The GP Mile Grade 3

1 Mile on Dirt – Purse $200,000 For Four Year Olds And Upward
-Gulfstream Park Hallandale Beach, Florida

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This is one of those races that looks impossible to feel too confidant about on paper. Several horses with something to prove, weather that is a question of belonging here, class or just what’s left in the tank. I’d probably be remiss to not start with last years Breeder’s Cup Dirt Mile winner, Eight West Party from Twin Towers Racing. “Party” came off that huge win and promptly dead heated for eleventh in The Pegasus World Cup. At eight years old, the question needs to be asked, or at least pondered, as to what remains in the tank. I don’t get off a horse because of one race, but with that last performance and his age, the proposition remains that he could be a scary bet either way. Positive work since the no show effort, so let’s hope he bounces back. Oh Brother from Threshold has been a standout for several seasons in Spankys Barn since he was purchased at auction back in the 2023 season. The barn recently gave him up privately for only $20K in the private sales ring, then the current connections stepped in and paid the upcharge, buying him for $80K. On dirt here for only the second time since his initial start. Lot’s of questions in tow Saturday, but if he fires for the new connections he certainly fits. My Tomorrows from Maxmillion Farm has never beat this kind, but hails from a solid outfit and ran a perfect prep in his last start. It’s also noteworthy that his numbers have been consistent. This race begs to be won by a surprise package. Obi Wan from Mb Stables is not my kind of play in a spot like this, as far too many four year old’s in our world shut it off for a season, so there is no telling if he will fire or not. If he does, he has to be considered with his running style and the barn that’s sending him out.

Of the rest;

Quiet Return from John Henry ran back to back races last summer that would win this. However, since then his two starts have been also ran status. This barn over the years has not been known for sitting them down, as they allow the horses to run back into form. If he fires he is probably the horse to beat, but firing is far from a certainty.

Excogitator from Family Racing has a couple efforts showing that could allow him to be used, especially if the horses getting bet have too many question marks for you. He too however has plenty of questions after dropping back in The Mr Prospector Stakes over this course in his last start, but he should offer value.

Never Hold Back from The Sidley Stud will gun from his inside post and try to establish himself early in all likelihood, but he has also closed and with all the questions in this race, even his projected trip is yet another one. Guessing game.

Criminal Law from DJC Racing Stables picks a tough spot for the hat trick attempt. “Law” has shown good speed away from the gate in his last two, but draws the nine hole here in a race with several tactical question marks. Demand value if you believe.

Haiku Stairs from Delta Farms is another four year old with good speed. Tough spot to attempt a theft, and I don’t pick four year olds against older until they prove it.

Shadow Senator from Arindel would have enough trouble in here with the best of draws, being on the outside makes him a pass for me.

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-Trackman