Pick Pony Tip Sheet – Expert picks for Gulfstream Park, January 29, 2026.


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Race 1 – Maiden Optional Claiming, 1 1/16M Turf, 12:20 PM

Win: The Town (7) – 65% confidence
Place: Nickel C (8) – 35% confidence
Show: Coach Kain (2) – 55% confidence
Alternative: Rawayana (3) – 25% confidence

Race Notes: The Town commands significant consensus backing from multiple analysts, with prominent handicappers favoring the Brad Cox trainee under Irad Ortiz Jr. However, a meaningful contingent supports Nickel C from the DRF camp and track handicapper Ron Nicoletti, creating potential value in exotic constructions. Coach Kain shows consistent placed form and represents sound place/show consideration. Thunder Zeus was scratched, eliminating one projected contender.


Race 2 – Maiden Claiming, 1M 70Y Dirt, 11:50 AM

Win: La Cyber (5) – 45% confidence
Place: Starship Aspen (7) – 50% confidence
Show: Game Changer Jolie (2) – 40% confidence
Alternative: Jessica’s Dream (3) – 30% confidence

Race Notes: This maiden claiming event presents divided opinion among analysts. Starship Aspen attracts the strongest place consideration and shows as brisPicks top selection. La Cyber garners support from multiple sources as the potential winner, though Game Changer Jolie commands attention from DRF and Fan Odds. The split creates attractive exacta and trifecta opportunities, as no single horse dominates consensus.


Race 3 – Claiming, 1 1/16M Dirt, 12:20 PM

Win: Camm’s Princess (4) – 70% confidence
Place: Whirlwind (1) – 40% confidence
Show: U Know When U Know (5) – 45% confidence
Alternative: Smooth Claret (7) – 30% confidence

Race Notes: Camm’s Princess emerges as the strongest consensus selection on the card outside Race 9, with backing from brisPicks, multiple major handicappers, and Irad Ortiz Jr. maintaining the mount. Whirlwind represents the primary threat per DRF analysis, having shown promise in recent outings. U Know When U Know brings last-out winning form and warrants serious consideration in all exotic combinations.


Race 4 – Maiden Claiming, 1M Turf, 12:50 PM

Win: Third Kiss (1) – 50% confidence
Place: Lilys Back (4) – 50% confidence
Show: Souffle On Fire (5) – 55% confidence
Alternative: Iliana (8) – 20% confidence

Race Notes: The top three selections command nearly equal backing, creating a competitive maiden turf scenario. Third Kiss and Lilys Back represent co-favorites in analyst opinion, while Souffle On Fire from the Saffie Joseph Jr. barn with Irad Ortiz Jr. attracts meaningful support. The DRF handicapper notes these fillies previously finished second and third behind Amelia, with that form flattering subsequent efforts. Wide-open nature suggests wheel constructions in trifectas.


Race 5 – Claiming, 1320Y Dirt, 1:20 PM

Win: Blazing Bucchero (8) – 55% confidence
Place: Proud American (4) – 60% confidence
Show: Dogwood Crossing (5) – 30% confidence
Alternative: Wannabeeloved (7) – 25% confidence

Race Notes: This represents one of the card’s most contentious races, with Blazing Bucchero and Proud American commanding split consensus. brisPicks and numerous sources favor Blazing Bucchero, who adds Irad Ortiz Jr. and drops in class. However, DRF handicapper Mike Welsch and others favor Proud American off a dominant last-out victory in the Carlos David barn. The genuine two-horse race scenario creates opportunities for exacta value depending on post-time odds distribution.


Race 6 – Maiden Optional Claiming, 1430Y Dirt, 1:51 PM

Win: Turkish Pistachio (3) – 45% confidence
Place: All I Do (6) – 50% confidence
Show: Lady Rockula (4) – 30% confidence
Alternative: Queen Of Rock (7) – 25% confidence

Race Notes: Opinion spreads across multiple contenders in this maiden optional claimer. Turkish Pistachio attracts plurality support with consistent recent efforts showing improvement. All I Do debuts for powerful Saffie Joseph Jr. connections with Tyler Gaffalione, warranting respect from a strong barn. Dare to Desire earns DRF top billing as a potential improver second time out. The wide-open nature creates uncertainty and potential exotic value.


Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming, 1650Y Turf, 2:21 PM

Win: Win With Faith (10) – 50% confidence
Place: Souper Attentive (4) – 45% confidence
Show: Indecisiveness (2) – 25% confidence
Alternative: My Voodoo Doll (6) – 25% confidence

Race Notes: Win With Faith commands marginal consensus preference after chasing the same rival in multiple recent outings, though Souper Attentive represents formidable opposition off a last-out victory at the meet. The Mark Casse trainee Souper Attentive shows outstanding course form and reunites with John Velazquez. DRF analysis suggests Indecisiveness as a potential upset returning to turf, creating three-horse race dynamics in exotic wagering.


Race 8 – Allowance, 1540Y (7F) Dirt, 2:51 PM

Win: Rockies Balboa (5) – 40% confidence
Place: Hawk (4) – 35% confidence
Show: Winplaceandshow (1) – 25% confidence
Alternative: Eddie Haskell (3) – 25% confidence

Race Notes: This allowance features the most fractured consensus on the card. Rockies Balboa attracts brisPicks and track handicapper support off an impressive maiden victory. Hawk garners DRF backing with favorable distance cutback and tactical speed. Eddie Haskell presents intriguing value as a first-time starter showing bullet work at Indiana Grand. The four-way split creates challenging handicapping and suggests spreading in all exotic wagers.


Race 9 – Starter Optional Claiming, 1 1/16M Dirt, 3:22 PM

Win: Ashima (6) – 85% confidence
Place: Show Off (7) – 40% confidence
Show: Oshala (3) – 45% confidence
Alternative: I Love Venezuela (2) – 30% confidence

Race Notes: Ashima represents the Mike Welsch Daily Racing Form Best Bet and commands overwhelming analyst consensus. The class drop following competitive Sunshine FM Turf effort positions Ashima as the standout selection, reuniting with Irad Ortiz Jr. Show Off and Oshala present the primary challenges, with both expected to benefit from projected pace dynamics. The strong consensus suggests keying Ashima in all exotic constructions while spreading underneath.


Race 10 – Starter Allowance, 1M Turf, 3:53 PM

Win: Two Beers by Ten (2) – 40% confidence
Place: Just For Luck (4) – 45% confidence
Show: Canuto (1) – 35% confidence
Alternative: Berlone (7) – 30% confidence

Race Notes: The finale presents divided opinion with no clear consensus favorite. Two Beers by Ten attracts DRF and brisPicks support following narrow defeat on New Year’s Day. Canuto draws backing from track handicapper and multiple sources. Just For Luck shows consistent placed form at this level. The genuine four-horse competitive scenario creates attractive exotic wagering opportunities with potential for value across the board.


Recommended Exotic Plays by Race

Race 1 – Maiden Optional Claiming, 1 1/16M Turf

Analysts identify The Town as the consensus selection, creating exacta and trifecta opportunities underneath. Consider boxing The Town with Nickel C, Coach Kain, and Rawayana in exacta and trifecta combinations. The scratch of Thunder Zeus eliminates one projected contender, potentially shortening prices on remaining favorites. Given strong consensus on The Town, wheeling from Nickel C and Coach Kain to The Town in exactas represents contrarian value should the favorite falter.

Suggested Construction: Exacta box: 7/2-8, Trifecta: 7 with 2-8 with 2-3-4-8

Race 2 – Maiden Claiming, 1M 70Y Dirt

The three-way split among La Cyber, Starship Aspen, and Game Changer Jolie creates attractive trifecta value. Analysts note Starship Aspen returning from layoff with proven Tapeta ability, while Game Changer Jolie shows strong recent workouts. The divided opinion suggests boxing all three in exactas and trifectas, with Jessica’s Dream as fourth key underneath.

