Paulie's Picks -- Fountain of Youth -- Gulfstream selections

Today, the horse racing eyes turn again to Gulfstream and the road to the Kentucky Derby. On Fountain of Youth Day, the south Florida track offers some very good racing, culminating with the early test of three-year old hopefuls trying the Fountain of Youth.

The late Pick 4 is a challenging one, two on the turf, two on the dirt, and all at a mile or better. The top jockeys and trainers are in town and let's take a look at my picks, the selections are in numerical order. 

RACE 11 -- 1 Mile (Turf) $150,000

1 - Hay Dakota
2 - Caribou Club
4 - Hembree
5 - Somebeyay

Thoughts.  Although these four look to be the main contenders for the race, I'm going to go a little deeper here and also include #7 Mr. Dumas. I like the way that he's been training for this one.  Hembree is better suited for this mile distance, he got his 2020 debut out of the way in the tampa Bay Stakes, where it was a little longer than he likes to run

RACE 12 -- 1 Mile (Dirt) $300,000

1 - Bodexpress
3 - Phat Man
4 - Forever Mo
9 - Mr. Freeze

Thoughts. I tossed in Forever Mo, as a longshot possibility, in a race that looks set up for a duel between Bodexpress and Phat Man. I still think "Bode" could have had a better Ky. Derby earlier this year, but he got checked on the turn. then, the Preakness, where he tossed Johnny V. at the gate. Today, I hope for clear sailing. 

RACE 13 -- 1-3/8th Miles (Turf) $200,000

4 - Sadler's Joy
6 - Zulu Alpha

Thoughts.  I see a two horse race here, maybe giving the nod to Zulu Alpha. His raill-skimming stretch run in the Pegasus World Cup was impressive, the thing is, can he win back-to-back races? He hasn't since last March, but those two were aat Gulfstream and he's there, aat the same distance, today. Sadler's Joy lost all chance with his break in the Pegasus World Cup. Although I'm not using him, #5 Channel Maker prefers a bit longer but has defeated these other two in the past and rarely runs poorly at Gulfstream. Your call on him, I'll pass. 

RACE 14 -- THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH -- 1-1/16th Miles (Dirt) $400,000

5 - Dennis's Moment
6 - As Seen on TV
7 - Country Grammer
12 -Chance It

Thoughts.  Is Dennis's Moment ready for this race? Many wonder if he's fit enough for it. I say he is. I'll also toss in #11 Ete Indian, who ran second last time out in the Holy Bull behind  Tiz The Law, who isn't here today and is the current Derby favorite. I also like Country Grammer's chances...he broke his maiden at 1-1/8th miles at Aqueduct and looked to be ready to advance to stakes company. A lot of questions in this one...


THE PLAY: 

.50 cent Pick 4

1,2,4,5,7
1,3,4,9
4,6,
5,6,7,8,12

$100 cost. 

Good luck today on your wagering, play 'em anyway you like, and remember what I say...never put the mortgage on a mudder. 

paulie
xxxxx