Weekend Stakes Races - Gulfstream Park

Saturday is a big day for 3-year old colts as Gulfstream Park will showcase the Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes and Santa Anita Park will showcase the Grade III Sham Stakes.

BetUS will be offering wagering on both races. Not only that but they might actually be offering horse match-up bets on these races. Match-up bets are a good way for horseplayers to pare down a field and still make nice profits.

Let’s analyze both races.

Gulfstream Park – Race 9

Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes

$250,000

For Three Year Olds

1 mile on dirt

There are a few stretch-out horses in this field, but none appear to be as good as This One’s for Phil. This One’s for Phil was absolutely breathtaking first time for Richard Dutrow when stumbling at the break and then going four wide to win by 2 ¼ lengths in the Sunshine Millions Dash in his last. He’s stretching out but he gets stamina from both his mother and father. Taqarub is another stretch-out horse that should have a say in this race. Sired by the sprinting closer Aldebaran, Taqarub should have no problem stretching from 6 furlongs to this mile distance. He won by 8 lengths in his last start, a $70,000 stakes race at Aqueduct. The undefeated Taqarub has a definite shot in this. For third, the highly touted Beethoven, sired by Sky Mesa and trained by John Ward, looks to make amends for his 4th place finish in the Grade III Holy Bull. Beethoven has plenty of upside.

1. This One’s For Phil

2. Taqarub

3. Beethoven

Santa Anita Park – Race 9

Grade III Sham Stakes

$200,000

For Three Year Olds

1 1/8th miles on Pro-Ride

Because the Sham Stakes is at 1 1/8th miles, it makes sense that horses that can run well in this race will usually do well in the Santa Anita Derby in April. There is a superstar in the making in this race in The Pamplemousse, but I say we try to beat him with Mr. Hot Stuff. Mr. Hot Stuff, trained by Eoin Harty and sired by two time Horse of the Year Tiznow, will be going into the Sham off of a maiden win. But what a maiden victory it was as Mr. Hot Stuff had to make up 4 ¾ lengths at the top of the stretch. A recent terrific work seals the deal. The Pamplemousse is a player on the Kentucky Derby trail and should remain so as long as he keeps showing up and running hard. His sire, Kafwain, was more of a sprinter but The Pamplemousse proved that he can go a route of ground in his San Rafael score. He’s the one to beat. Smart Bird, sired by Smart Strike and trained by Graham Motion, is the logical colt to finish third. Smart Bird gets Rafael Bejarano on his back which helps his chances.

1. Mr. Hot Stuff

2. The Pamplemousse

3. Smart Bird