Singles for Gulfstream's mandatory-payout $1,369,601 Pick 6, Aqueduct, Fair Grounds

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares horses to single in a trio of carryovers at Gulfstream Park, Aqueduct, and Fair Grounds, including Gulfstream’s mandatory-payout $1,369,601 Pick 6.

Gulfstream Park, Race 6: $1,369,601 Pick 6 mandatory payout (2:42 p.m. ET)

The most exciting carryover of the day can be found at Gulfstream Park, where the $1,369,601 Rainbow Pick 6 jackpot is slated for mandatory payout. The final pool for the 20-cent wager is projected to exceed $6 million.

The six races look competitive on paper, and finding a viable single is difficult. But that said, #10 Dripping Gold (9-2) is a possibility in Race 10, a $35,000 allowance optional claimer taking place over 1 3/8 miles on turf.

Dripping Gold has run strongly in two starts against allowance competition over this distance at Aqueduct. On Oct. 21, he rallied strongly to finish second by a neck. On Nov. 19, he led in midstretch before settling for second place by a nose.

Dripping Gold hasn’t run in 3 1/2 months, but Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey wins at a solid 18% rate with horses returning from layoffs of 90 days or more, so Dripping Gold ought to fire a strong shot off the break. Sunday’s contest should be a bit easier than the New York allowances Dripping Gold is exiting, so all signs point toward a winning run.

Aqueduct, Race 4: $36,536 Pick 6 carryover (2:55 p.m. ET)

Aqueduct’s $1 Pick 6 has tossed up a non-jackpot carryover worth $36,536 for Sunday’s card.

The best chance for a single may come in Race 5, a $12,500 claimer taking place over one mile on dirt. Only seven horses are entered, and morning line favorite #6 Lil Commissioner (3-5) is a clear standout from a Brisnet Speed rating standpoint.

Case in point? Whereas none of Lil Commissioner’s rivals have earned a Brisnet Speed rating higher than 83 in their last three starts, Lil Commissioner’s last three numbers are 87, 90, and 87. Even better, he earned those numbers while cracking the trifecta in $16,000 and $20,000 claiming races at Aqueduct, including a couple of contests over one mile. Dropping down to the $12,500 level under apprentice jockey Jaime Torres (who rides with a seven-pound weight allowance) should send Lil Commissioner to the winner’s circle.

Fair Grounds, Race 3: $3,450 Pick 6 carryover (3:15 p.m. ET)

Fair Grounds is getting in on the carryover action with a $3,450 prize pool up for grabs in the $1 Pick 6.

If you’re looking for a single to build tickets around, look no further than #1 Ballinonabudjet (3-5) in Race 4, a $20,000 allowance optional claimer for Louisiana-breds racing one mile and 70 yards on dirt.

Ballinonabudjet has hit the board in four straight stakes since being claimed by red-hot trainer Brad Cox, a 41% winner at Fair Grounds this meet. Along the way, Ballinonabudjet has posted sharp Brisnet Speed ratings of 97, 90, 83, and 94, with the 83 coming on turf.

None of Ballinonabudjet’s Sunday rivals have ever earned a Brisnet Speed rating higher than 90, or a number higher than 85 in their last three starts, so a typical performance from Ballinonabudjet should be sufficient to snatch first prize.

Good luck!