Suggested Construction: Exacta box: 2-5-7, Trifecta: 2-5-7 with 2-5-7 with 2-3-5-7

Race 3 – Claiming, 1 1/16M Dirt

Camm’s Princess emerges as the standout selection with Irad Ortiz Jr. maintaining the mount. The value opportunity exists keying Camm’s Princess on top in exactas over Whirlwind, U Know When U Know, and Smooth Claret. In trifectas, use Camm’s Princess on top with those three underneath while including Bomb Squad as a potential pace factor at price.

Suggested Construction: Exacta: 4 with 1-5-7, Trifecta: 4 with 1-5-7 with 1-2-3-5-7

Race 4 – Maiden Claiming, 1M Turf

The evenly matched nature of Third Kiss, Lilys Back, and Souffle On Fire suggests boxing in exactas and trifectas. Analysts note Lilys Back and Souffle On Fire renewing acquaintances after finishing behind Amelia, with that winner subsequently confirming form. Consider three-horse box in exacta and expanding to include Iliana in trifecta as fourth key.

Suggested Construction: Exacta box: 1-4-5, Trifecta box: 1-4-5-8

Race 5 – Claiming, 1320Y Dirt

The genuine two-horse race between Blazing Bucchero and Proud American creates exacta value boxing both. For trifectas, use both on top and underneath while including Dogwood Crossing, Wannabeeloved, and Without Pretence as third-place candidates. Analysts note the trainer angle for Proud American (Carlos David on fire) versus the jockey upgrade to Irad Ortiz Jr. for Blazing Bucchero.

Suggested Construction: Exacta box: 4-8, Trifecta: 4-8 with 4-8 with 3-5-6-7

Race 6 – Maiden Optional Claiming, 1430Y Dirt

The wide-open maiden optional claimer suggests broad trifecta and superfecta coverage. Turkish Pistachio shows consistent improvement, All I Do debuts for powerful connections, and Dare to Desire projects as potential improver. Consider four-horse boxes including Turkish Pistachio, All I Do, Lady Rockula, and Queen Of Rock, with superfecta adding Dare to Desire and Trill.

Suggested Construction: Trifecta box: 3-4-6-7, Superfecta: 1-3-4-6-7-10 with 1-3-4-6-7-10 with 1-3-4-6-7-10 with ALL

Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming, 1650Y Turf

Win With Faith versus Souper Attentive represents the primary exacta play, with both showing strong recent form. Analysts note Souper Attentive’s last-out victory versus Win With Faith’s consistent placed efforts behind the same rival. In trifectas, include Indecisiveness as DRF top selection and My Voodoo Doll from the Casse barn.

Suggested Construction: Exacta box: 4-10, Trifecta: 4-10 with 2-4-6-10 with 2-4-6-8-10

Race 8 – Allowance, 1540Y (7F) Dirt

The fragmented consensus creates superfecta opportunity. Rockies Balboa, Hawk, Eddie Haskell, and Winplaceandshow all command meaningful support. Consider superfecta box of four with Prost, All To Win, and Trelawny as additional keys. The pace scenario favors closers, with multiple speed types signed on.

Suggested Construction: Superfecta box: 1-3-4-5, Superfecta: 1-3-4-5-6-7 with 1-3-4-5-6-7 with 1-3-4-5-6-7 with ALL

Race 9 – Starter Optional Claiming, 1 1/16M Dirt

Ashima represents the overwhelming consensus and DRF Best Bet. The value exists wheeling Ashima on top in exactas over all while boxing Show Off, Oshala, and I Love Venezuela underneath for place and show. In trifectas, key Ashima on top with full underneath coverage of secondary contenders.

Suggested Construction: Exacta: 6 with ALL, Trifecta: 6 with 1-2-3-5-7 with 1-2-3-4-5-7

Race 10 – Starter Allowance, 1M Turf

The wide-open finale with four legitimate contenders suggests boxing Two Beers by Ten, Just For Luck, Canuto, and Berlone in exactas and trifectas. War Officer adds as fifth key in trifectas given recent barn change to Saffie Joseph Jr. The competitive nature creates potential for value should longshots factor.

