Below is the late Pick 4 ticket for March 2nd, 2019 at Gulfstream Park on an $18 budget.
Race 11
La Signare (#4, 6-1) is looking to get back to her best form after two subpar starts. If she can replicate either of her first two starts in this country, then she will win this race. The presence of Jose Ortiz, a very strong worktab and shortening up to one mile are all signs that this filly is set for a peak performance.
Precieuse (#1, 7-2) has had her share of setbacks, but this Grade 1 winner is supremely talented when she makes it to the track. The Chad Brown trainee has only been worse than second one time in eight starts and is working like she will return running off the bench.
Bellavais (#9, 3-1) has looked great in her two firm turf starts in the Todd Pletcher barn. She loves Gulfstream Park, loves the distance and should sit a nice trip as a very logical horse in this spot.
Race 12
Jaywalk (#1, 2-5) has all the credentials to be 2/5 in this spot as her impressive Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies win over Bellafina and Serengeti Empress continues to look better each day. If she is going to lose anytime soon, it may be today as Breeders’ Cup winners often falter at low odds in their 1st start the following year. She is a standout, but not a single off the bench.
Champagne Anyone (#5, 6-1) should adore this one turn mile after plugging away at 7 furlongs last time out. Like most Ian Wilkes horses, she is gradually improving and could take a monster step forward here.
Race 13
Global Campaign (#8, 10-1) does not pass most number tests, but he aces the eye test. Bred to be special as a half-brother to Bolt d’Oro, this colt has not been asked for a drop of run in two easy wins and could be any type. Unlike Hidden Scroll, he has won beyond maiden, beyond one mile and on a fast track.
Hidden Scroll: (#7, 9-5) is a tough horse to evaluate. He could be a freak in the mold of Justify or he could just be a good horse who benefited from circumstances during his jaw-dropping debut. It is tough to take short odds on a horse with so many question marks, but he could have the ability to make even money look like a gift turning for home.
Code of Honor ( #1, 6-1) was the buzz horse leading up to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile before being withdrawn because of an injury. After a subpar return, in which he was curiously rushed into a hot pace, everyone seems to be jumping off his bandwagon. His first two starts were very good and he has worked well enough to forgive his last start.
Race 14
Hunter O’Riley (#4, 10-1) needed his last start while wide every step of the way. I fully expect this second-time gelding to turn the tables on Zulu Alpha, who defeated him last time out. He two efforts at Saratoga last summer make him a standout in here and his return race proves he is still in good form.
Channel Maker ( #11, 9-5) brings a touch of class to this field. This Grade 1 winner has the tactical speed to sit a good trip and should enjoy some class relief after running in arguably the two best turf races in the country in his last two starts.
$0.50 Pick 4 Ticket: 1, 4, 9 – 1, 5 – 1, 7, 8 – 4, 11 = $18
-Padraic Manocchio
@xbtvpadraic
