Gulfstream Park Hotlist - December 31

Today’s Gulfstream Park Hot List races to watch
Friday, Dec. 31, 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 – (5) Romario (C) took a big hit and dropped from 9-1 to 9-2 then gamely prevailed by a head. Can make it two wins in a row here. (8) Carotari won in gate-to-wire fashion last time and looms the main foe. (1) Smokin’ Jay should work out a great trip from the rail. (2) Xy Speed was a solid second last time and fits well here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-8. Doubles: 1-2-5-8 with 1-3-4.

2nd race – (3) Trappezoid (B) had early trouble and never fired. Deserves a second chance here. (4) Brasstown also had traffic issues in the same race and should not be overlooked. (1) Hero Tiger is in good form and merits consideration. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4.

5th race – (3) Beautiful Lover just missed in a NY stakes last time and makes amends for that setback here. (4) Sorrel could be ready for a peak effort in her third U.S. start. (10) Always Shopping drew a bad post but should handle the distance. (2) Candy Flower looks like the one they will have to reel in during the stretch run. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-10.

7th race – (1) Biz Biz Buzz (C) was hammered from 16-1 to 10-1 and then led much of the way before tiring and dropping back to third. Gives a dirt a whirl here but may be tough to catch from the rail. (4) So Determined won easily in his second start and is the one to fear. (5) The Green Crusader will benefit from a turf-to-dirt switch. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5. Doubles: 1-4-5 with 5-7-10-11.

8th race – (5) Miss Auramet (A) won in front-running fashion last time and is nicely spotted to make it two in a row here. (11) Beautiful Grace returns to turf and seems ready for a big try. (7) Miss J McKay figures to be a force in the final furlong. (10) Palomita has thrived on Tapeta and should handle turf equally well. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-10-11.