Gulfstream Park Hotlist - December 18

Today’s Gulfstream Park Hot List races to watch
Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

Hot List Key:     

A : A preferred horse to watch                   B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches in the final 3 minutes and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

3rd race – (6) Crack Shot makes his first start for Dobles and may lead from start to finish here. (4) Hushed Hijinks comes off a nice maiden win and will be a key contender. (7) Calibrator makes his first start since January seems ready for a nice effort. (5) Slippin Jimmy tries claimers after breaking his maiden last time. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6. Exactas: 4-6 over 5-7 and 5-7 over 4-6.

5th race - (6) Frozen Funds turned in a winning debut on turf and can make it two in a row here. (5) Communication Fail gives turf a try and is worth a look here. (9) Zamfir has enough speed to be a threat from the outside post. (2) Heavenly Blessing could work out a good trip here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-9.

7th race – (2) Emperador (D) was bet down from 2-1 to 7-5 then was bumped and tired after being rushed into contention. Makes amends for that loss here. (6) Noble Empire hasn’t raced since January but has been working quickly for Pletcher. (5) Or’effice seems poised for a good effort in his debut for Shug. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6.

9th race – (3) Stone Tornado lacked a late kick on yielding turf in a sprint. She should thrive on firm turf around two turns. (1) Sister Hanan will be the main threat if there’s no rust from not racing since May. (7) Mariafoot will welcome a trip over fast turf. (11) Jezebel’s Kitten exits stakes competition and will be a top threat in this field. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-11. Doubles: 1-3-7-11 with 1-2-4-9.

10th race – (1) Gitana returns to the main track and will be tough to catch in this spot. (4) Galit Jack won easily against maidens and should be one of the main rivals. (2) Bird Map takes a big class drop and can  figure in the outcome. (9) Create a Story drops off a claim and should not be ignored. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-9.