Gulfstream Park pick for April 12

Happy Easter! Gulfstream Park is the only North American track to offer Thoroughbred racing Sunday, and 12 races are scheduled at the Hallandale Beach, Florida venue.

I will recommend a horse in race 7, an $8,000 claiming event at 6-furlongs. #5 Desert General will probably be shorter than his 8-1 morning line price, but he should still offer fair value with a couple of rivals likely to be well-supported.

Combination has been installed as the prohibitive 9-5 morning line favorite. The gelding owns a 1-for-7 record at the 6-furlong distance, and the confirmed closer will be seeking his fourth consecutive win after a hard-fought head decision. He looks vulnerable in my estimation. Ray’swarrior has been favored in his last eight starts, burning a lot of money during the current four-race losing streak, and bettors will still flock to him on the class drop here.

Desert General has good tactical foot in a race lacking serious speed, and the 7-year-old gelding will make his first start for Gerardo Quiroz, who I would assume is related to trainer Angel Quiroz. Gerardo began his training career in early March, winning his first two starts, and the promising horseman is 2-for-3 overall.

Previously based in California, Desert General has run well in all five starts at Gulfstream and was claimed from a head second at 9-1 odds last time. He registered an 88 Brisnet Speed rating, the second best last-out figure in the field, and I like his improved Pace numbers last time (87 E1, 87 E2, and 95 LP).

Desert General appears to be rounding toward a top performance, and I like his chances in this spot.