Horak: How I'm betting Gulfstream's Unbridled Stakes
Seven sophomores will go two turns in the $75,000 Unbridled Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, when Dr Post figures to take most of the win action after a razor-sharp maiden victory for Todd Pletcher. The Unbridled is the ninth race with an approximate post time of 4:53 p.m. ET. Let’s go through the entire field before settling on some plays.
The Favorite
#3 Dr Post (8-5) stalked the pace from the outside post and looked very good in his local maiden victory at seven panels back on March 29. That was his first start in more than eight months, and Pletcher’s $400,000 Keeneland sales graduate might be this good.
Value Win Contender
#7 Attachment Rate (3-1) exits a respectable show finish in the Gotham Stakes (G3), and he looks like a solid off-the-pace contender in this spot. He made middle moves in his last pair, and that bodes well for his chances if he can sustain his run around two turns.
Live Longshots
#2 Americanus (6-1) has improved his numbers in a pair of start this year for trainer Mark Hennig. He is bred to handle two turns and can compete with these if he continues progressing.
#4 Relentless Dancer (6-1) struggled in his last two graded routes. He attended the pace in both of those races but had no answer in the stretch. This is an easier spot, and there is not much pace in the paper race.
Remaining Entrants
#1 Necker Island (12-1) was fine until he jumped into the graded ranks in his last pair. He has speed and the inside post, and his best chance might be to go early.
#5 South Bend (4-1) showed nice late interest in his last two turf route stakes attempts. He is a stakes winner on dirt, but his lack of speed is a concern.
#6 Soros (15-1) is a competent late runner, and he should move forward in his second start after a layoff. He probably won’t get enough pace help.
Suggested Wagers
Win: 7
Exacta box: 3-7
Trifecta: 3-7/2-3-4-7/2-3-4-7