How to bet the 2023 Mr. Prospector Stakes

A total of nine three-year-olds and up will dash seven-eighths on the Gulfstream Park dirt in Saturday’s $125,000 Mr. Prospector S. (G3). The heat features an accomplished and well-matched group, and I’ll tab the 2022 winner to defend his crown in the event. 

Mr. Prospector Wagers

• $20 win and place #9 Sibelius ($40)
• $1 trifecta 9 with 7,8 with all ($14)

#9 Sibelius was a facile winner of this contest last campaign and earned his biggest win to date when annexing the Golden Shaheen S. (G1) in March, but the chestnut has yet to look like himself in a trio of races since returning. Trained by Jeremiah O’Dwyer, the top pick has been flashing his customary big early speed while tiring in the lane as of late, but he comes into this assignment off of some good morning drills, and the son of Not This Time will appreciate the return to the Sunshine State. 

The chestnut has improved his Brisnet Speed number in each run since returning from the desert, and he also received a perfect draw on the outside of the field, so I am expecting something close to his best on Saturday with Junior Alvarado in the irons. 

#8 Long Range Toddy has found his form again since coming to this venue and conditioner Victor Barboza, with a pair of wins at this meeting in advance of Saturday. The seven-year-old son of Take Charge Indy makes his first appearance since the summer, but the distance is ideal for him and I also like his running style as a stalker in a race that figures to have a healthy early tempo. The Kentucky-bred looks to be training well and will have Emisael Jaramillo in the controls. 

#7 Gilmore has appeal from off the pace for trainer Brendan Walsh. The one-run closer has picked up a trio of graded stakes placings this season and comes in fresh after a failed route experiment in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) in September. The sophomore son of Twirling Candy would be a bit of a surprise to run the entire field down in the stretch, but I could envision him rallying to pick up a healthy share at a fair price with Jose Ortiz in the irons.