On Saturday, Gulfstream Park runs one of the year’s most important Kentucky Derby prep races. The Grade 1 Florida Derby caps a massive race card at Florida’s most important thoroughbred track. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, March 27th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.
Horse Racing Odds & Picks for March 27th Races
Top Stakes Races for the Week
- When: Saturday, March 27
Gulfstream Park
- Grade 2 Hal’s Hope – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $100,000
So far, connections from just 5 horses have said they will try the Grade 2 Hal’s Hope. All 5, Attachment Rate, Nocturnal, Superfecto, Eye of a Jedi, and Just Whistle, appear to have a shot. Because the purse is $100,000, expect the field to include at least 3 more horses, bringing the total to 8.
- Grade 3 Orchid Stakes – 1 3/8 miles turf – $100,000
The Orchid projects as one of the most competitive races on Gulfstream’s Saturday card. Undefeated Sorrel races for the first time in the U.S. She will get some looks. As will Always Shopping from the Todd Pletcher barn, last out winner Crystalle, and both of Mike Makers runners, Enjoyitwhilewecan and Stunning Sky.
- Grade 3 Appleton Stakes – 1 mile turf – $100,000
Frostmourne, Renaissance Frolic and Gray’s Fable should attract action to win the Appleton Stakes. George Weaver trained Ever Dangerous is likely to go off the chalk. The Kitten’s Joy sired colt won the Bryan Station Stakes last November.
- Grade 2 Pan American Stakes – 1 ½ miles turf – $200,000
Moon Over Miami, Sadler’s Joy, Cross Border, and Current resume their rivalry in the Pan American. Those four horses have raced against each other the past couple of years more often than we can count. Who takes the next rivalry matchup? Moon Over Miami ran well in the Grade 3 Connelly. Take that into consideration when handicapping this one.
- Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $200,000
Although some tough fillies will enter the starting gate for the Grade 2 Gulfstream Oaks, no doubt, the horse that will attract the most action is Todd Pletcher trained Malathaat. Undefeated at 3-0, the Curlin sired runner won the 1 1/8 Grade 2 Demoiselle in her last. She could offer as low as 6/5 or even money to win the Oaks.
- Grade 1 Florida Derby – 1 1/18 miles dirt – $800,000
At least 10 horses will run in the Grade 1 Florida Derby. The two runners who should garner the most attention are Bill Mott trained Greatest Honour and Bob Baffert trained Spielberg. Sire Into Mischief will be represented by a couple of attractive longshots, last out maiden winner Collaborate and Mark Casse trained Soup and Sandwich. Take a closer look at both before dumping on the Mott or Baffert.
Santa Anita Park
- Grade 3 Santa Ana Stakes – 1 ¼ miles turf – $100,000
Raymundo’s Secret should go off the chalk in the Grade 3 Santa Anta Stakes. The Phil D’Amato trainee won the Grade 2 John C. Mabee last September and finished fourth in the Grade 2 Goldikova Stakes last October. Red Lark, Mucho Unusual and Colonial Creed are probable for this.
