Shapiro's Early Pick 5 analysis at Gulfstream Park for Wed., March 25

Bet the early Pick 5 at Gulfstream Park

The racing week in Hallandale Beach gets started on Wednesday and amongst the options to start the 10-race card is an early Pick 5. Here are my thoughts on the sequence.

Race 1:

One of three low-level maiden claimers on the sod included in the early Pick 5 gets things rolling.  

#10 Maytito makes his first start under the care of trainer Saffie Jospeh Jr. The son of Declaration of War has a pair of runner-up efforts in three lifetime tries and has been freshened up since his last start on Jan. 23 at Tampa Bay Downs versus better. If he can avoid a wide voyage, he should be there in the end.

#3 Lovedisc has had 10 career tries without a win, but faced much better last time out and before that had some legitimate excuses. I expect jockey Hector Berrios to find a comfortable spot along the inside. If he can get back to his last race at this level on Jan. 3, he can spring the minor upset to start the card.

#12 Rapstorerocks draws to the far outside in this full field which is concerning, but he attracts the services of hot-riding Paco Lopez. I will include him as well.

Race 2:

The pace should be honest in this low-level maiden claimer on the lawn for fillies and mares given the presence of Snow and Lillylynn, Miss Over There and Tumbadora. This should set things up for a runner that can relax early and make a run when they turn for home.

#2 Lookn Fine as Wine had an impossible wide voyage last time out versus slightly better and still was able to hang on for fourth. The move to an inside post should give her a better chance to get to the wire first. At her 6-1-morning line price, she is also worth a win wager.

#11 Harmonic Thunder has been overmatched against significantly better in her first three starts for Joseph. The outside draw is far from ideal, but the class drop and probable race shape make this daughter of Honor Code a must use.

Race 3:

There does not appear to be much early zip in this N2L event at 6-furlongs over the main track, so #3 Cory Gal is a major threat to take this group all the way on the engine. That being said, the Florida-bred is tough to trust since she has just one victory in 17 career starts. I will use her, as well as #2 Champagne Bliss, who drops into the conditional claiming ranks in her initial try for Rohan Crichton; and #4 No Se Vende, who should find a comfortable stalking spot if she can avoid another poor break from the gate.

Race 4:

I am willing to take a chance against 7-2-morning line favorite Don’t Tase Me Bro in what is a relatively wide-open event. The American Pharoah colt did no real running in two starts against better for former trainer Todd Pletcher. The class drop for new conditioner Steve Klesaris certainly benefits him, but at his expected price he is worth fading.

I like #9 Still Schemin best, but will use several.

Race 5:

#7 Liam’s Lookout was part of a 4-horse duel in her debut versus protected maidens last month. She gets off the rail, drops in class, and attracts the services of Joel Rosario for her second lifetime try. I love her chances to get the best of this bunch and close out the sequence. If she is anywhere near her 9-2-morning price I will also jump into the win pool. My single and best bet on the card.  

Suggested Wager (50-cent Pick 5)

• R1: 3+10+12
• R2: 2+11
• R3: 2+3+4
• R4: 4+8+9+10
• R5: 7

Ticket Cost: $36