Gulfstream Park Hotlist - December 26

Today’s Gulfstream Park Hot List races to watch
Sunday, Dec. 26, 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 – (11) Oakhurst was third in her debut for Chad and should take a step forward in this spot. (1) Beside Herself will benefit from her debut and will be a factor from the rail. (4) Al Qahira was a good second last time and should be a major threat. (8) Beechnut Trophy moves from synthetics to turf and is worth a look.  Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-8-11.

4th race – (3) Bob Marco debuts for a claiming tag and seems ready for a big effort here. (2) Khopilot was freshened after not firing in his debut and deserves attention. (1) It’s Not Easy was fourth in both career starts and should be a factor. (6) Sensei Lawrence should fare better on a fast track. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3. Exactas: 2-3 over 1-6 and 1-6 over 2-3. Doubles: 1-2-3-6 with 1-5-6-9.

5th race – (6) Lady Speightspeare doesn’t race that often but she’s unbeaten and deserves top billing here. (5) Inthewinnerscircle comes off a neck win in a stakes race and looks like the main rival here. (1) Stunning Princess should be a threat from the rail. (9) Tobys Heart should be a serious threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-9.

8th race – (8) American Icon is working sharply for his debut and looks best in this spot. (5) Cash Express is another firster who seems to have some promise. (4) Wolfe Country disappointed last time but can bounce back here. (6) Red Line Overdrive tired in his debut but may hang on here. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-8.

10th race – (2) Never Surprised exits a decisive stakes win at Aqueduct and looks best here. (5) Yes This Time was an even third on soft turf and should be better suited on firm turf. (9) Grey Streak will benefit if there’s a quick pace. (10) Mohs is capable of making his presence felt in this field. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-9-10.