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The Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet is published daily and provides consolidated analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.

The Sunday card at Gulfstream Park offers a balanced mix of surface opportunities, featuring racing on the main dirt track, the turf course, and the Tapeta all-weather surface. The program is highlighted by several high-purse Maiden Special Weight contests that have drawn top-tier connections, including barns like Brad Cox, Chad Brown, and Todd Pletcher. These races often serve as unveiling spots for future stakes-quality runners. With the Championship Meet in full swing, the fields are competitive, and the claiming ranks are filled with veterans jockeying for position.

Weather and Track Conditions

Forecast: The weather for Hallandale Beach is expected to be typical for early February, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures ranging from the high 60s to mid-70s. Winds are expected to be moderate, blowing from the east at 10-12 mph.

Track Condition:

• Dirt: Fast.
• Turf: Firm.
• Tapeta: Fast.

Track Bias Analysis

Dirt Sprints (5-7 Furlongs): The Gulfstream main track continues to favor early speed. The rail can be tricky if a horse doesn’t break sharply, but generally, inside posts (1-4) have an advantage. Deep closers often struggle to make up ground unless the pace is blistering.

Turf Sprints (5 Furlongs): Speed is king on the turf at five furlongs. The run into the turn is short, placing a premium on a sharp break. Posts 1-4 are highly advantageous.

Tapeta Routes (1 Mile 70 Yards): The Tapeta surface has been playing relatively fair, though a “stalk-and-pounce” trip is often the most successful. Unlike the dirt, where speed dominates, the synthetic track allows runners to make up ground from mid-pack.

Race 1 – Maiden Claiming (5 Furlongs Turf)

Pace Analysis: Early speed is essential in this five-furlong turf dash. Rockyta (3) and Max (5) show signs of early foot and should be vying for the lead. Royal Retinue (1) has the rail and will likely be sent hard to hold position. The pace should be honest.

Key Contenders: Royal Retinue (1) enters for the Hall of Fame barn of Bill Mott. Having Junior Alvarado aboard is a significant plus, and she fits well at this claiming level. Senta Says (8) represents the potent Saffie Joseph Jr. stable. She draws a favorable outside attack post, allowing jockey Micah Husbands to see how the break unfolds and position her accordingly.

Secondary Choices: Max (5) goes out for Joe Orseno with Edgard Zayas. Zayas is an aggressive gate rider, and if she breaks cleanly, she could steal the race on the front end.

Longshots: The Great Amira (2) could improve second time out. Maiden claimers on the turf can be chaotic, and any improvement from her debut could put her in the mix.

Race 2 – Claiming (1 Mile 70 Yards Synthetic)

Pace Analysis: This two-turn event should feature a moderate pace. Mega Don (1) and Reminder (2) have tactical speed and drawn inside, suggesting they will control the early tempo. Starship Magellan (8) may try to press from the outside.

Key Contenders: Reminder (2) looks like the horse to beat. Trainer Antonio Sano has him spotted well, and David Egan has been riding the synthetic surface effectively. Il Alchemysta (6) is a dangerous threat for trainer Jose D’Angelo. With Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons, this runner is likely to take plenty of money.

Secondary Choices: Mega Don (1) breaks from the rail and will likely be sent to the front. On the Tapeta, if he can set slow fractions, he might be hard to catch.

Longshots: Guys Trip (5) offers some intrigue. While his recent form may be spotty, the Jehaludi barn occasionally pops with prices in these lower-level claimers.

Race 3 – Maiden Claiming (5 1/2 Furlongs Synthetic)

Pace Analysis: Ky’s Law (1) and Mo Rapido (5) seem the mostly likely pace setters. Best Artist (8) has shown flashes of speed and could be aggressive from the outside.

Key Contenders: Ky’s Law (1) gets the services of Irad Ortiz Jr. for trainer Daniel Hurtak. The rail draw requires a sharp break, but Irad is the master of aggressive gate departures. Epico (2) for Antonio Sano and Edgard Zayas is a logical alternative. The inside draw allows Zayas to track the 1 horse closely.

Secondary Choices: Best Artist (8) for Michael Trombetta and Edwin Gonzalez is interesting. The outside post is a good starting spot on this surface, keeping him out of early traffic.

Race 4 – Maiden Special Weight (7 Furlongs Dirt)

Pace Analysis: This event is loaded with speed potential. Joyful Justice (2) and Point of Reference (4) both hail from premier speed-favoring barns. Expect a contested pace.

Key Contenders: Joyful Justice (2) is the one to watch. Trainer Brad Cox is exceptional with first-time starters and dirt runners. Point of Reference (4) comes from the Chad Brown barn with Tyler Gaffalione riding. Brown’s dirt maidens at Gulfstream are dangerous and often well-meant on debut.

Secondary Choices: Wiretapped (8) starts for Todd Pletcher with John Velazquez. This classic combination cannot be ignored. At 7 furlongs, Pletcher runners usually have enough foundation to compete immediately.

