Stakes Spot Plays for Gulfstream Park on Dec. 26

A trio of stakes races on the sod will lead the way at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, plus a bonus play from a strong opinion.

H. Allen Jerkens S. - Race 6 (2:38 p.m. ET)

The 2-mile contest features a sizable field of 11. Having early foot could go a long way in the mostly paceless event, and #9 Treasure Trove has a good deal of tactical speed. Tapizar gelding has never won on the lawn from three career tries, but he has been second on two occasions, and he posted a lifetime best 95 Brisnet Speed number last time out. Chestnut gets the nod in his second off the claim under Gaffalione.

Tropical Park Derby - Race 8 (3:40 p.m. ET)

An outstanding field of 10 will vie in the 1 1/16-mile tussle. Saratoga Derby fourth #6 Colonel Liam makes his first run since that effort and seems poised to be a major player in the turf division going forward. $1.2 million colt is training well and looms large under Irad.

I am also looking forward to the return to the grass for Grade 3 victor #5 Sole Volante. The Biancone pupil was awesome on the turf in his first pair of lifetime showings, and he comes in fresh for his return to the weeds on Saturday.

Tropical Park Oaks - Race 10 (4:42 p.m. ET)

Sophomore fillies will travel 1 1/16 miles in the competitive affair. I am going with #10 Speaktomeofsummer for trainer Christophe Clement. Dark bay Summer Front filly is a Grade 2 heroine with some excuses for her setbacks, and I think that she is perfectly placed from a great post on Saturday with Alvarado in the controls.

Bonus Play

Race 5 (2:05 p.m. ET)

I am expecting a big performance from first-time starter #8 Skywalking for George Weaver. The expensive son of Liam’s Map lands in a very winnable spot at first go in a field lacking a standout. Paco Lopez will be in the silks.