Gulfstream Park Pick 4 play for March 27

An excellent four-race sequence closes out a monstrous day of racing at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, which is capped by the $750,000 Florida Derby (G1). Starting in Race 11, the all-stakes sequence features some fine horses, including a trio from the barn of Bill Mott that all look live to me. If I can get to the final two legs, this modest ticket could be a lot of fun.

Race 11 -- Cutler Bay S.

Sophomores will travel one mile on the green to kick off the wager. A very competitive cast will hook up in the opening leg, and I will spread with a quartet of youngsters. #6 Annex (5-2) has displayed a fantastic turf of foot from a pair of lifetime tallies to start his career for Mott. Constitution colt might be a budding star, but it’s tough to single him to start the play. 

#1 Hyperfocus (7-2) rallied into a soft pace to win in his first try on the turf last time and drew the rail. Gelding will save ground throughout beneath Irad.

#4 Lucky Law (6-1) was sharp in a maiden score on the turf two back, and his even sixth in the Sam F. Davis S. (G3) on the dirt most recently wasn’t a poor effort. No Nay Never colt will welcome a return to the grass.

I will also include #5 King of Dreams (9-2) for Avila. Air Force Blue colt was impressive in his lone turf start to date and might be the one to catch turning for home.

Race 12 -- Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2)

A cast of seven three-year-old fillies with hopes of making the Kentucky Oaks (G1) will contest the 1 1/16-mile affair. I will take my stand in this contest while using just a pair of contenders. I expect #6 Millefeuille (7-2) to show vast improvement after stopping early in the Davona Dale S. (G2). Curlin miss is much better than she displayed in her seasonal debut.

#2 Bow Bow Girl (8-1) came home fast in her maiden conquest, and I have a hunch that she is sitting on another big race for Romans. Oxbow filly should sit a fine trip while close up early on under Lanerie.

Race 13 -- Orchid S. (G3)

Fillies and mares will go 1 3/8 miles on the lawn, with a field of 10 signed on. #9 Always Shopping (8-5) has romped in two straight marathon trips on the course leading up to Saturday and will be a popular single. Pletcher pupil has never been better and is a must-use with Irad riding.

I will also include another trio, including Bill Mott’s #1 War Like Goddess (10-1), who is my top pick, expected pacesetter #4 Morning Molly (8-1), as well as European import #5 Sorrel (5-1).

Race 14 -- Florida Derby (G1)

The headliner attracted a big field of 12. #7 Greatest Honour (6-5) is my leading Kentucky Derby contender, but I won’t single him to close out the bet. The Gulfstream surface can be very hard to close into on occasion, which is not conducive to the running style of the standout Tapit colt.

With no pace signed on for the race, #9 Collaborate (6-1) could well dictate things from start to finish in his first with winners. Joseph trainee is bred for the trip and comes off a dynamic maiden tally on the surface. He will boost the return in a significant way if he pulls off the upset.

Pick 4 Wager:

• 1,4,5,6 with 2,6 with 1,4,5,9 with 7,9 ($32)