Gulfstream Park Hotlist - January 1

Today’s Gulfstream Park Hot List races to watch
Friday, Jan. 1, 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 – (2) Take Me as I Am dropped into a claimer for the first time and set the pace before losing by a neck. She should graduate here. (6) Driving Wild will welcome a return to five furlongs and will be the main foe. (3) Third Time Around might improve in a claimer. (8) Dontpushyourluck will be a main threat in a claimer. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-8.

3rd race – (2) Eagerly (A) had a useful comeback race after 11 months on the sidelines, losing by a little less than a length. Takes a big step forward here. (1) King Snake could be tough to catch from the rail. (4) The Angry Man looms a stretch threat in spot. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4.

6th race – (1) Danessa Baby was switched to turf and was a front-running winner. Can make it two in a row here. (4) Lionessofbrittany looks like the main threat off a solid maiden win. (7) Fouzia was third in a stakes and cannot be ignored. (2) California Lily may shine on turf. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7.

8th race – (7) Break Beat was a game winner last time and should continue Gargan’s hot roll at the meet. (8) Zipalong should be a serious threat in the final furlong. (6) Thenorthremembers fits in nicely against these and belongs in the exotics. (9) My Boy Blue has enough speed to overcome the outside post. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7-8-9. Doubles: 6-7-8-9 with 1-3-4-7.

9th race – (4) Imprimis was shutoff and lost all chance in the Breeders’ Cup. Gets back on the winning track here. (3) Sayyaaf tired in a six-furlong stakes and should be the one to fear here. (7) Extravagant Kid was also last seen in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint and cannot be ignored. (1) Fully Loaded has the rail and should make his presence felt. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.