I consider this a less than stellar field. I think there will be quite a stout pace in here considering they're going for $9 million and there are several horses that prefer to be forwardly placed. I'm probably going to be playing looking for the race to fall apart late. Seeking The Soul looks to have a good position right behind the speed horses. If there's really a meltdown, there's little doubt Gunnevera will be coming. But I think a real sleeper in here is Audible. He doesn't have the best post for the distance at Gulfstream and he has yet to run the figures some of these horses have, but he's a horse that is good at working out a trip and I don't think he will be contesting things early. Also, his last race is considered a disappointment by most, but it really wasn't terrible and the track conditions were very bad that day.

I think the Mexican horse, KuKulkan, is intriguing, in that he has never lost in 10 races and has a running style that reminds me of West Coast, fluid and effortless. Of course he's up against the toughest competition in the Pegasus, but's he's run his last five races at 1 1/8 mi. The distance plays to his strength. One thing you can be sure of is that you will get nice odds on him, if you're willing to take him on a flier.

I will be shocked if he is within 20 lengths of the winner.

Side bet $20?

Man I love Gunnevera. The idea of a horse being bought for 16K and then earning over 4 million is so awesome, regardless of the connections. JORR I don’t know about a pace meltdown, but that would set him up nicely. It could be the Fountain of Youth ’17 all over again on the same course, which was my favorite race of his ever.

I guess I just don’t see that scenario happening. When City of Light beat Accelerate earlier this year at Oaklawn, he pressed behind the early speed and didn’t move really until the ¾ pole. He also got a dream trip. Patternrecognition could be upfront but will have to do a lot of heavy lifting from the 12-hole. If that pace meltdown doesn’t occur, the race falls into Accelerate’s lap. And I just don’t see much talent otherwise.

Audible is intriguing (particularly at Gulfstream, although I really don’t like a 1st time rider on that horse who switching coasts). As is Seeking The Soul. Which only means morons like me looking for value will throw money at those two, them making them underlays at racetime.

May even bet on Bravazo, not a bad horse, has the rail, and a ridiculously hot Luis Saez onboard.

I’m actually looking forward to the undercard much more.

Is Sunday a forced payout at Gulfstream? Could be a lot of drunk money in the pools. Not that I've ever really been that successful there when that happens.

Sure, what's the bet exactly?

If Kukulkan finishes within 20 lengths of the winner, I win; if he finishes 20 lengths more, you win. The bet is $20.

And I add KuKulkan to my win tickets.

Okay. Done.

Smarty Jones Stakes in an hour at Oaklawn opening day, normaly run on MLK day. It is worth 10 points towards the derby....guessing Asmussen's duo takes a lot of the action....I really liked Bankits finish last time out. Exacta key Bankiit with Six Shooter and Long Range Toddy

You just wait 'till tomorrow.

Next Race (4) I get that it's in the slop, but a Pletcher 1ster out of Union Rags at 30-1...eleven MTP??? hmmmm..

Finally back on turf, and hitting some tickets. I really like Dream Pauline in this spot out of her G3 win right here at Gulf. Shamrock Rose is good, but not 8/5 good. And Blamed is being (no surprise) overbet. 2,8/all exacta.