Gulfstream Park Hotlist - December 18

Today’s Gulfstream Park Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021

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.

1st race – (2) Bourbon Ready is a firster for Pletcher who seems ready for a big effort in his debut. (7) Carnivore returns to turf and cuts back to a sprint. Could emerge as a contender. (8) Mogalu was second on Tapeta in his debut and may like turf. (3) Jack Backed has speed and could last for a major share of the purse.  Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-8.

5th race – (3) Shifty She has plenty of speed and can lead from gate-to-wire here. (10) Sweet Melania has graded stakes experience and looks like the main rival. (6) Classic Lady is a talented New York State-bred who can be a contender here. (7) Alms missed by a neck last time and should be a factor in this group. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-10. Doubles: 3-6-7-10 with 1-3-6.

6th race – (6) Dream Marie has been freshened for a winter campaign and should be poised for a strong showing today. (3) Dance d’Oro looks like the one to catch in this spot. (1) Allworthy can bounce back after a dull try in a Grade 1 stakes. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6.

10th race – (8) Analyze It returned to top form in an allowance race and should prove best here. (6) Renaisance Frolic didn’t fire in a Kentucky Downs stakes but can rebound here. (2) L’Imperator was a close third in a Grade 2 stakes in the summer and will be dangerous off his best try. (12) Space Traveller was hurt by a wide trip last time but landed a bad post here. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-8-12. Doubles: 2-6-8-12 with 1-5-8-9.

11th race – (9) Ridley’s Major rallied belatedly in his debut and should benefit from that experience. (5) Misbehaved didn’t seem to care for turf last time but deserves a second chance. (8) Scarab is a firster who could be a factor in this field. (1) Immokalee may welcome a switch to turf. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-8-9.