Gulfstream Park Stakes Spot Plays for Dec. 31

A six-pack of black-type events, five of the graded variety, will highlight a huge Saturday card at Gulfstream Park.

Race 3 – Sugar Swirl S. (G3)

A total of six fillies and mares will dash six panels in the first stakes event of the afternoon. #1 Joyful Cadence (5-1) is especially consistent and due for a breakthrough at the graded level for conditioner John Ortiz. Runhappy four-year-old has form, speed, and the rail, all of which will play to her strengths while making her local debut. Tyler Gaffalione inherits the mount.

Race 6 – Rampart S.

An octet of fillies and mares will travel one mile on the main strip in the $125,000 affair. Todd Pletcher’s #4 Colorful Mischief (5-2) has run into a pair of superb winners in her past two and fits well in this spot. Into Mischief three-year-old has the gate presence to be in range early on, and I believe that the one-turn mile will be ideal for the well-bred filly, too. Irad Ortiz Jr. taking the reins adds to the appeal.

Race 7 – Suwannee River S. (G3)

A well-matched field of 10 will go one mile on the lawn in what appears to be an attractive betting endeavor. #4 Keeper of Time (12-1) was a closing fourth in this contest last campaign and will go better in her second try in the event. Mehmas four-year-old registered a pair of nice efforts in turf sprint dashes most recently from off the pace, and the move to eight panels seems ideal for the Brendan Walsh pupil. I expect the four-year-old to make one run late behind a contested early pace beneath Gaffalione.

Race 8 – Mr. Prospector S. (G3)

The seven-furlong test attracted a dozen in what looks like another competitive betting race. #3 Sibelius (3-1) has shown marked improvement since adding blinkers in May and gets top billing in a deep sprint. Not This Time gelding comes off a game runner-up try in the Bet On Sunshine S. at Churchill Downs and will be dangerous with anything close to that performance. Jeremiah O’Dwyer trainee will be forwardly placed throughout with Junior Alvarado in the stirrups.

Race 10 – Harlan’s Holiday S. (G3)

In a field lacking early speed, I think that #7 Skippylongstocking (4-1) will get a dream trip forcing the tempo while in the clear from the opening bell. One of two major players in the cast for conditioner Saffie Joseph, the sophomore son of Exaggerator comes in fresh after an ambitious spring and fall campaign, and I expect a top showing from the colt with Irad Ortiz accepting the assignment.