Gulfstream Park in Let ’em Run sights this weekend

Weekend Racing Preview: Derby Points, Deep Cards Coast to Coast, Action from Gulfstream Park

There is a lull in the action this weekend in Derby and Oaks prep races, yet racing remains in full force across the country. On Friday at 12:10 EST, a Derby prep race from Dubai will offer 20 points on the line at Meydan Racecourse. Saturday’s lone domestic prep comes from Turfway Park, and for those insomniacs who enjoy late-night action, The John Battaglia Memorial will go to post at 9:55 EST. A full field of 12 will line up on the synthetic surface, with the winner earning 20 valuable Road to the Derby points. We will be at Gulfstream Park Saturday for all the action.

Our partner John Kostin will be live Saturday from Monmouth Park, focusing his efforts on securing a seat in Las Vegas for the NHC. Be sure to tune in today at 3 PM for our Happy Hour Show featuring special guest Ed DeRosa of Horse Racing Nation. We will take a close look at The John Battaglia Memorial and provide insights you will not want to miss.

Turfway Park – Race 9 – 9:55 EST

1 1/16 Miles – Synthetic – The John Battaglia Memorial – $175K

The #1 Street Beat (5-2) draws the rail and has the speed to make it count, making him a major contender. I am particularly interested in #4 Kilo Tango (12-1). Trained by Brad Cox with Fernando De La Cruz aboard, this duo has been highly successful together (50% at Turfway and 38% overall). The son of Candy Ride handled the synthetic surface well last out and should be charging late down the stretch.

Gulfstream Park – Race 8 – 3:50 EST

1 1/8 Miles – Dirt – MSW $84K

We will keep this simple. The #5 Fancy Gentleman (7-5) looks primed to graduate. By Authentic and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, he appears ready to get his picture taken.

Gulfstream Park – Race 9 – 4:20 EST

1 1/16 Miles – Turf – OC25K/N1X

A large field presents several options, but I am landing on #10 La Cantera (IRE) (6-1), the BRISnet Prime Power selection. Trainer David Carlos has placed his runners well, and “Jersey” Joe Bravo has been riding in strong form. La Cantera has already won three times on Gulfstream turf. At a price, #6 Lady Kathryn (12-1) could get a favorable front-running trip with Edgar Zayas aboard for the first time. The question is turf ability, but her sire, Liam’s Map, suggests she can handle it.

Gulfstream Park – Race 10 – 4:50 EST

6 Furlongs – Dirt – The Gulfstream Park Sprint – $125K

This race appears to run through #6 Damon’s Mound (7-5), trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado. He should secure a forward position and has already won twice at Gulfstream. His record at the distance (9-5-1-2) speaks for itself. Others may try, but I will not.

Gulfstream Park – Race 11 – 5:20 EST

1 Mile 70 Yards – Synthetic – CLM10K

This is a competitive claiming event where spreading may be wise. #5 Lois Len (6-1) makes her Gulfstream synthetic debut after shipping from Woodbine and receives a rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione. Also consider #2 Amy Geaux (9-2), #3 U Know When U Know (10-1), and #11 Don’t Tell Tammo (10-1) in horizontal wagers.

Gulfstream Park – Race 12 – 5:50 EST

7 1/2 Furlongs – Turf – MSW $84K

Coverage may be needed to close the sequence. #4 Vekoma View (5-2) showed courage splitting horses in her debut and could thrive on turf. At a price, #7 Morning Rise (20-1) with Nik Juarez offers intrigue, boasting turf-oriented breeding and sharp works. #8 Celebrity Warrior (3-1), second off the layoff for Todd Pletcher, also merits respect.

Be sure to join us at 3 PM today for our Happy Hour with Ed DeRosa, and again Saturday at 12:30 PM as we dive deeper into these races following scratches and updates. John Kostin will check in live from Monmouth Park as he chases a coveted NHC seat.

Catch us on Sports Talk Media Network YouTube and across multiple streaming platforms. Remember, bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses can lead to serious fun, and as we always say: Let ’em Run.