Gulfstream Handicapping —Thursday, May 25

 In this regular feature, HorseRacingFLA editor Jim Freer handicaps the day’s feature race or another key race at Gulfstream Park

Eighth Race -- $16,000 optional claimer; $24,000 purse; 1 1/16 miles’ turf; 3-year-olds and up that have started for a claiming price of $12,500 or less or an optional claiming price of $16,000.  Scheduled Post is 5:02 p.m.

Diaz (4) and Perfect Tay (6) are likely favorites. The course is listed as Firm. There is a 45 percent chance of thunderstorms during racing hours. We will have coverage on this blog.

 

As of 11:30 a.m. the only scratch is Major Key (5).  Dancin in the Heat (10) is main track only.  Thus, there likely will be a field of eight.

Diaz (4) rallied to beat Perfect Tay (6) by a neck at this distance at the $25,000 level in the sixth race at Gulfstream on May 3.  We look for a reversal partly because Tyler Gaffalione is moving from Diaz to Perfect Tay. C.J. McMahon gets the call on Diaz.  Edgard Zayas rode Perfect Tay last time out. He is listed on MTO entrant Dancin in the Heat (10).

Cut to Order (1) is dropping in class and could make a late run.  Gentle Johnny (3) wired the field in his last outing, at Tampa Bay at today’s distance at $12,500.  He could be dangerous if Perfect Tay and others let him get loose. Boca Scuttlebutt (2) is dropping, has some late run and has hit the board in six of ten turf starts at this distance.

Prediction:

1— Perfect Tay (6)
2 – Diaz (4)

3 – Cut to Order (1)

4 –Gentle Johnny (3)
5 – Boca Scuttlebutt (2)

Suggested bets
* $3  Win and Show   6          $6

*$2  Exacta Box    1   4  6     $12

*$1 Exacta Part Wheel          $6

4  6   with    2  3   4    6