Gulfstream: Turf stakes selections for Mar. 5

A total of nine stakes races, eight of which are of the graded variety, will highlight a massive Saturday card at Gulfstream Park. Six of those will be contested on the lawn, and I have a few horses of interest to me in the grassy tests.

Race 5 – The Very One S. (G3)

Nine fillies and mares will go postward in the 1 3/8-mile affair. The Chad Brown-trained #5 Virginia Joy (2-1) has run a trio of good ones since arriving in the U. S. and seems fully acclimated heading into her five-year-old campaign. The multiple Group 3 heroine comes in for her first run since July and will be a major factor with any kind of forward move off the shelf. The Soldier Hollow mare is partnered by Irad Ortiz.

Race 7 – Palm Beach S.

Sophomores will travel one mile with nine signed on for the endeavor. #4 Main Event (5-1) takes a major class hike in a tough spot for trainer George Weaver, but I loved his recent maiden win and will give him a chance at a square price. The Bernardini colt showed marked improvement on the surface change most recently and came home fast. Jose Ortiz will pilot the bay three-year-old.

Race 9 – Honey Fox S. (G3)

A total of 11 fillies and mares will vie in the one-mile affair. Italian import #8 Wakanaka (6-1) didn’t offer much in the stretch while making her stateside bow off the nine-month absence, but the Power four-year-old will improve second time on U. S. soil. The Bill Mott pupil ran in spots last time out, but a more professional showing from the Group 3 victress is fully expected on Saturday. Jose Ortiz picks up the mount.

Race 13 – Herecomesthebride S. (G3)

An overflow field of 13 three-year-old fillies will run one mile in the finale on the card. At an expected big number, I feel that #9 Howdyoumakeurmoney (12-1) is surely worth including in all wagers. The Freud filly had a productive juvenile campaign topped by a stakes win at Presque Isle Downs, and her impressive maiden victory came at Saratoga in her lone turf run to date. The bay will likely be forwardly placed under Paco Lopez.