Gulfstream Park Hotlist - December 19

Today’s Gulfstream Park Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Dec. 19, 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 – (4) Exxtop (B) seems to be getting better with each start and appears poised to post a maiden win today. (2) Cobb drops a notch and looks like the main threat. (9) Little Dude has a nice turn of speed and may wind up in the exotics. (1) Pa Encima is an interesting first-time starter. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-9.

6th race - (9) Souper Highvoltage didn’t care for a sloppy track last time but should perk up on turf. (11) Smell of Roses will welcome a return to turf. (10) Conforto takes a big class drop and cannot be ignored against this bunch. (5) Dillon Rocks will appreciate the shorter distance here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-9-10-11.

8th race – (7) Grand Journey has been racing in stakes and should be hard to beat with a claiming tag. (12) Succeedandsurpass is in sharp form and will be a main threat despite the post. (1) Greyes Creek seeks a third straight win and will be a major force here. (2) Sand Dancer should be a main factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-12. Doubles: 1-2-7-12 with 1-2-8-9.

9th race – (9) Grand Island (C) dropped from 6-5 to 4-5 and notched a clear victory. Can make it three straight today. (8) Always Shopping should be well-suited by today’s distance. (1) Gun Society has a strong late kick and will make her presence felt at the end. (2) Traipsing will be hard to catch from an inside post. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-8-9.

11th race – (11) Munqad (B) set the pace and tired on a good day for closers. Can rebound in today’s race on turf. (9) Public Information makes her turf debut for Brown and should be formidable. (5) Ultimate Gift is a firster from Pletcher who merits respect. (1) Girl Dad has speed from the rail and may prove tough to catch. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-9-11.