caribou Club (6-1) has the post and running style to save ground and get first run turning for home. Underrated gelding has posted two swift morning drills in advance of his local debut.

Herecomesthebride (G3)

#2 Veruca (15-1) was a sharp third in a swiftly run race on the Keeneland turf on debut, and the Kentucky-bred gets back on the lawn second off the pine. Twirling Candy filly has a chance at a hefty price under turf ace Geroux.

The Very One (G3)

Kiaran McLaughlin’s #7 Romantic Pursuit (6-1) endured a solid second half of 2019 and should continue to improve this campaign. Godolphin homebred fits well in a field lacking a standout.

Honey Fox (G3)

Pletcher’s #2 Atomic Blonde (9-2) was sharp in her local bow last time out, and she figures to get a similar trip second time on the surface. Castellano stays.

Palm Beach (G3)

#10 Famished (10-1) is a horse that I have watched following his fast-closing third at Saratoga in August. Kimmel pupil has run well from two turf tries to date, and I think that the addition of blinkers will move the Uncle Mo colt forward a few lengths. Sophomore is my top value play on the card.