Check out my Wednesday (2-5-25) Gulfstream Park Race 8 analysis below.
GP 8 (OC-62.5k/2x, 4&up, 1 1/12 miles all-weather) – Post Time 4:04 PM ET
Primary – #7 FUERTEVENTURA, #2 Native Shaman
Secondary – #4 Meyer, #6 Capture the Flag
Horse Comments:
#7 Fuerteventura (4-1) won a local all-weather route in 2022 and followed that up with a victory in the Jersey Derby. He won a minor stakes race on turf at Canterbury in 2023 and clicked in another turf route stakes at Turf Paradise last year. Mike Maker claimed him for $80k at Kentucky Downs last September and he hit the board in two of three starts since. He rallied for the place in the Remington Green in his first start after the claim, and stalked and faded in a turf route at Aqueduct in November. He bounced back with a close show finish in an all-weather route at Turfway Park Dec. 27.
#2 Native Shaman (2-1) was part of the trifecta in his last five starts. He rallied for the place at 1 1/4 miles on dirt in September, and switched to turf and smartly scored by 3 1/4 lengths at 1 3/16 miles in October. Last time, he stalked the pace and landed the place from post 10 at 1 1/8 miles on turf. He tries all-weather ground and is a logical contender in his current form.
#4 Meyer (3-1) has a good overall record at this distance. He fired exacta shots in 7 of his last 11 starts and he won two of those races. The 8-year-old gelding was part of the pace in his last pair but is comfortable sitting back and closing as well.
#6 Capture the Flag (7-2) had a troubled start and ended up an okay 5th of 9 at 2-1 odds in a local turf route Dec. 28. He usually shows tactical speed and reconnects with his winning rider John Velazquez. This is his first all-weather attempt and also his first try at 1 1/2 miles.
Wagers:
#7 to win
Exacta box 2-7
Trifecta 2-7/2-4-6-7/2-4-6-7
Recent Bettor Bet$ Free Pick Winners
Jan. 26 – Mega Moon ($3.20), Exacta ($18.20), Trifecta ($80.40)
Jan. 27 – Relampago Verde ($12.80)
Jan. 28 – Veeson ($13.20), Exacta ($34.20)
Feb. 1 – El Potente ($5.00), Exacta ($14.80)
Feb. 3 – Bedard ($3.60)
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