Scouting the Rainbow Pick 6 at Gulfstream Park

Six correct paid more than $17k on Friday and the carryover pool has surpassed $2.7 million. The Rainbow Pick 6 at Gulfstream is gathering steam as it nears a mandatory payout on January 28.

I am going to play a couple of horses in the sequence and will invest in the 20-cent Rainbow Pick 6.

Here are my thoughts on the races:

Race 7: The Sunshine Millions Turf kicks off the Rainbow Pick 6 and I like #7 Second Mate (10-1 m/l) at an expected price. 5yo got good for Jane Cibelli during the spring/summer, winning 3-of-4 starts, but received some time off after winning back-to-back at Delaware Park and Monmouth Park. Returned from the freshening with an even effort versus allowance foes at Laurel in late October and took a step forward last time, just missing by a head versus a solid cast in 9-furlong allowance/optional claimer at Tampa Bay Downs. With four of his five wins coming at 1 1/16 miles, Second Mate will appreciate today’s cutback and he’s rounding back into top form for a trainer who wins at a 20% clip on turf. And the gelding has captured his last two appearances over Gulfstream’s turf.

Race 8: #1 Here’s to Mike, #2 Racings My Game and #11 McIlroy all merit respect, but the top three selections on the morning line are far from imposing and I’ll add some runners. #4 Vigas, #5 Trouble in Phoenix and #15 Sportscaster (if he draws in) have a chance, and I’ll include #7 R Cat Daddy who is 20-1 on the morning line for Ralph Ziadie following a sharp score versus cheaper. Beware the class riser.

Race 9: A half-brother to a Grade 1 winner, #6 Briny Marlin (6-1) missed the break when making his career debut at Delaware Park in mid-September but turned in a respectable effort for fourth, registering 85-85-84 (E1, E2 & LP) BRIS Pace numbers as well as a 77 BRIS Speed rating that is best among those who have started here. The Paynter colt receives blinkers and a positive rider change to Luis Saez, and this isn’t an imposing 10-horse cast of Florida-bred maidens, with no power stables present. Briny Marlin can prove best on the front end.

Race 10: Lots of options to choose from in the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf. #2 Bonita, #4 Starship Jubilee and #10 Josdesanimaux are all viable in my estimation and if the budget allows, I would spread even deeper with a trio w ho is double-digit odds on the morning line: #3 Bitacora, #5 Katinka and #7 Graceful Heart.

Race 11: #1 X Y Jet is the most likely winner in the Sunshine Millions Sprint but comes back pretty quickly following an all-out effort in the Mr. Prospector (G3). There’s other speed present and he can't afford a slow start from the rail. I’ll use him but I also want #3 Mo Cash on my tickets; the 4yo gelding appears to be coming on for trainer Ron Spatz and will try to run past his rivals in the stretch.

Race 12: #2 New Castle could be sitting on a win here for Mark Casse following an improved effort last time. #9 Stay on Base is another major contender and #8 Cotton To, who ran better than it looks last time, is a little sneaky at long odds in his second turf attempt.

Good luck playing the Rainbow Pick 6!