Gulfstream 2012-13

Friday January 18

Two-For-Five - PROFITABLE DAY!

Today I had a WINNING day!  I only had five selections on the Friday card, and only two of them were added-money investments....and those were the ones I scored on!  Good Girl Grace couldn't produce for me as the 8/5 favorite in my first betting race, but the fifth was my "BEST" of the day.  My selection was the Todd Pletcher-trained, Michael Repole-owned Stopshoppingmaria.  In August of 2011 she debuted second behind future champion My Miss Aurelia.  She confirmed her talent by scoring in her second start in what turned out to be the fastest speed figure for a two-year-old filly.  She took on My Miss Aurelia in her third start when she started as the favorite in the Grade 1 Frizette.  Second again to the champion, she went to the Breeders' Cup and ran second, again, but this time in the Gr 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Filly Turf!  Since then she had faltered in stakes races until earlier this meet Pletcher dropped her into a nw1x allowance spot where she scored.  Today she was moving into a nw2x allowance spot.  Pletcher scores with 47% of his starters stepping up in class and 45% with second time starters at the meet.  Stopshoppingmaria was under a hand ride from the gate.  She dueled on the lead while WELL clear of the field as they spun out of the far turn, and then drew off late.  I collected nearly $30 on my best bet!  Whoo hooo!  

 I missed with back-to-back price plays when second at 4/1 in another turf sprint, and then well beaten at 8/1.  But the final race of the day was on the turf, a maiden claimer.  My selection, at double the investment was Don't Cry For Me.  Chad Brown is a rising star in the Thoroughbred racing world as a trainer.  Maidens under his care at Saratoga are automatic bets according to the Saratoga Handicapper, written by Jim Mazur.  At Gulfstream he is also effective with his maiden runners, but Mazur writes in his Gulfstream Handicapper that he's far more effective with his maiden claimers.....and such was the case here.  Don't Cry For Me was far and away the best of this group and I collected an even $30 when the crown let her go off at 2/1!  Two-for-five on the day and a solid profit!  That's how I want to head into the big Sunshine Millions Day tomorrow!