Gulfstream Park stakes Spot Plays for 2019 Florida Derby Day

The $1 million Florida Derby (G1) is the headliner of a big day of racing at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. A total of six accompanying stakes events are also on the card, with a trio of those of the graded variety. While I found it difficult to peg any longshot contenders in the undercard stakes, I have tabbed some horses that I expect to run well prior to the feature. RACE 4: GULFSTREAM PARK MILE (G2) If Prince Lucky duplicates his Hal’s Hope Handicap (G3) performance, the field is running for the place spot. However, I do like the marked improvement from the late-running Be Gone Daddy (#3) (9-2) lately and give him a chance at a price. The Scat Daddy gelding is cheaper than the main duo in the field, but he has been impressive with huge late rallies in two straight. Luis Saez staying on board adds to the appeal. RACE 5: CUTLER BAY STAKES Sophomores will go one mile on the lawn in this spot. Former maiden claimer Forever Mo (#2) (3-1) has really turned the corner since stretching out on turf. The son of Uncle Mo is a head shy of three straight wins and he will be of fair value at post time. I also like the move to get Manny Franco in the silks. RACE 6: SANIBEL ISLAND STAKES The once-beaten A Bit Special will admittedly be tough to upend in the grassy affair, but I am giving the Norm Casse-conditioned Belle Laura (#4) (3-1) the slight nod. The Mucho Macho Man filly was a nice third off the shelf in the Hercomethebride Stakes (G3) in her first with blinkers, and improvement is likely second time back. The bay lass draws well while being outside of the favorite and picks up John Velazquez. RACE 8: GULFSTREAM PARK OAKS (G2) Seven three-year-old fillies will go postward in the 1 1/16-mile affair. The George Weaver-trained Point of Honor (#3) (9-5) is an exciting prospect who has dusted her foes in both assignments to date. The Curlin filly will track the pace and should wear them down late to remain unbeaten. RACE 10: SAND SPRINGS STAKES Proctor’s Ledge (#9) (4-1) is likely using this as a prep race for bigger endeavors this campaign. Nonetheless, the Ghostzapper mare is the class of the field and she should get a favorable pace set-up in her 2019 debut. I really like John Velazquez riding the five-year-old, as well. RACE 13: PAN AMERICAN STAKES (G2) The consistently good Soglio (#8) (3-1) figures to get a dream trip in this 1 1/2-mile turf event. The Mike Maker trainee loves the Gulfstream lawn and will track in second to the top of the lane. He gets the jump on the slew of closers and keeps them all at bay late. PHOTO: Point of Honor and jockey Javier Castellano capture the Suncoast Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on February 9, 2019 (c) SV Photography