HORSE RACING

​Gulfstream Park Horse Racing Picks for Thursday 3/4/21

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

Starting at 1:10 p.m. ET, we have 10 races at Gulfstream Park. 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.)

Candy Flower, Race 5

FanDuel Racing Odds: 5/1

Race 5 is a Starter Allowance for older fillies and mares going 1 1/16 miles on the turf. There will be no less than three EPO trainers in here with Saffie Joseph, Jr., Mike Maker and Danny Gargan all boasting competitive runners. numberFire's algorithm projects Candy Flower (5/1) to win from the outside No. 9 post. Daily Horse Picks (DHP) rates her best with Joseph, Jr. claiming her last race. The pace factor could have her repeat the pace-pressing win in January.

Top speed, according to DHP, is Sengekontacket (6/1), who won her Gulfstream debut in January in her 10th start. It's no surprise she ran her fastest race for Gargan and posted a 91 speed figure. Camellia Gal (3/1) has also posted her two fastest speed figures in her last two races for Maker, who gives Irad Ortiz, Jr. a chance to get her to the winner's circle after finishing runner-up last month. She won her previous two races with Edgard Zayas riding, but he’s on Candy Flower.

Katama Moonlight, Race 7

FanDuel Racing Odds: 5/2

Race 7 is a Maiden Special Weight for older fillies and mares going 1 mile on the turf. numberFire projects Katama Moonlight (5/2) to hit the board behind Dinn Righ (7/2) and Emma Rose (5/2). Katama Moonlight has leading jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. riding. She’s also a best bet of Guaranteed Tip Sheet, and she cuts back in distance after finishing a close third after carrying the lead for a mile. Katama Moonlight posted a 95 speed figure her previous race, and Joseph, Jr. should give her the extra boost needed to get her first win.

Hightailing (10/1) is a lightly raced daughter of Kentucky Derby winner Orb. She’s making her first start in more than 18 months and has been working steadily for her return for trainer Shug McGaughey. Regal Passage (8/1) makes her local debut off a four-month layoff and has hit the board in 2-of-3 starts.

Going for Gold, Race 10

FanDuel Racing Odds: 3/1

Race 10 is a Claiming race for older horses sprinting 5 furlongs on the turf. Leading jockeys Irad Ortiz, Jr. and brother Jose are riding the favorites, Surprise Factor (5/2) and Going for Gold (3/1).

Going for Gold is 3-for-3 in the money this year, including a runner-up at this track a month ago when he set the pace but yielded at the end. He finished more than a length in front of hard charging Granger Country (6/1). Surprise Factor has hit the board in four straight races at Gulfstream without a win. He stalked the pace last race and finished second with a career-best 90 speed figure, getting claimed by new trainer Kelsey Danner.

numberFire's data projects Getthe Muny Bernie (5/1) to win if he can run back to his speed figures from last fall. He makes his 2021 debut.