$100,000 Hal’s Hope (G3) – Gulfstream Park

Saturday, February 24, 2018 (5:35 p.m./ET: 2:35 p.m./PT)

One mile on the main track (four-year-olds and upward)

IRISH WAR CRY, considered one of the top three-year-olds of 2017, makes his 2018 debut for trainer Graham Motion in this race. Also making their first starts of 2018 in this spot are multiple stakes placed runner ECONOMIC MODEL for trainer Chad Brown and New York-bred star SEND IT IN, while 2017 Rebel Stakes (G2) winner MALAGACY looks to rebound after a second place finish in his 2018 debut. Plenty of quality runners in this one:

#1 IRISH WAR CRY hasn’t been seen since a 14-length loss in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) in September. This colt ran the best race of his life over this track last year, when he earned a 101 Beyer while defeating Grade I winners GUNNEVERA and CLASSIC EMPIRE in the Holy Bull (G2). He usually does his best work when racing on the lead, so wouldn’t be surprised to see this guy get aggressive from the inside post and try to steal it up front.

#2 ECONOMIC MODEL is another one that hasn’t raced since the fall. Four months ago, the Chad Brown trainee defeated five other rivals in an allowance race at Aqueduct. This racer has some back class, as evidenced by his second place finish in the Kings Bishop (G1) and third in the Bold Ruler (G3). Both races were run at seven furlongs, so he should love this one-turn mile. Contender.

#3 CONQUEST BIG E put up a big effort in his last start, finishing second at 15/1 behind TOMMY MACHO in the Fred Hooper Stakes (G2) over this track. The field he faces here isn’t any easier.

#4 TOWER OF TEXAS makes his first start on dirt. The son of STREET SENSE has only run once this year, that race resulting in a length-and-a-half score in a turf stake at the Fair Grounds. Taking a ‘wait and see’ approach to see how he takes to the new surface.

#5 QUIJOTE has been well beaten in his last two races, both against easier company, and will need to improve significantly to be competitive in this race.

#6 MALAGACY made his first start off a nine-month layoff in his last appearance, an allowance race over this track, and finished a ok second. That said, there is reason to believe he may take a step forward with a race under his belt. Last year, this son of SHACKLEFORD won two races over this track and also won the Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn. Shouldn’t be completely ignored.

#7 GIUSEPPE THE GREAT adds blinkers for trainer Nick Zito after a 10 length loss in the Fred Hooper (G3) last month. He’ll need to turn the tables on #3 CONQUEST BIG E while defeating some new legit stakes horses signed on here.

#8 SEND IT IN was a half-length winner of the Excelsior (G3) at Aqueduct last April while earning a sky high 119 Beyer Speed Figure. He hasn’t raced since then, but trainer Todd Pletcher strikes at a high 33% win rate with his trainees making their first start off a layoff longer than 180 days. Two of his five workouts on the page are bullets and Pletcher’s go-to rider John Velazquez is signed on to ride. Things to like here.

SELECTIONS

1. #2 ECONOMIC MODEL – Talented horse makes his four-year-old debut.
2. #1 IRISH WAR CRY – Should appreciate class relief.
3. #6 MALAGACY – One of two Pletcher runners signed up.

LONGSHOT VALUE PLAY- #8 SEND IT IN – First start in South Florida.

WAGERING STRATEGY

I’ll make a straight win bet on my top choice.

BANKROLL PLAY ($50 Budget)

$50 Win: #2 ECONOMIC MODEL

(Bankroll at -$184.00 after 2018 Week #2 Based on $50 Wagers; -$70.00 last Newsletter).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post $100,000 Hal’s Hope (G3) – Gulfstream Park appeared first on TVG - HORSE RACING INSIDER BLOG.