Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for Dec. 24

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares $90 worth of picks and plays for Friday, Dec. 24 at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs, including a trio of cold exactas.

Today’s special offers from TwinSpires include:

• Exacta Insurance: Receive refunds on exacta bets (up to $10) if your two selected horses finish in the first three home (but not in the winning order) at Gulfstream Park. Offer applies to straight exacta bets only.

Picks and Plays

Tampa Bay Downs: Race 6: Maiden Special Weight (seven furlongs, 2:43 p.m. ET)

#5 Amani’s Image (8-5) has shown promise in her first three starts against maiden special weight company. She was particularly sharp in a one-mile event at Gulfstream two months ago, tracking the pace before staying on to finish second.

With Brisnet Speed ratings of 77, 75, and 80 to her credit, Amani’s Image is the fastest filly in Friday’s field. If she runs her typical race, she can cruise to victory over #7 Standup Comedienne (4-1), who ran third over this track and class level on Dec. 4.

In addition to a win bet on Amani’s Image, we’ll play the favorite over Standup Comedienne in a cold $10 exacta.

• $20 to win on #5 Amani’s Image
• $10 Exacta: 5 with 7
  Total: $30

Gulfstream Park: Race 8: $6,250 Claiming (seven furlongs, 3:28 p.m. ET)

#10 Pretty Rachel (3-1) faltered when facing tougher competition in the Claiming Crown Glass Slipper Starter S. at Gulfstream three weeks ago, fading to finish last after chasing a quick pace from a wide position. However, the daughter of Dominus had previously rattled off six straight victories against $6,250 and $12,500 claiming company at Gulfstream, with the final four coming in gate-to-wire fashion.

Along the way, Pretty Rachel posted a bevy of sharp Brisnet Speed ratings in the 88-95 range. If she rebounds to this level of form while squaring off against easier competition on Friday, she’ll be tough to catch at (hopefully) solid odds.

For Exacta Insurance purposes, we’ll place a $10 exacta keying Pretty Rachel over the improving #7 Rain (8-1), who has won two of her last three starts against $6,250 claiming company at Gulfstream. Rain looks live at a price in her first start for trainer Jose D’Angelo, who wins at a 29% rate with new claiming acquisitions.

• $20 to win on #10 Pretty Rachel
• $10 Exacta: 10 with 7
  Total: $30

Gulfstream Park: Race 10: H. Allen Jerkens S. (two miles on turf, 4:32 p.m. ET)

Trainer Todd Pletcher has enjoyed strong success in the H. Allen Jerkens, winning three of the first seven renewals. He’ll have every chance to pick up a fourth victory courtesy of the improving #3 Abaan (4-1).

A stoutly bred son of champion Will Take Charge out of a Tapit mare, Abaan hasn’t missed the exacta in four starts on turf. The front-running gelding was especially strong in a 1 3/8-mile allowance at Aqueduct last month, leading all the way to win by two lengths with a 93 Brisnet Speed rating.

There’s barely any speed entered in the Jerkens, so Abaan will have every chance to shake loose on an easy lead under hot jockey Luis Saez, who has won at a 36% rate when teaming up with Pletcher over the last two months. Therefore, we’ll bet Abaan to win before keying him over #2 Malthael (8-1) in a cold $10 exacta, constructing the latter bet to capitalize on the Exacta Insurance promotion.

• $20 to win on #3 Abaan
• $10 Exacta: 3 with 2
  Total: $30

Good luck!