Gulfstream Park Horse Racing Picks - Take African Violet

Race-day: 2/18/2009

Race-time: 4:42 pm est.

Gulfstream Park resumes racing on Wednesday because they didn’t have a card this past Monday on President’s Day.

Gulfstream is fully into their winter meet which means some very good horses are currently being saddled at the barns at Gulfstream. But with the increased popularity of Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream Park has lost some of its talent. It might not be the top track on the East Coast anymore.

Still, for BetUS online racebook fans, Gulfstream Park is one of the best tracks in the nation.

Gulfstream Park – Race 8

Optional Claiming $75,000 n$y

For Fillies and Mares Four Years Old and Up

1 mile on turf

African Violet - - 6/1 morning line odds

Even though African Violet failed in her lone try on turf, she returns for trainer Graham Motion after having run with some serious company last year. Her breeding says that she should like the turf and she definitely has the ability to stick with these. She will be close to the pace which might be a good thing on this turf course.

Flibberjibit - - 5/2 morning line odds

Flibberjibit will be right on the pace in this race and her form says that she is actually a much better play than the other terrific speed horse in this, Polar Circle. Flibberjibit has the ability to lead gate to wire, but will need to find a way to hold off African Violet and Rustic Flame. Trainer Martin Wolfson is having a fantastic Gulfstream Park meet. I see Flibberjibit being able to keep it going for a long time in this.

Rustic Flame - - 5/1 morning line odds

Rustic Flame will be able to save all of the ground because she breaks from the one hole. She’s in good form but will have to really improve from her last in order to win this. She gets John Velasquez to take the call. That could really improve her chances.

Wagering Strategy

I’m going to bet African Violet to win and place as well as use in an exacta and trifecta box with Flibberjibit and Rustic Flame.