How to bet the 2023 Sugar Swirl Stakes

An octet of fillies and mares will speed six panels on the Gulfstream Park dirt in Saturday’s $125,000 Sugar Swirl S. (G3). Miller Racing’s #4 Intrepid Daydream is the one to beat as she rides in on a four-race win streak, and it seems difficult to go against the daughter of Jess’s Dream on this occasion. 

Sugar Swirl Wagers

• $5 exacta key box 4 with 1,6,8 ($30)
• $3 trifecta key 4 with 1,6,8 ($18)
• $.50-cent superfecta box 1,4,6,8 ($12)

Now in the hands of conditioner Saffie Joseph, the four-year-old has been a dominant force in the stakes ranks in Maryland as of late with a trio of stakes tallies over state-bred foes, and I expect her to find the move to open foes in her local debut a facile one. The dark bay filly has improved her Brisnet Speed figure in four races in succession, and she can prosper from taking the lead early, or rally from off the tempo, as well. 

Intrepid Daydream will be fit following a one-mile workout on December 7, and the razor-sharp lass will always be prominent under the guidance of top pilot Tyler Gaffalione. 

#6 Headland might be the speed of the speed in an affair with numerous early types in the mix for conditioner George Weaver. Third in the Garland of Roses S. at Aqueduct in her latest venture, the speedy Paynter seven-year-old has the right running style for the course in her local debut, and the seven-year-old could peak in her third run off the short absence, too. This Grade-3-placed seven-year-old will be ridden aggressively out of the gate with Luis Saez in the stirrups. 

Saffie Joseph’s #1 Bluefield has won or placed in seven of eight leading up to Saturday and is a key exotics piece from the rail. The stalker dons a 6-2-2-1 mark on the oval and exits a game stakes triumph at Tampa Bay Downs when going seven panels. The Field Commission mare will appreciate the cutback in distance and Zayas will be asking the seven-year-old for her best approaching the turn for home. 

#8 Spirit Wind is the wildcard in the cast in a first try for trainer Carlos David. The dark bay daughter of Bahamian Squall has compiled a fine 6-4-2-0 mark on the surface, and the lightly raced four-year-old has obvious room to improve while making her third run of 2023. The fleet filly ran into the mighty Echo Zulu last time out and will not face anything of that caliber on Saturday. I fear that if the Florida-bred doesn’t clear early she could endure a tough trip while wide, but I feel compelled to include her, nonetheless. Jose Ortiz will inherit the mount.