Suggested Construction: Exacta box: 1-2-4-7, Trifecta: 1-2-4-6-7 with 1-2-4-6-7 with 1-2-3-4-6-7


Value Play Observations

Race 1 Analysis

Nickel C presents potential value at morning line odds relative to consensus strength. Multiple analysts including DRF handicapper Mike Welsch and track handicapper Ron Nicoletti favor the runner from outside posts, suggesting tactical racing advantage. The Town commands significant public backing, potentially creating overlay on Nickel C if pools concentrate on the favorite. Coach Kain shows consistent placed form and represents sound value in exacta combinations underneath either top selection.

Race 2 Analysis

The three-way split creates value opportunities depending on post-time odds distribution. La Cyber attracts meaningful handicapper support but may drift in betting given Game Changer Jolie’s strong workout pattern and connections. Starship Aspen represents brisPicks top selection returning from layoff, potentially creating value if public underestimates fitness. Jessica’s Dream at projected longer odds merits consideration in trifectas given multiple analyst support.

Race 3 Analysis

Whirlwind represents potential value as DRF top selection against heavily backed Camm’s Princess. Analysts note Whirlwind’s promising debut under challenging conditions, suggesting improvement potential. The race dynamic favors Camm’s Princess on consensus, potentially creating overlay on Whirlwind should odds separate meaningfully. Bomb Squad attracts contrarian support from multiple sources at projected double-digit odds.

Race 4 Analysis

The evenly matched trio creates value in betting against public sentiment. Rose Dancer draws Betting News top billing despite limited broader support, potentially offering trifecta value at price. Iliana from Jack Sisterson barn represents potential value as fourth key, with debut runners from strong connections often underestimated in maiden claiming events. The form line through Amelia suggests multiple runners capable of improvement.

Race 5 Analysis

Proud American versus Blazing Bucchero creates exacta value depending on which commands favoritism. DRF handicapper favors Proud American off dominant last-out performance, while brisPicks and consensus lean Blazing Bucchero. Wannabeeloved attracts Betting News top selection at projected double-digit odds, representing potential trifecta value given distance cutback angle. Without Pretence garners multiple analyst support as potential upset at price.

Race 6 Analysis

Dare to Desire represents significant value as DRF top selection against plurality favorite Turkish Pistachio. Mike Welsch analysis suggests second-time-out improvement angle with continued morning workout progress, potentially offering overlay opportunity. All I Do from powerful Saffie Joseph Jr. connections debuts with Tyler Gaffalione, though morning line suggests market respect. Turkish Pistachio commands plurality support but faces uncertain conditions as Carlos David runner.

Race 7 Analysis

Catch a Tiger earns Ron Nicoletti top billing despite minimal broader support, creating potential longshot value. The runner switches back to turf after encouraging Tapeta debut, suggesting surface preferences developing. Slim Slow Slider attracts Tip Meerkat support at projected long odds, representing trifecta value if pace sets up favorably. Indecisiveness as DRF top selection may offer value depending on post-time odds against co-favorites Win With Faith and Souper Attentive.

Race 8 Analysis

Eddie Haskell presents compelling value angle as first-time starter showing bullet workout. Guaranteed Tip Sheet and Betting News favor the runner, suggesting information from connections. The 100% debut win record creates intrigue despite limited past performance information. Trelawny attracts Brian Nadeau support at projected longer odds, representing potential exacta value in fragmented consensus race. Hawk commands DRF backing but faces tactical challenges from inside post.

Race 9 Analysis

I Love Venezuela represents primary value alternative to overwhelming Ashima consensus. At The Races favors the runner as top selection, with Ron Nicoletti supporting in place position. The course-and-distance winner returning to venue of success creates potential upset scenario should Ashima encounter traffic troubles. Insolenta from FanDuel top billing represents additional value consideration, though consensus clearly favors Ashima as Best Bet.