Longshots: Star Actress (1) for Bill Mott is an interesting price play. A decent break from the rail could see her picking up pieces late if the pace collapses.

Race 5 – Claiming (1 Mile Dirt)

Pace Analysis: Real Macho (5) and Dai Vernon (1) look to be the main speed influences. The one-turn mile configuration at Gulfstream can be tricky, often favoring horses who can secure position before the long turn.

Key Contenders: I Don’t Get It (6) for Mike Maker is the class of the field. Dropping into a claiming race for a barn that specializes in maximizing older horses, he looks poised to strike. Dai Vernon (1) draws the rail and has speed. If he clears, he could be dangerous on the front end.

Secondary Choices: Real Macho (5) has shown ability in flashes. If he can avoid a duel with the 1, he has a shot to hold on for a share.

Race 6 – Starter Optional Claiming (1 Mile Turf)

Pace Analysis: Ice Chocolat (10) has tactical speed but draws wide. Arabian Prince (1) and Spy Novel (2) have inside draws that should encourage them to go forward. The pace should be honest.

Key Contenders: Ice Chocolat (10) is a veteran with back class. Despite the wide post and age, his best effort destroys this field. Irad Ortiz Jr. taking the mount is a massive signal of intent. Arabian Prince (1) for Martin Drexler is a major threat. Drawing the rail allows Junior Alvarado to save all the ground.

Secondary Choices: Spy Novel (2) is consistent and fits this class level. Miguel Vasquez is a good judge of pace and should have him in the mix turning for home.

Longshots: Harrow (9) represents Saffie Joseph. He has the turn of foot to impact the race if the pace falls apart.

Race 7 – Maiden Special Weight (1 Mile Dirt)

Pace Analysis: Sidearm (2) and Freaky (3) project as the speed. Mainstream (8) from the outside will have to make a decision early.

Key Contenders: Freaky (3) for Todd Pletcher and Johnny Velazquez. Pletcher rarely keeps 4-year-old maidens in training unless they have ability. Sidearm (2) for Brian Lynch is a threat. Lynch’s barn has been firing on all cylinders.

Secondary Choices: Mainstream (8) for Brad Cox and Irad Ortiz Jr. is the wildcard. The post is difficult for a one-turn mile, but the connections demand respect.

Race 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming (5 Furlongs Turf)

Pace Analysis: A sprint with plenty of gas. Artemus Citylimits (5) is a dedicated speedball. Cruzin Man (3) also has early jets. Expect a sub-21 second opening quarter.

Key Contenders: Artemus Citylimits (5) is a turf sprint specialist. Even at age 9, he likely retains the gate speed that has made him a stakes-quality runner in the past. Shape Note (1) for Mike Maker gets Irad Ortiz Jr. This horse draws the rail, which is the shortest way home.

Secondary Choices: Cruzin Man (3) is a consistent check-earner in these spots. David Egan rides for Rohan Crichton, and he fits well underneath.

Race 9 – Starter Optional Claiming (6 Furlongs Dirt)

Pace Analysis: Maerdama (2) and Pop Rox (7) show speed on paper. It’s Only Words (8) can stalk.

Key Contenders: Pop Rox (7) for Jose D’Angelo and Irad Ortiz Jr. looks formidable. The outside draw is advantageous, allowing Irad to sit in the clear. Just a Philly (4) draws well and has Edgard Zayas. He should be tracking the pace and gets first jump on the leaders.

Secondary Choices: Maerdama (2) might be the speed of the race but faces pressure.

Race 10 – Maiden Special Weight (1 Mile Turf)

Pace Analysis: A full field to close the card. Traffic will be an issue. Tamarin (2) and Drop Shot (5) should be forwardly placed.

Key Contenders: Tamarin (2) for the Christophe Clement barn. Clement is arguably the best turf trainer in the country with maidens. David Egan rides. Credit History (9) for Bill Mott. Another Mott turf runner who likely learned from previous starts.

Secondary Choices: Drop Shot (5) for George Arnold with Irad Ortiz Jr. The jockey booking is significant; Arnold doesn’t use Irad often unless the horse is live.

Jockey and Trainer Notes

Irad Ortiz Jr. continues to be the dominant force at Gulfstream Park. His aggressive gate riding makes him a must-watch, particularly on turf sprints and dirt routes. Tyler Gaffalione is riding with extreme confidence and excels on turf sprinters. Junior Alvarado is the go-to rider for the Bill Mott barn; when they team up, especially on turf, the horses often outperform their odds.

Saffie Joseph Jr. remains a powerhouse at his home track, with notable success in turf sprints. Martin Drexler has become a top-tier option on the synthetic and turf at Gulfstream. Brad Cox boasts a high win rate with first-time starters in maiden special weights; a debut runner from his barn usually signals the horse is ready to win immediately.