How to bet the Sugar Swirl Stakes

A compact field of six fillies and mares will contest the $100,000 Sugar Swirl (G3) at Gulfstream on Saturday.

Sugar Swirl Analysis

Defending champ #2 Lady’s Island will be sent from the start for Baxter. Second in the Honorable Miss (G2) at Saratoga two races back, the Greatness mare comes in fresh and returns to an oval where the 6-year-old shows an 11-7-2-2 lifetime line. But, the talented mare will have plenty of company in the first flight.

Unbeaten #3 Golden Ami has yet to be headed from a pair of lifetime tries for Josie Carroll, including a debut victory on this surface in March. The lightly raced prospect will be in the mix from the outset under Gaffalione. Parx import #5 Cinabunny will also be forcing the action early in her first for conditioner Brad Cox. The private purchase has been superb in posting two wire-to-wire victories in succession, and she shows a pair of swift bullet morning drills in the interim, as well.

With an expected blistering early tempo, I will give the trio of contenders that have proven capable of running from off the pace a big chance on Saturday, led by #1 Sound Machine. Bay daughter of Into Mischief has never been worse than second from four races on the oval, led by a dominant tally in the Glitter Woman S. in January.

Sound Machine is winless since recording her top win to date, but she seems to be perfectly placed in the event while breaking from the rail to save ground early, as well. The Florida-bred sophomore will race with blinkers on for the initial time, and if her rapid half-mile drill last week is any indication, then she will move forward wearing the hood.

Jose Ortiz will guide the top selection and get first run turning for home on the other pair of closing types in the cast.

Sugar Swirl Wagers

• $30 Win: #1 Sound Machine ($30)
• $5 Exacta Box: 1-2 ($10)