Friday's Best Bet: Black Belt shows off his skills at Gulfstream

Photo: Eclipse Sportswire

Friday’s seventh race at Gulfstream Park is an optional claiming event for 3-year-olds and up traveling one mile on the main track. The scheduled post time is 3:05 p.m. EST.

Click here for Gulfstream Park entries and results

No. 10 Black Belt (4-1) won both local starts since the Peter Walder claim. He drew a comfortable outer post and figures to make his presence felt throughout under his new rider Irad Ortiz Jr. 

No. 7 Expressman (9-5) was visually impressive in his fast debut win at Saratoga. He chased outside and landed the place as the beaten favorite second time out, and the show finisher won his next start. He is a strong pace player if he runs back to his debut. 

No. 2 Desert Ruler (9-2) won for fun on Sept. 24 and Enrique Amado claimed him that day. Black Belt beat him by less than a length on Oct 16, and he was miles clear of the show finisher that day. He stalked and scored in his last pair and must be respected in his current form.  

No. 1 The Skipper Too (8-1) earned improved speed ratings in his last two starts at this course and distance. A ground saving stalking trip is expected. 

Wagers: 

No. 10 to Win 

Exacta Box 7-10

Trifecta 7-10/1-2-7-10/1-2-7-10

Recent Best Bet winners

Dec. 1 – Tap the Faith ($6.30), exacta ($18.20)
Dec. 3 – Dr B/Bank Sting/Betsy Blue trifecta ($84.48)
Dec. 7 – Candidate ($5.80), exacta ($20.80)
Dec. 11 – 
Tiz an Edventure/Natural Colour exacta ($20), trifecta ($142.20)
Saturday 
 Bal Harbour ($13.60)
Monday – Titled Lady ($9.20), exacta ($59.40)

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