Gulfstream Park Hotlist - March 17

Today’s Gulfstream Park Hot List races to watch

Wednesday, March 17, 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 – (4) Shadilee was a game second at this level on dirt. The stretchout and switch to turf should be in her favor here. (7) Divided Sky could be a serious threat here in a claimer. (2) Judy’s Way shifts back to turf and might contend here. (6) Pardon My Heart should be a force in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7. Exactas: 4-7 over 2-6 and 2-6 over 4-7.

3rd race – (3) Mutaraafeq battled on the front end then settled for second. He won’t look back here. (5) Nahuatl might be better off with more ground and a dry track. (4) Lease was a wide third last time and can move up here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5. Doubles: 3-4-5 with 1-5-6-7.

4th race – (1) Lullula faces winners here after she was claimed out of a win by Maker. Looks best in this spot. (7) Por Que No seeks a third straight win and should be the main rival. (6) Winter Princess was also claimed by Maker out of her last start and cannot be ignored. (5) Pretty Rachel was unprepared for the start and still finished third. Is worth a good look here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7. Exactas: 1-7 over 5-6 and 5-6 over 1-7.

7th race – (3) Daddy’s Joy (C) dropped from 5-2 to 9-5 and was second in her last two starts and seems overdue for a victory. (1) Hera should perk up off a class drop. (6) Cooper was claimed by Orseno and is nicely spotted in search of a third straight win. (7) Aizu got away to an awkward start and failed to flash her early speed. Could bounce back here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3. Exactas: 1-3 over 6-7 and 6-7 over 1-3.

9th race – (1) Pillar Mountain didn’t fire in his first start after a six-month layoff but should benefit from that race and turn in a solid effort here. (5) Focus Group promises to be a threat in the final furlong and merits respect here. (6) Cowtown should be well-suited by the longer distance. (4) Basha was no threat in a graded stakes but can make his presence felt here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-6.