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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.

Welcome to Gulfstream Park for a Saturday card featuring twelve races that test the versatility of the local horse colony. The sequence includes a mix of maiden special weights, allowances, and claiming events on both the main dirt track, the turf course, and the Tapeta surface. The highlight of the afternoon is the Ladies Turf Sprint Stakes, which anchors the late portion of the card. With large fields in many of the maiden events, the day offers significant opportunities for analysis.

Weather and Track Conditions

The forecast for Hallandale Beach is favorable for racing. Skies are expected to be sunny with a high near 75 degrees and a low of 55 degrees. Winds will blow from the northwest at approximately 11 mph. Given the clear conditions, the track surfaces are expected to be in excellent shape. The dirt track is listed as Fast, the turf course is Firm, and the Tapeta is Fast.

Track Bias and Post Positions

Handicappers should note specific trends for today. On the dirt sprints ranging from 5.5 to 7 furlongs, early speed is often an asset, though the rail can sometimes be deep, favoring horses starting from middle posts. In dirt routes of a mile or more, tactical speed is dangerous, with horses able to secure the lead or press the pace holding a distinct advantage.

On the turf, sprints at 5 furlongs heavily favor the inside posts and horses with high early speed, as closing from far back is difficult. Turf routes play more fairly, though extreme wide trips remain a disadvantage. The Tapeta surface has been fair but tends to reward sustained bids rather than deep closers, unless the early pace is exceptionally fast.

1st Race – Gulfstream Park

The opener is a one-mile turf event for maiden fillies. The pace scenario appears moderate, with Tam Tam and Conquering Marin likely to show tactical speed. Classic Move should be able to stalk effectively from the inside.

Classic Move (1) is the top contender, representing the Mark Casse barn with Javier Castellano aboard. Drawing the rail allows her to save ground and utilize her closing kick. Tam Tam (6) is a serious threat from the Philip Bauer barn and should be forwardly placed under Mario Gutierrez.

Secondary choices include Conquering Marin (12), who must overcome a wide post but has the services of Tyler Gaffalione, and Candy Rockette (2), a Bill Mott trainee who should improve with patience. Eat Hay Run (5) is a longshot to watch with the addition of David Egan.

2nd Race – Gulfstream Park

This one-mile dirt claiming event for older horses features a pace that should be defined by Will of a Warrior and Blue Slide Park showing early initiative. Lou the Body has the tactical speed to sit a favorable trip just off the leaders.

Lou the Body (2) drops into a winnable spot for trainer Gustavo Delgado and is the primary contender. Will of a Warrior (1) is the main rival, possessing the speed to control the race from the rail if unpressured.

Bless America (7) is a secondary choice who may have to work from the outside post but is trained by the dangerous Carlos David. Mr Scatter (3) is a longshot who has shown flashes of ability in the past.

3rd Race – Gulfstream Park

The third race is a five-furlong dash on the Tapeta. The pace should be fast with runners like Deuxieme Chance and First Navy Jack showing speed, likely leading to a scramble for the front.

Deuxieme Chance (6) is the key contender, benefiting from a class drop and a return to a preferred surface. Jaker (4) is another top threat for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., with Katie Davis aboard to work out a trip.

First Navy Jack (10) is a secondary consideration. The outside post is advantageous on the Tapeta sprint, preventing him from getting shuffled back. Mully’s Moon (1) is a longshot who could pick up pieces if the speed duel becomes destructive.

4th Race – Gulfstream Park

This one-mile turf allowance for fillies features Laigina as the controlling speed. She is likely to dictate the fractions as she has done in previous starts.

Laigina (4) is the clear standout. Having faced tougher company, she should control the race from the front under Junior Alvarado. Vita Mia (1) is the main challenger, drawing the rail and possessing the class to contend with a stalking trip.

Covered in Crystal (3) and Beware of Ooh Lala (2) are secondary choices from the Michael Trombetta barn, with Covered in Crystal getting a significant jockey upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione. Timeforpeace (7) is a longshot closer who would need a pace collapse to succeed.

5th Race – Gulfstream Park

Contested at seven furlongs on the dirt, this race features an honest pace scenario. Calling the Shots and Alluring Serenity are expected to be forwardly placed.

Calling the Shots (4) is the class of the field for Heather Smullen and fits well in this spot. Alluring Serenity (3) carries top weight but has the speed to clear the field and is a major threat if she shakes loose.

Samaritan’s Joy (7) is a secondary choice. Despite being a 3-year-old facing older mares, she receives a weight break and has Javier Castellano aboard. Boombox Betty (1) is a longshot potential from the rail.

