Key 3YO Preps at Gulfstream Park on Saturday
- What: Horse Racing Betting Tips – The Bonnie Miss, The Florida Derby
- When: Saturday, March 20th
- Where: Gulfstream Park
- Who: Thoroughbreds – Christine Daae, Soaring Empire, Rule, Miner’s Reserve, Radiohead
Gulfstream Park is the focus of attention this Saturday as several top 3YO colts and fillies will be lining up in key preps for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks respectively. Some may be using these races as a final prep for the Kentucky classics, and graded earnings will be highly sought after. Let’s take a quick look at The Bonnie Miss and The Florida Derby and try to uncover some value.
In The Bonnie Miss, the morning-line favorite, Amen Hallelujah, is coming off a pair of Grade 2 victories, the latest at this track going a 1-turn mile. She’s winless in a pair of 2-turn tries, however, and has never toted 122 lbs. I love the way the lightly-raced Christine Daae won her 2-turn debut last out, patiently stalking the pace before drawing off with her ears pricked. The middling 83 Beyer Speed Figure she earned that day could help inflate her price on Saturday. Her sharp 6-furlong work (1:11) on March 14th indicates she retains her edge. I’ll bet on Christine Daae to win at odds of 7-5 or better.
The Florida Derby is headed by Rule (morning line odds of 5-2), but he’s certainly no lock, despite the 4-race winning streak and trio of Beyers in the mid-to-high 90’s. He’s won his last four starts in gate-to-wire fashion, but figures to have some company on the front end, as Lentenor, Game On Dude, First Dude, Miner’s Reserve and Radiohead have all shown speed in recent starts. With all the early gas in this affair, I’m looking for a fast-developing closer in need of graded earnings…a colt like Soaring Empire. Trainer Cam Gambolati calls Soaring Empire the second-most talented colt he’s ever trained, behind Kentucky Derby winner Spend a Buck. The colt will be making his 2-turn debut on Saturday, but he’s bred to excel as the distances get longer, being by Empire Maker out of an A. P. Indy mare. This colt is loaded with class, as evidenced by his ability to overcome trouble in his career debut at Monmouth, as well as his latest start locally. The inside post should help, as he’ll be able to save ground and bide his time before making his late run. He’s a huge overlay at morning-line odds of 20-1. I’ll bet Soaring Empire across the board at odds of 10-1 or better.
Those are my horse racing betting tips for the weekend. Best of luck and happy gambling