Race 10 Analysis

Jurisprudence attracts Fan Odds support at morning line 20-1, representing significant value if capable of replicating last-out Gulfstream victory. The Kelly Breen trainee faces tougher field but commands respect from select analysts. Backdoor Royalty from Brian Nadeau selection at projected longer odds merits trifecta consideration. The genuine four-way split among Canuto, Two Beers by Ten, Just For Luck, and Berlone creates uncertainty, potentially allowing longshots to factor in exotic payouts.


Overall Wagering Strategy

Strongest Consensus Races

Race 9 commands the highest consensus alignment on the card, with Ashima earning overwhelming analyst support at approximately 85% confidence. The DRF Best Bet designation from Mike Welsch combined with near-universal backing creates the card’s most reliable single-race win bet opportunity. The class drop following competitive stakes effort positions Ashima advantageously against starter optional claiming company, with tactical speed ensuring forward positioning under Irad Ortiz Jr. Bettors seeking bankroll preservation should prioritize Race 9 as foundational sequence anchor in multi-race wagers.

Race 3 presents the second-strongest consensus, with Camm’s Princess commanding approximately 70% confidence backing. The combination of recent winning form, Irad Ortiz Jr. retention, and Eniel Cordero training creates compelling win bet scenario. The race structure favors using Camm’s Princess as single in Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 sequences to reduce ticket costs while maintaining coverage of uncertain races surrounding.

Race 1 shows meaningful consensus on The Town at 65% confidence, though the Brad Cox trainee faces legitimate opposition from Nickel C in DRF and track handicapper analysis. The race represents viable single opportunity for bettors accepting moderate risk, though spreading to include Nickel C and Coach Kain provides security in multi-race sequences. The turf maiden optional claiming conditions create form uncertainty, suggesting exacta and trifecta focus over aggressive win betting.

Split-Opinion Races

Race 5 exemplifies competitive two-horse race dynamics, with Blazing Bucchero and Proud American commanding nearly equal 55-60% confidence levels. The analytical tension centers on class drop with jockey upgrade versus last-out dominant form with hot trainer. Bettors should assess post-time odds carefully, seeking value on whichever runner drifts above 2-1 morning line. The genuine two-horse race creates opportunity for exacta value boxing both while spreading underneath in trifectas to capture potential upset from Dogwood Crossing or Wannabeeloved.

Race 8 presents the most fragmented consensus, with four horses commanding 25-40% confidence ranges. Rockies Balboa, Hawk, Eddie Haskell, and Winplaceandshow all attract meaningful analyst backing without clear favorite emerging. The analytical division stems from pace scenario uncertainty and surface switching considerations for multiple entrants. Bettors facing this race in multi-race sequences should spread broadly, utilizing all four in Pick 3/4/5 constructions or boxing in superfectas to capture value from unpredictable outcome.

Race 2 shows three-way division among La Cyber, Starship Aspen, and Game Changer Jolie, with confidence levels spanning 40-50%. The maiden claiming conditions create form uncertainty, with analysts divided on fitness angles versus recent form patterns. The split creates attractive trifecta value boxing all three, with Jessica’s Dream representing fourth key for deep exotic coverage. Bettors should avoid aggressive win betting given analytical uncertainty, instead focusing on combination wagers capturing multiple potential outcomes.

Race 10 demonstrates genuine four-way competition in the finale, with Two Beers by Ten, Just For Luck, Canuto, and Berlone all commanding 30-45% confidence. The starter allowance conditions on turf create tactical complexity, with pace scenario and post position considerations influencing outcome significantly. The wide-open nature suggests spreading in all exotic constructions while avoiding aggressive single selections in multi-race wagers.

Multi-Race Sequences

The card structure favors Pick 3 sequences utilizing Race 9 as anchor. The Races 7-8-9 Pick 3 offers manageable field sizes with strong consensus on Ashima in the finale. Bettors can spread Races 7-8 (using 3-4 horses in each) while singling Ashima in Race 9, creating 12-16 ticket combinations at reasonable cost. The sequence concluding with Best Bet provides security while maintaining coverage of uncertain earlier races.

