HORSE RACING

Gulfstream Park West Horse Racing Picks for Thursday 10/29/20

It's a great time to dive into horse racing, and FanDuel Racing gives you the chance to do just that.

Starting at 12:00 p.m. EST, we have 9 races at Gulfstream Park West. Using numberFire’s projections as a guide, here are some of the best bets.

As always, check the program for scratches and changes, and check the weather and track conditions.

(I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure in selected races, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races -- adjusted for track, distances, and conditions.)

Beach Chick, Race 1

FanDuel Racing Odds: 5/2

The day begins with a Maiden Claiming race for 2-year-old fillies going 7 1/2 furlongs on the turf. The top pick, according to numberFire’s data, is Beach Chick (5/2), who drops down in class after missing the money in her first three starts. Beach Chick has been off for two months. She should be freshened and fits better today. Learnt (8.1) can hit the board, per numberFire, as she finished third in a large field last month despite traveling wide on both turns.

La Pinta (4/1) makes her debut with a string of steady workouts. In maiden races like this with juveniles making their debut, it’s worth paying more attention to the tote board for more late money on a horse expected to run well. FanDuel Racing's odds imply a 20% probability of La Pinta winning her debut race.

Kiger, Race 4

FanDuel Racing Odds: 2/1

Race 4 is a Maiden Special Weight for 2-year-olds going 1 mile. It's a compact field, and the projected winner for numberFire is favorite Carpenters Call (9/5) followed by Kiger (2/1). Carpenters Call just missed in his debut at Delaware Park three weeks ago and stretches out to a mile with a bullet work in place since.

Kiger (2/1) makes his second start and made up ground when finishing fourth last month in a sprint. Note EPO trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. has Kiger working exceptionally well this month as he stretches out and looks to be the best horse in this field of six runners.

Over the Channel and Harbor Master, Race 7

FanDuel Racing Odds: 9/2 and 5/2

Race 7 is the featured Allowance Optional Claimer at 1 mile on the turf. We have a good, competitive group of 10 runners, and Over the Channel (9/2) is a live runner for trainer Dave Fawkes. Horse Racing Radar notes he’s won five times in eight starts on the turf, including 2-for-2 at Gulfstream West last October. Over the Channel showed tenacity and toughness in his last race to win a stretch battle from off the pace with a career-best 107 speed figure.

The top pick of numberFire’s data is longshot Max K.O. (12/1) followed by favorite Harbour Master (5/2). Max K.O. has some value as he’s posted three triple-digit speed figures in his last four races and won in June. He’s run each month since without success at lower odds, and Max K.O. should be running up front looking to maintain his position down the stretch. Include him in Exacta and Trifecta wagers.

Harbour Master posted three straight triple-digit speed figures this summer at Gulfstream with a win and runner-up finish. He’s been off two months since finishing fourth as the favorite at this level. Second Mate (7/2) is a multiple stakes-placed and six-time turf winner, making his first start since January for EPO trainer Mike Maker.