Gulfstream Park Hotlist - December 31

Today’s Gulfstream Park Hot List races to watch
Thursday, Dec. 31, 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.

1st race – (4) Gem Thief dropped to this level and battled for the lead before tiring. That effort should help her hang on today. (7) Swirling Wine is an interesting first-timer who deserves attention. (1) Sister Is Devil should be a stretch threat. (3) Piper is worth a look on turf. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.

5th race – (5) Laughable missed by a neck in her first start for Joseph and merits top billing here. (4) Reciprocal has been away for more than a year but seems to be working nicely for her return. (8) Take Charge Ro was second in her last two starts and should be a major threat here. (2) Dinn Righ also missed by a neck in her last try and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-8. Doubles: 2-4-5-8 with 2-3-4-7.

6th race – (2) Picking Up Pennies debuts for Joseph and seems primed for a sharp effort. (7) Joshy Jak was beaten by a neck in a claimer and should be a big threat. (4) Forty Flash might perk up in this spot. (3) Proud Contender was second last time and should be in the picture once again. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-7.

8th race – (4) Take Ten hasn’t raced since April but debuts here for Shug and merits top billing here. (7) Coconut Grove comes off a solid maiden win and shapes up as a dangerous rival. (5) Amadora might wake up in this spot. (6) Beam of Light was a solid second last time and deserves attention here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-7. Doubles: 4-5-6-7 with 1-3-4-6.

9th race – (3) Garter and Tie didn’t fire on a wet track but should rebound on a dry surface. (1) Mexican Wonder Boy has enough speed from the rail to be a major factor here. (6) Soldado is putting in some works for today’s start. (4) Everfast figures to be a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3. Exactas: 1-3 over 4-6 and 4-6 over 1-3.