Gulfstream Picks for Saturday, December 21 from Mike Somich

Mike Sumich’s picks at Gulfstream:

With solely 10 days left within the 12 months, the horse racing world is able to reset itself and have a good time each horse’s birthday (all horses flip previous on January 1st)^avenue). On the twenty sixth^yWe’ve a wild card from Santa Anita, however first, we have now three graded lessons at Gulfstream Park to play!

Harlan’s Vacation, Race No. 9, Gulfstream Park

The graded stakes on grime start at Harlan’s Vacation, a mile-and-a-sixteenth race for older males that serves as the place to begin for the race to the Pegasus Invitational. Favourite morning line #2 Tumbarumba First rate entry 4^y He made an effort within the Breeders’ Cup Mile. He has had success on this course previously, profitable the Grade 2 Fred Hooper Award, however distance stands out as the concern. All of his wins got here at a distance of a mile or much less. He had a strong run 2^{Second abbreviation} He went the space in the present day in a Grade 3 Ghostzapper, however that was towards a weaker subject than in the present day. #1 Tuscan Sky He returns to the Grad Stakes after a lackluster return to the monitor after a 5-month hiatus. He has been a two-time “buzz” horse, having jumped to the majors final 12 months in a bid for the Derby and an unsuccessful try at Haskell. Pletcher introduced him again to the stakes firm in the present day to indicate that the barn nonetheless believes there may be vital upside with this horse, the query is will he notice that in the present day. Tuscan Sky and Tumbarumba each need to be positioned on the entrance in a race that draws a number of velocity. This prepares him for #6 Stealing daylight Which can be late. He has received six occasions at this monitor, however has but to win at this distance. completed 3^Third On this race final 12 months, however he was not signed with nice frequency. The anticipated journey in the present day, coupled with a 4-1 price ticket, makes him very tempting. #7 Rocket canister He by no means reached the ceiling of his projected abilities after the Kentucky Derby in his 3-year-old season. He has one thing to show right here, however the truth that Invoice Mott determined to insert it right here makes me suppose he nonetheless believes there may be some upside but to be discovered.

Picks – 6-1-7-2

Bets –

$50 win #6

foot. Lauderdale Stakes, Race No. 10, Gulfstream Park

This 12 months’s Ft Lauderdale gives an incredible subject of 9 racers who all have at the least some points when taking a look at previous performances. #5 Profitable for cash It’s your favourite and the logical contender on this area of interest. He joins from Grade 1 races again to again together with the Breeders’ Cup Mile the place he final ran. The drop in school is essential right here and the return to effort put into the Woodbine Mile win makes it robust right here. Distance is the important thing query right here, as he has by no means received over a distance longer than a mile sixteen, and in the present day a mile and an eighth. He is had success over the course, going over the wire first in each begins right here, however Value is brief. #2 Grand Sonata He additionally has a long way issues, however in reverse. He has been at a mile and three or extra eights in his final 4 begins along with his two greatest races coming in that span. He received in the present day’s distance, however can be again additional in the present day with the space decreased. whereas #4 Main Dude He is shifting ahead in school in the present day, he checks all the opposite bins for me. He’s enhancing in time and is coming off a rebound late in his 4-year-old season. He got here off the bench to begin this season, so the layoff is just not a priority and Irad takes Pletcher’s place. He is fast sufficient to remain in it early and may have the kick to get it house. #7 Siege of Boston He hasn’t received but this 12 months, however he all the time appears to be within the combine. He’s one on his course and distance so we all know he can deal with the floor and distance in the present day whereas placing it out entrance. It is a horse I will use beneath for threes and accuracy.

Picks – 4-5-2-7

$50 Win #4

Instantaneous performs –

Gulfstream Park, Race #8 – $50 Win #1

Gulfstream Park, Race #11 – $50 Win #8