A stakes race on Gulfstream’s Saturday card happens over the turf. Because rains are expected, that race should move to the dirt. We’ll handicap as if it’s a dirt event. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds from Gulfstream Park for Saturday, May 16. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.
Gulfstream Park Horse Racing Picks
- When: Saturday, May 16 at 1:00 pm ET
- Where: Hallandale Beach, FL
- Weather: Rain Showers
- Temperature: High 75 – Low 74
There’s enough early speed in this to set up James Jerkens trained Edge of Fire. Sired by Curlin, the 3-year-old colt should adore the wet going. Fire broke his maiden at first asking. Then, in his first against winners, the speedy colt finished second. Much of his competition runs after maiden wins. The experience should set Edge of Fire up for a nice run on Saturday.
Of the speed, Cajun Breeze sired Cajun Brother should be the fastest. Michael Yates and jockey Miguel Vasquez are having a great meet. The pair have scored win and after win. Brother is undefeated after two starts. The stretch out from 6 furlongs to a mile won’t hurt this one. Expect Cajun Brother to put away the other speed before desperately trying to hold off Edge of Fire.
Untitled is an exceptionally good racehorse. But the 6/5 morning line chalk might offer less than even money here. Also, the Mark Casse runner heads into this after a lifetime best. There’s a chance the chalk bounces.
- Win: Edge of Fire
- Place: Cajun Breeze
- Show: Untitled
This is a low-level stakes race, which means Gulfstream’s racing secretary will move it to the dirt. Got Stormy and Noor Sahara should scratch. A horse that won’t scratch is the Todd Pletcher trained Valiance. Although the speed ratings are light, Valiance is undefeated after 3 races. All 3 wins happened on the turf. But this one is from an Empire Maker mare. Her sire is Tapit. She’s got sloppy breeding for days. Valiance can win this race.
Goodbye Brockley is 30/1 on the morning line. If this race ends up on the dirt, which it should, don’t expect Brockley to offer anything close to that. The Phil Serpe trained 5-year-old mare goes into this off a nice 4-length win over the slop at this distance. She can win if the others aren’t up to snuff and the rains do wash this one off the lawn.
Bella Ciao is a main track only participant. Irad Ortiz Jr. rides. That alone makes this one a contender. But she’s 4/1 on the morning line. If this washes off, she becomes the chalk, which makes her tough to back for the win.
- Win: Valiance
- Place: Goodbye Brockley
- Show: Bella Ciao
Horseplayers know there’s a major difference between 6 furlongs and 7 furlongs. That’s why even though J P’s Delight failed miserably in a 6-furlong race in her last, she still garners top billing for the Musical Romance Stakes. Delight is 3-of-4 at 7 furlongs. Back to her favorite distance, the Kathleen O’Connell trainee should run right behind Lady’s Island before taking over and pulling away around the final turn.
Lady’s Island is super-quick early. Although there’s other speed, it’s hard to see that other speed keeping up with her. Other front runners should soften up the 7/5 morning line chalk, though. That’s why J P’s Delight gets the nod in the exacta. But Island should hang on for second.
Luis Saez aboard Bellera won’t test Lady’s Island right out of the gate. The Todd Pletcher trained runner drops out of 1 1/8 mile races. Although she’s incredibly talented, just check out her record, this may be too short. But she doesn’t have enough early speed to stick with Lady’s Island and J P’s Delight should get the jump on her.
She’ll come along for third.- Win: J P’s Delight
- Place: Lady’s Island
- Show: Bellera
