Opening Day at Gulfstream Park features Quality Road
Follow the link for the latest Kentucky Derby odds. news and betting coverage
- Who: Thoroughbreds – Quality Road, Le Grand Cru, Harlem Rocker, Spin Master
- What: Horse Race Tips – The Hal’s Hope
- Where: Gulfstream Park
- When:Sunday, January 3rd
There’s no disputing the fact that Quality Road is the most talented individual in The Hal’s Hope Sunday at Gulfstream Park. He doesn’t have to be fully cranked or fire his best shot to win this event. I won’t try to beat him, even though he’ll be sent off at underlaid odds. I’ll look to the exacta and trifecta for the opportunity to earn a decent return on my wagering dollar.
With a prohibitive favorite like Quality Road, it’s not wise to spread too much underneath. I’m leaving probable second choice Harlem Rocker (3-1 morning line odds) out of the exacta, and using Le Grand Cru (5-1) and Spin Master (12-1). Harlem Rocker, a stablemate of Quality Road, returned from a 1-year hiatus to run second in a tough optional claimer at Churchill Downs in mid-November. He should benefit from that prep, but I’m gambling that he’ll need one more race to get back to his old self.
Le Grand Cru has won two straight, both Grade 3’s, and has been first or second in all four of his starts at Gulfstream. He’s been training well locally for Hall-of-Famer Allen Jerkens, and regular rider Jose Lezcano retains the mount. Spin Master, on the other hand, picks up the services of the highly-talented Alan Garcia, who should work out a nice stalking trip from post 8. Spin Master has posted a solid Beyer Speed Figure of 100 over the local strip, and owns a win and a second-place finish from three starts here. His December 24th half-mile work in :47 1/5 was second-best of 83, and signals his readiness.
My exacta ticket will be 2/5,8. I’ll use Harlem Rocker in the third spot in trifectas…my trifecta ticket will be 2/5,8/5,7,8.
That’s my horse racing betting tip for the weekend. Best of luck and happy gambling!
