Pick 3 play at Gulfstream Thursday

Fast and firm conditions are expected for Thursday’s 11-race card at Gulfstream Park, and I will try to build the bankroll by connecting on a Pick 3 sequence that begins with race 3.

Here is how I will build my ticket:

Race 3

Fillies and mares will square off at 6-furlongs for a $6,250 claiming tag, and I will use four of the seven runners.

#1 Take Charge Again broke her maiden over the track in early January and dropped to this level a couple of starts later, recording a rallying third after missing the start on April 16. The 4-year-old filly appears capable of better with a clean beginning here. #3 Chic and Sexy stamped herself as a front-running threat when returning from a freshening with a solid runner-up effort last time. After being too far back last time, #5 Stormy Boss can challenge if she runs back to a fine second two starts back. #6 Miss Mac is intriguing at a possible price; the sophomore filly recorded a nice maiden win three back and was entered over her head in the last two. She adds blinkers and makes the first start off the claim for Teresa Pompay.

Race 4

A full field of distaffers is entered for the $16,000 maiden claimer at 1 1/16 miles on turf. Without a strong opinion in the competitive event, I will use eight of them.

#2 Sequaya could take to turf on the class drop for Ian Wilkes. #4 Formula makes her second start following a troubled trip against better. #5 Garner State Park appears to building toward her initial win. #6 Couple of Nikkis ran well against better company over the course earlier in the meet and drops in class today. #7 El Scorcho could show more at this level, and #8 Missandei is eligible to improve the second time out. Late-running #10 Veer and likely favorite #12 Caribbean Kitten can’t be dismissed dropping in class for good barns.

Race 5

#3 Cable Channel is my single. The lightly-raced colt has gained fitness in the last two outings, and Thursday’s pace scenario should favor the 4-year-old. The dark bay chased a hot pace against entry-level allowance rivals last time before giving way in the stretch, but I am expecting a much softer tempo Thursday. With his tactical speed, Cable Channel can establish a favorable up-close trip with jockey Emisael Jaramillo, and trainer Ralph Nicks has emerged from a cold snap, winning 2-of-3 starts last weekend at double-digit odds. Jaramillo was up on both winners.

Cable Channel looks poised for his best and should relish the drop to the $30,000 claiming level.

Suggested 50-cent Pick 3 wager

• 1,3,5,6 with 2,4,5,6,7,8,10,12 with 3 = $16