Gulfstream: How to bet the Mr. Prospector Stakes

A full field of 12 will dash seven-eighths on the Gulfstream Park main surface in Saturday’s $165,000 Mr. Prospector S. (G3). 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) hero #10 White Abarrio is the one to beat in the heat for conditioner Saffie Joseph with a 6-for-7 mark on the strip in his career. But, the son of Race Day faces a talented bunch and is far from a cinch in this spot. At expected short odds, I’ll try to upend the five-year-old. 

Mr. Prospector Stakes Wagers for Aqueduct

• $12 win and place #9 Illuminare ($24)
• $2 trifecta key 9 with 3,6,10 ($12)
• $.50-cent trifecta box 3,6,9,10 ($12)

Mr. Prospector Stakes Betting Analysis

Trainer Todd Pletcher has a pair of dangerous contenders in the group including the exciting #9 Illuminare, who exits a fantastic allowance win at Aqueduct in his latest showing. The City of Light colt is lightly raced in advance of his graded debut, but the once-beaten sophomore is long on talent and can’t be overlooked after posting two bullet morning drills as of late. Purchased for $500,000 as a yearling, the dark bay has very good gate presence and is a dual winner at seven furlongs, as well. He loses Irad Ortiz Jr. to the favorite but picks up the aggressive Luis Saez. 

Vosburgh (G3) romper #6 Mufasa didn’t fire his best shot from the 12 post in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Del Mar in his latest venture, but he posted a pair of excellent races at this distance earlier in the season and is surely good enough to run with this cast on his best day. Tyler Gaffalione will pilot the stalker for Ignacio Correas. 

#3 Super Chow is the inside speed of the field for Jorge Delgado and I have to have him on the ticket at a price. The Kentucky-bred son of Lord Nelson has tired to fourth in a trio of races in succession, but speed often plays well on the course and he likes Gulfstream evidenced by his 6-3-2-1 local mark. David Egan will send the speedster from the outset, and the colt could hang around for a piece if he clears early on. 

White Abarrio is using this dash as a prep for a trip to the desert in 2025, and he figures to endure a wide trip throughout the contest, too. But the gray retains the services of Irad, loves the oval, and the $5 million earner thrives in South Florida, too. It wouldn’t be a shock if he finds himself in the winners’ circle following the race.