Pick 5 play at Gulfstream Saturday

A pair of sprint stakes highlight the Late Pick 5 at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, and an entry-level allowance for 3-year-olds kicks it off. Here are my thoughts on the sequence:

Race 8

The 7-furlong allowance serves as a possible stepping-stone to a Kentucky Derby prep race for many of these, and I will single 8 Violent City in all multi-race wagers. A son of Violence, the dark bay colt broke alertly and posted a sharp front-running score when making his Jan. 11 debut for Ian Wilkes, who rarely has his runners ready to win first out.

I liked how Violent City relaxed while racing head-and-head with another rival through the second quarter-mile last time, and the $330,000 yearling purchase responded when asked by Julien Leparoux entering the stretch, drawing off readily and cruising to a four-length decision. He could have more to offer the second time out.

Race 9 – World of Trouble (G3)

1 Epic Dreamer registered a 103 Brisnet Speed rating when posting a fine allowance tally at this distance two back, and throwing out his last effort in the one-mile Fred Hooper (G3). I like his chances on the front end with Jose Ortiz. 4 Admiral Lynch makes his first start for Jason Servis and Irad Ortiz Jr. picks up the mount. He showed improved speed in a pair of starts last fall, and the 4-year-old colt is eligible to receive a prime stalking trip just off the front-runners.

I will try to beat late-running favorite Lasting Legacy.

Race 10

Three deep in this competitive turf allowance. I will try to beat the lightly raced Largent, who drew an outside post and has had everything his own way in both wins.

1 Award Winner looks dangerous in his return for Brian Lynch. The 4-year-old colt drew well inside, and he’ll be forward with Jose Ortiz. 3 Proliferate may receive the right setup for his finishing kick, and I will make a win play on 6 Ry’s the Guy if he remains at double digit odds (15-1 morning line). I liked the turn of foot he showed on the turf last summer, and the Ian Wilkes trainee picked up valuable seasoning in his last two stakes attempts.

Race 11 – Any Limit S.

Favored in all three starts, 8 Belladonnia showed terrific gate speed and easily led all the way when breaking her maiden. The filly certainly looked very promising for Ralph Nicks at the time, with the runner-up coming back to crush rivals wire to wire the next time out, but the daughter of Bayern headed to the sidelines afterward. Belladonnia appears to be training forwardly and will look to shake loose early with Christian Torres.

2 Sound Machine enters in good form for Saffie Joseph, posting a 6 1/2-length triump in the Jan. 4 Glitter Woman, and the stalker is the top threat if the speed falters.

Race 12

The one-mile allowance came up contentious, and I will use six of the 11: 1 Admire, 3 Weather Wiz, 5 Blewitt, 8 Tap the Mojo, 10 Dinar, and 11 Lemniscate.

Pick 5 Wager

8 with 1,4 with 1,3,6 with 2,8 with 1,3,5,8,10,11 ($36)

Good luck!