Gulfstream Park Hotlist - December 24

Today’s Gulfstream Park Hot List races to watch
Friday, Dec. 24, 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.

2nd race – (6) Dolce Aprile drops after a weak try in her first start against winners. Fits better here. (1) Vanishing Faith should be more competitive in this spot. (2) Science Friction will get some class relief here after running in a stakes. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6.

4th race – (3) Ethos missed by a neck last time and will make amends here. (5) Converter adds blinkers and should be formidable. (7) Two Princes has been racing against better company and should be considered. (1) Hard Ten could contend on his best try. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-7.

6th race – (8) Causingahullbaloo gets back on turf and seems ready for a strong effort. (6) Baseline Drive can bounce back with a better showing on turf. (1) Brody’s Honor was second on synthetics last time and should handle turf equally well. (5) Lookinlikeaqueen drops in class and could rule this bunch. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-8

8th race – (3) Alizee returns to the main track and should be able to handle this field. (7) Rain has won two of her last three starts and may pour it on here. (1) Bimini has been claimed in her last two starts and should be a factor here. (2) Piper won easily last time and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-7.

10th race – (3) Abaan won in front-running fashion at Aqueduct and can make it two in a row here. (2) Malthael should appreciate a return to the turf course. (4) Ajourneytofreedom figures to be closing fast at the end. (8) Bluegrass Parkway should be well-suited by the marathon distance. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-8.