Gulfstream Park: A Pick 3 play for Dec. 24

Looking for a little handicapping action before racing takes a break for Christmas? Then check out the enticing Thursday card at Gulfstream Park.

Ten races are on the agenda, and we have a $30 Pick 3 play to get you started.

Race 2: $12,500 claiming (6 furlongs, noon ET)

#3 Ima Daredevil (3-1) and #7 Baccarat Fashion (7-2) were separated by a head when they ran first and second at this class level at Gulfstream Park West last month.

They bring competitive Brisnet Speed ratings to the mix and loom as the runners to beat, though #2 Midtown Rose (5-2) won for a $25,000 tag at Gulfstream during the summer and warrants respect on a switch back to dirt with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. in the saddle.

Race 3: $20,000 claiming (6 furlongs, 12:30 p.m. ET)

We’ll take a stand with #6 Apache (7-2), who was last seen finishing third in a tough $25,000 claiming race at Gulfstream Park West.

The son of Khozan has won his two previous starts by daylight margins, including a $10,000 maiden claiming race, when he posted a 94 Brisnet Speed rating that tops Thursday’s field. The cutback from 7 furlongs to 6 should only help Apache’s chances.

Race 4: Allowance/optional claiming (1 mile, 1 p.m. ET)

The final leg of the Pick 3 is a deep race.

#5 Maedean (2-1) is the morning-line favorite. She won the Tempted S. and finished second in the Demoiselle (G2) during her 2019 campaign, but the 3-year-old daughter of Tapit has only run once in 2020, when she came in sixth in the March 7 Busher S.

Maedean has posted just six modest workouts in preparation for her return, so I’ll oppose her with three better-priced alternatives.

#1 Movie Moxy (3-1) has won two straight and was particularly impressive in a Nov. 11 allowance at Churchill Downs, where she drew off to win by 6 3/4 lengths over the same 1-mile, one-turn configuration as Friday’s test. #3 Thissmytime (7-2) fired off a 105 Brisnet Speed rating when she dominated the Millions Filly and Mare Turf Preview S. by 11 3/4 lengths. #6 Sky Chaser (5-2) hasn’t missed the trifecta in her last seven runs, and most notably nabbed a 1-mile allowance at Gulfstream by 4 1/4 lengths.

The Tickets

Race 2, $3 Pick 3: 2,3 with 6 with 1,3 ($12)
Race 2, $2 Pick 3: 2,3,7 with 6 with 1,3,6 ($18)
Total: $30

Good luck!