The early Pick 4 spanning Races 1-4 presents challenges given consensus strength in Races 1 and 3 potentially creating low payouts. Bettors seeking value should consider spreading Race 1 (using The Town, Nickel C, Coach Kain) and Race 4 (using Third Kiss, Lilys Back, Souffle On Fire) while singling Camm’s Princess in Race 3. The structure balances coverage with reasonable ticket counts.

The late Pick 5 covering Races 6-10 offers attractive value opportunity given wide-open Race 6, fragmented Race 8, and competitive finale. Bettors should spread Races 6, 8, and 10 broadly while utilizing consensus in Races 7 and 9 to control costs. A structure using 4 horses in Race 6, 3 in Race 7, 5 in Race 8, 2 in Race 9 (Ashima plus saver), and 4 in Race 10 creates manageable 240-combination ticket with carryover potential.

Exotic Value Opportunities

The maiden and claiming race categories throughout the card create attractive trifecta and superfecta value opportunities. Races 2, 4, 6, and 8 all demonstrate analytical variance stemming from limited form information or class level uncertainty. These conditions produce inefficient pricing, with public concentrating money on morning line favorites while analysts identify legitimate alternative contenders.

Race 8 presents the strongest superfecta value opportunity given four-way analytical split and pace dynamics favoring closers. The allowance conditions with multiple first-time starters and surface switchers create uncertainty conducive to upset outcomes. Bettors should construct wide superfecta wheels using Rockies Balboa, Hawk, Eddie Haskell, Winplaceandshow, Prost, All To Win, and Trelawny, accepting higher ticket costs in exchange for potential payoff volatility.

Race 6 offers similar superfecta value in maiden optional claiming conditions. The combination of debut runners from strong connections, second-time starters projecting improvement, and consistent placed runners creates wide-open dynamics. Superfecta constructions including Turkish Pistachio, All I Do, Lady Rockula, Queen Of Rock, Dare to Desire, and Trill capture value from unpredictable maiden outcomes.

Race 10 finale conditions favor deep exotic coverage given competitive field and turf surface variables. The combination of recent class drops, form cycles, and tactical considerations creates uncertainty exploitable through wide trifecta and superfecta coverage. Bettors should prioritize finale exotics over aggressive win betting, utilizing seven-horse wheels to capture potential longshot inclusion.

Environmental Track Factors

Gulfstream Park conditions favor speed and inside posts on the dirt surface, with track bias considerations influencing Race 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 outcomes. Analysts note the main track continues favoring horses racing away from inside in recent cards, suggesting outside post advantages in full-field races. This bias favors Dare to Desire from post 10 in Race 6 per DRF analysis, creating potential value angle on outside runner.

The turf rail placement at 24 feet for Race 1, 4, 7, and 10 creates tactical considerations for grass races. Analysts note rail-hugging tactics less effective with wider placement, favoring horses making sustained runs from midpack. This consideration supports Nickel C in Race 1 and Two Beers by Ten in Race 10, both projected to race with cover and deliver late runs.

Weather conditions showing 64°F temperatures create ideal racing conditions without surface complications. The fast main track and firm turf designations suggest form analysis based on recent efforts remains reliable without adjustments for changing conditions. Bettors should trust recent speed figures and form cycles without weather-related discounting.

Key Takeaways

Prioritize Race 9 as foundational anchor in all multi-race sequences, with Ashima representing the card’s most reliable selection backed by overwhelming analyst consensus and DRF Best Bet designation. The starter optional claiming drop following competitive stakes effort creates ideal spot for class advantage.

Recognize value opportunities in split-opinion races, particularly Race 5 exacta between Blazing Bucchero and Proud American, and Race 8 superfecta among Rockies Balboa, Hawk, Eddie Haskell, and Winplaceandshow. The genuine multi-horse competition creates pricing inefficiency exploitable through exotic coverage.

Exercise caution in maiden and lower-class claiming races throughout card, focusing on exotic wagering over aggressive win betting given analytical uncertainty. Races 2, 4, 6, and 10 all demonstrate limited consensus, suggesting spread strategies over concentrated positions. Balance aggressive win betting on consensus races with conservative exotic approaches on split-opinion events to manage bankroll volatility across ten-race card.

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