Recent Dr. Atlas Free Pick Winners
Nov. 5 – MALATHAAT ($7.76) – BC Distaff
Nov. 5 – BC Saturday Pick 4 (races 8-11) – $183.42
Jan. 7 – Lugan Knight/Arctic Arrogance Exacta ($34.40)
Jan. 7 – Candidate ($17.20), Exacta ($50.60)
Saturday (1/28/2023)
Gulfstream Park
Weather: Temperatures in the mid-70’s with low chance of showers
R9: Gr. III $200,000 William L. McKnight Stakes (12F, Turf, 4yr Old’s +)
#7 – Channel Maker (3-1): Tough race to handicap but I went with the veteran here. The nine-year-old gelding has six wins from 20 starts at this distance (with 2 wins and one third) and likely has the best back class of the group. I believe Tyler Gaffalione will sit right off #4 – Abaan (5-1) in the early stages and be one of the horses with first crack at the leaders. #5 – Agitare (20-1) is an interesting horse that won a 2-mile marathon at Far Hills on October 15th where he was hard to handle for much of the race. If he can settle a bit, I think this one could light up the tote board. #11 – Red Knight (9-2) is 4-for-12 at this distance and get Irad Ortiz Jr. in the saddle. Plays: #7 to Win, Exacta Box 4,5,7
R10: Gr. III $150,000 Fred W. Hooper Stakes (8F, Dirt, 4yr Old’s +)
#1 – Miles D (3-1): Has not raced since February of last year but has been working consistently since late October for Chad Brown. The son of Curlin has phenomenal back class and already owns a win at this distance so the only potential knock is his fitness. Look for him to sit mid-late pack in the early going but with the speed signed on paper he should get some pace to close into. #9 – Endorsed (5-1) won his last start going 7F’s back here on December 22nd. He’s never won at a mile before (0-for-7) however, he is 6-for-7 ITM at GP (2 wins, 2 seconds, 2 thirds) and should be able to compete with this bunch. #6 – Black Belt (6-1) retains the services of Irad Ortiz Jr. and should be just off the pace in the early going. The five-year-old gelding has won three in a row for Peter Walder and is 5-for-10 over the course. #7 – Picking Up Pennies (8-1) has also won three in a row and is 6-for-13 over the course with a perfect 3-for-3 record when going eight panels. Will be part of the pace and get Jose Ortiz in the saddle. Plays: #1 to Win, Exacta Key 1 – 6,7,9
R11: Gr. III $500,000 Pegasus World Cup F & M Turf (8.5F, Turf, Fillies & Mares, 4yr Old’s +)
#3 – Wakanaka (5-1): Won last time out going 8F’s in the Fall Harvest at Keeneland going six-wide around the final turn. Three starts back she won the Gr. II Dance Smartly at Woodbine before finishing seventh against the males in the Gr. I Woodbine Mile. She finished off the board in this race last year but I believe she is a different horse now. Joel Rosario keeps the mount for Bill Mott. #2 – Dalika (5-2) should be part of the early pace under Brain Hernandez Jr., and she’s won three of her last four. #7 – Lady Rockstar (6-1) gets Tyler Gaffalione back in the saddle as Irad jumps to #9 – Shantisara (9-5). The former has two wins, one second, and one fifth place finish since coming over from Great Britain. Look for her towards the rear in the early going. #9 – Shantisara (9-5) is likely the one to beat if she runs to her best. She won the Gr. I QE II Cup back in 2021 but only raced twice in 2022. Plays: #3 to Win, Exacta Key 3 – 2,7
Analysis by Josh Chicorelli
