Gulfstream Park Hotlist - January 2

Today’s Gulfstream Park Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Jan. 2, 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.

4th race – (2) Kentucky Pharoah (B) was a highly impressive winner in his turf debut and can make it two in a row here. (4) Like a Saltshaker was second in a stakes in his lone turf start and looms as the one to fear. (1) Fighting Force looked good in a maiden win and will be a main threat here. (6) It’s a Gamble should be a stretch threat. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4. Exactas: 2-4 over 1-6 and 1-6 over 2-4. Doubles: 1-2-4-6 with 1-2-3-5.

5th race - (2) Lucifers Lair hasn’t raced since August when she flopped in a Grade 2 stakes but Pletcher seems to have her on edge for a big effort here. (1) Gone to Cabo won big in a claimer and is worth a look here. (5) Hit the Woah was a sharp winner in the slop but should be a contender on a dry surface. (3) Competitive Speed seeks a third straight win and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2. Exactas: 1-2 over 3-5 and 3-5 over 1-2.

8th race – (6) Crew Dragon was third in his first two starts and seems poised for a maiden win here. (9) Prayer Book debuts for Pletcher and cannot be ignored. (12) Winfromwithin makes his turf debut and merits attention here. (1) Please the Pharoah might benefit from a rail trip and the addition of blinkers. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-9-12. Doubles: 1-6-9-12 with 1-3-6-7. Pick 3: 1-6-9-12 with 1-3-6-7 with 3-5-6-7.

9th race – (3) Honey Pants was a sharp second in a turf sprint stakes and should be able to handle the stretchout against this group. (6) Con Lima should be tough to reel in on the front end. (7) Designer Ready has the kind of late kick to be a dangerous presence in the stretch. (1) Oyster Box looked good in a debut win and will be helped by breaking from the rail. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7. Doubles: 1-3-6-7 with 3-5-6-7.

10th race – (7) Pickin Time didn’t fire on a sloppy track but should rebound here with a winning effort. (6) Awesome Gerry has been first or second in three of his four starts and should be the main rival. (5) Mutasaabeq might welcome a return to the main track. (3) Easy Time could be well suited by the dirt surface. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-7.