6th Race – Gulfstream Park

This seven-furlong maiden special weight for 3-year-olds is packed with potential. Ezum and Growth Equity appear to be the runners with the most speed and pressing ability.

Growth Equity (8) is a key contender debuting for Chad Brown. Brown excels with first-time starters, and the work tab suggests readiness. Ezum (2) is the other primary threat for Brad Cox, likely to send or sit close from the inside post.

High Camp (10) is a secondary choice for William Walden, with an outside post that allows for a clear view of the field. Unsearchable (5) is a secondary runner who could improve. Non Conforming (1) is a longshot sleeper from the Brian Lynch barn.

7th Race – Gulfstream Park

The pace in this five-furlong turf sprint will be blistering. Xy Speed and Souper Quest are extremely fast, and a sub-22 second opening quarter is expected.

Souper Quest (3) is the top selection. A turf sprint specialist for Mark Casse, he possesses elite speed and stamina. Xy Speed (8) is the main rival, a veteran 10-year-old with blazing speed and extensive course knowledge.

Masseto (9) is a secondary choice dropping in class. He would prefer a longer distance but will be running late if the pace collapses. Louie the Sun King (1) is a longshot who could save ground on the rail.

8th Race – Gulfstream Park

This 1 1/16 mile dirt race for maidens should see an honest pace set by Halogen and Ace Jack Deuce.

Halogen (5) is the one to beat for Todd Pletcher. The colt has been working well and fits the classic Pletcher profile for 3-year-old routers. Mr. Miracle (1) is the primary danger for Chad Brown, drawing the rail to save ground.

Easterly (6) is a secondary choice for Brad Cox, rounding out a trio of contenders from the sport’s top trainers. Ace Jack Deuce (2) is a longshot who could add value if allowed to run loose on the lead.

9th Race – Gulfstream Park

A wide-open 1 1/16 mile Tapeta claiming race. Neural Network and Shinigami are expected to be the late movers in a race with a murky pace scenario.

Neural Network (3) is the key contender, dropping in class and switching to a surface he should appreciate. Shinigami (10) is a consistent runner and a major player despite the outside post.

Ninja Star (12) is a secondary choice who must overcome the widest draw but has Javier Castellano aboard. Drunken Sailor (1) is a secondary option on the rail. Guildenstern (8) is a longshot Irish-bred who could wake up in this spot.

10th Race – Gulfstream Park

The feature Ladies Turf Sprint Stakes at five furlongs will be decided by the break. Choose Joy and Twirling Queen are very fast and will vie for the early advantage.

Choose Joy (5) is the horse to beat. A course specialist, she has retained her speed despite her age and is difficult to pass when on her game. Twirling Queen (6) is the rising star who will likely sit just off the favorite and try to pounce.

Without Cause (4) is a secondary choice who will be closing late if the leaders duel too hard. Moon Spun (7) is another secondary option stepping up in class. Flamingo Way (1) is a longshot who could save ground for a share.

11th Race – Gulfstream Park

In this six-furlong dirt sprint, Mo Work and Lethal Speed ensure a fast pace is on tap.

Mo Work (4) is the top contender. The cutback to a sprint should suit this Rusty Arnold trainee perfectly. C K Wonder (5) is the main threat for Dale Romans, training well and likely to be closing fast.

Rafaroo (6) is a secondary choice who is consistent and shows up in these spots. Fast Town (3) is a longshot adding blinkers who could show improved speed.

12th Race – Gulfstream Park

The finale is a 7.5-furlong turf event where the distance can be tricky. Humor Me Baby and Dandona appear to be the main players.

Humor Me Baby (1) is the key contender from the rail for Brendan Walsh, looking to save ground and kick home. Dandona (3) is the primary rival for Saffie Joseph Jr., possessing the tactical speed required to win here.

Viva Vienne (8) is a secondary choice for Ian Wilkes, a consistent turf runner. Call Me Precious (10) is a longshot who has talent but draws a wide post.

Jockey and Trainer Notes

Tyler Gaffalione is the rider to watch, with live mounts in almost every key race, particularly for Chad Brown and Brendan Walsh. Javier Castellano is riding sharply, especially on turf routers and horses requiring patience. Edgard Zayas remains dangerous on speed horses on the main track, while Junior Alvarado is riding with confidence for the Mott and Biancone barns.

Trainer Todd Pletcher is always dangerous in 3-year-old maiden races, and his runners should be respected. Mark Casse has a strong hand in the turf races, with entries in the opener and the seventh race being prime contenders. Saffie Joseph Jr. remains a dominant force at Gulfstream, and Chad Brown is lethal with first-time starters.