Gulfstream: Grade 2 Mac Diarmida, G3 Honey Fox Selections

By Rick Francis —-

Race 11) Grade 3 Honey Fox Stakes F&M 1 Mile Turf Post Time 4:30 EST

1) Precieuse – making her North American debut last August at Saratoga, Irish-bred 5-year-old engaged in a deep stretch duel only to come up a neck short; rested’s for Chad Brown hit next time out at 29 percent.

2) Valedictorian – in the money with 6-of-9 Gulfstream starts, her last a gate-to-wire score in the G3 Suwannee River; obvious win threat.

3) Fire Key – closed well in the South Beach, but sprinting appears to be her strong suit.

4) La Signare – winner of the Grade 3 Wonder Again’s form has headed south in her last two; pass.

5) Valentine Wish – class-hike too much.

6) Scotty’s Model – Canadian returns to the turf after a pretty successful run over the synthetic main at Woodbine; should stay on that surface.

7) Conquest Hardcandy – mare out of Candy Ride’s form is on the uptick, missing here two back, then finishing third in the G3 Endeavor; exotics player.

8) Hogan’s Holiday – jock change last out proved to be the elixir as she surged past rivals besting OC’s.

9) Bellavais – Pletcher magic on display in each of her last three, winning twice, her last in the G3 Marshua’s River.

10) Dolce Lili – dangerous Scat Daddy 5-year-old; on the board in eight straight including the South Beach last out.

Selections: 1,10,9,2

Race 14) Grade 2 Mac Diarmida Stakes 1&3/8ths Mile Turf Post Time 6:06 EST

11) Channel Maker – Grade 1 winner raced wide and just didn’t fire last out in the PCW Turf; this is a great spot to rebound at a decent price.

3) Melmich – disappointed a bit last out as the race fave, but loved how he finished up.

6) Zulu Alpha – in his two Gulfstream starts he’s posted some of the highest speed figures in this field, including his win last out in the Grade 3 McKnight; don’t overlook for the top spot.

10 Montclair – elder gelding can bring trouble from this post, getting a clear late run; he’s been running against lesser but has a chance.